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Michigan Municipal League briefs Utica on small-business 'local economies' recommendations
Summary
The Michigan Municipal League (MML) presented an opportunity report to Utica City Council after a January site visit, urging partnerships, walkability improvements and business coordination to support downtown small businesses and waterfront assets.
The Michigan Municipal League (MML) presented an opportunity report to the Utica City Council on April 8, 2025 after a site visit conducted earlier this year. MML staff told council the work was funded in partnership with the Wilson Foundation and is intended to help member communities strengthen small-business ecosystems.
MML representatives described a three-part approach their program uses: a rapid assessment visit that includes a morning coffee hour with local businesses, a walking tour with municipal leaders, and an afternoon stakeholder meeting that connects economic-development partners. The Utica visit was identified as the group’s fifth site visit in a multi-community effort.
Shanna Drehime of the Michigan Municipal League said Utica’s downtown already shows momentum and that the site visit produced short- and long-term recommendations included in the council packet. MML staff highlighted several specific opportunities the report recommended the city pursue:
- Strengthen walkability and pedestrian connections, including links between downtown and nearby attractions such as Jimmy John’s Field and the Clinton River trail; - Consider developing a kayak livery and related visitor amenities near the Clinton River to leverage river access; - Reframe the city’s graffiti alley as an arts destination to encourage ownership and foot traffic; and - Build or support a more active local-business/stakeholder network (for example, via a business association or a scaled development district) so local entrepreneurs know which regional partners to contact for resources.
Philip Cooley, an MML consultant with entrepreneurship experience, told council Utica’s entrepreneurial turnout during the site visit was among the best the league has seen, and he praised local owners’ engagement and interest in additional support. Melissa Milton Pung of MML emphasized that MML shares ideas among member communities and can provide examples and follow-up assistance.
Council members thanked the MML delegation and said they would review the report’s recommendations. The MML representatives said they would remain available to help Utica implement near-term items and to connect the city to relevant regional partners.
Ending: MML’s opportunity report is included in the council packet for follow-up; council members said they plan to discuss specific recommendations and next steps in future meetings.
