Munising officials promote Match on Main grants and downtown placemaking

City staff updated the commission on downtown economic development programs and urged eligible businesses to apply for the Match on Main program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The presenter said the Match on Main program provides matching grants up to $25,000 for qualifying downtown business projects — including outdoor dining space, interior and exterior renovations, marketing assistance and technical support — and that applications must go through the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for local scoring before state submission.

Local context: Staff reported the community program has generated more than $2.5 million in spending since it began and that the most recent round collected about $158,000 in local receipts. The presenter also previewed placemaking projects: a banner art contest (open to county participants), new signage and possible bike-path archway and art installations in town.

Questions from commissioners focused on Brownfield eligibility and whether retroactive applications could be considered; staff said they would investigate retroactive eligibility and bring information back. Commissioners also discussed efforts to attract non-tourism businesses and workforce development partnerships (examples cited included outreach to 906 Technologies and coordination with regional workforce organizations).

Next steps: Staff will circulate application and guidance materials to DDA businesses, maintain outreach through the DDA email list and follow up about Brownfield eligibility at a future meeting.