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Lapeer DDA secures $6,000 from community foundation for PICS mural; launches fundraising plan for remaining cost
Summary
The Lacqueray Community Foundation donated $6,000 toward a downtown mural project; DDA plans to use a See My Legacy fundraising platform and may reallocate up to $2,500 temporarily from a design budget line while raising remaining funds.
The Lapeer City Downtown Development Authority received a $6,000 donation from the Lapeer Community Foundation toward the planned PICS mural and discussed fundraising and implementation timelines.
The DDA reviewed an updated design from artist Crystal Cook with increased contrast, color variation in the flowers and an added quote. The DDA reported the foundation donation but said the revised design and minor cost increases mean roughly $6,000 remains to be raised to cover the full project. The artist increased her price slightly to account for requested revisions; a final contract is pending a confirmed scope and cost.
To raise the remaining funds, the DDA plans to use a fundraising platform called See My Legacy to run an annual-giving campaign tied to the mural. The platform supports QR-code creation and donor-directed gifts; the DDA discussed printing QR codes for display and using the campaign to support additional public-art projects if funds exceed the mural's needs.
In the short term, staff said the DDA may move funds within its budget to pay a deposit or initial payment to the artist. The staff noted about $2,500 is available in a design committee budget line that could be used temporarily and later replenished once fundraising completes. The artist prefers an October paint start to complete the mural this year, though November is possible but weather-dependent.
Board members provided minor design feedback (for example, clarifying the hand and trumpet detail) and asked staff to authorize the artist to proceed once final design and contract are confirmed.
Why it matters: The donation and fundraising plan put the mural on a path toward installation this year if the DDA can secure or reallocate funds and finalize a contract with the artist. Public art is part of the DDA's placemaking and identity goals.
Next steps: Staff to finalize the contract and, if needed, process a short-term budget amendment to cover an initial payment; the DDA will launch the See My Legacy fundraising campaign and create QR-code materials for donors.
