Downtown Wayland Main Street is one of nine communities in Michigan that have earned a total of $200,000 in Main Street Vibrancy grants from the State of Michigan.

The grants were awarded to support downtown enhancement and improvement projects. The other eight grant winners were Downtown Cheboygan, Historic Lapeer – Main Street DDA, Downtown Lansing, Downtown Three Rivers, Saline Main Street, Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, The Village, Downtown Grosse Pointe and North End. 

“Thriving, attractive downtowns are vital to creating unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in announcing the grants. “Today’s grants for nine downtowns across Michigan will help these communities grow their economies, support local small businesses, and improve quality of life.

“Together, we will continue our comprehensive economic development strategy of investing in people, places, and projects. Let’s get this done so anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

The Main Street Vibrancy Grant Program is intended to provide grants of $25,000 to Select or Master level Michigan Main Street communities for projects that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of Michigan Main Street downtowns. Projects could include pop-up shop programs, implementation of a marketing or advertising campaign, physical improvements such as new seating, seasonal infrastructure, signage, or art, and other transformative projects that help create a sense of place and a more vibrant community.

Holli McPherson is director of Wayland’s Main Street program.