Page 14 - LRCC FOCUS July 2024

The Vital Role of

DOWNTOWN

Region’s Town Centers Serve as Nuclei for

Commerce and Community

By Jennifer McEntee

If one were to create 2003 to 2023 estimates an overall economic impact of

the perfect downtown community – a mecca that felt safe $445.6 million, 4,000-plus jobs supported, and cumulative
state tax revenue of $8.8 million in Michigan.
and welcoming, with businesses that fueled economic
growth and social connection – what might it include? “Ultimately, our goal is to create spaces that people
Would it have a quaint general store or a historic landmark? are excited to engage with,” said Krizov, explaining
A hip coffee shop, a cozy restaurant, or an evening event that the MEDC provides community groups with
venue? Would the downtown streets be lined with technical assistance at various levels. “We empower our
accessible sidewalks, flowers, and public art? Moreover, is communities and commercial districts with the tools and
there a time-tested formula for a central town hub that resources they need to shape and tell their own unique
meets the economic needs of its larger community? story.”

These are the questions the Michigan Economic Some greater Lansing community groups – like the Old
Development Corporation has been trying to answer Town Commercial Association and Downtown Lansing Inc.
for at least the last two decades with its Michigan Main – have applied the Michigan Main Street framework to the
Street program, part of the larger Main Street America betterment of their downtowns and are now considered
collaboration. national models of the program’s success. There are
currently 22 Michigan Main Street communities statewide,
Main Street organizers work with downtown chambers according to Krizov.
of commerce and business associations to identify what
makes a town’s commercial core unique and attractive Other downtowns in the Lansing region are using their
to locals and out-of-towners alike. By highlighting the own resources and civic pride to beautify facades, host
amenities and historic charm of a downtown, Main Street community events, and reduce storefront vacancy rates.
organizers hope to spur resilient economies that improve
the quality of life for the region at large. Civic boosters across greater Lansing understand that
downtowns are not just the heart and identity of their
Laura Krizov of the Michigan Economic Development communities but key drivers of jobs, entrepreneurship,
Corporation has managed its Michigan Main Street and tax dollars. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in
program for the last 17 years. While every community is several of our regional downtowns.
different, Krizov said the most successful Main Streets have
dedicated leadership with a vision for what makes their SETTING THE BAR
commercial core special.
Downtown Lansing Inc. qualified as a semifinalist for the
“I think it’s the authenticity of the district, right? You could 2024 Great American Main Street Award.
be in any strip mall or lifestyle center and stand in front of,
you know, a Gap store and feel like you could be anywhere,” “It’s such an honor, and it’s also a testament to all of the
Krizov said. “But by identifying what is unique and has work and the innovation that our volunteers, our board
character, you can have a place people would rather come members, our staff, and just our community overall have
to visit. Make them have an experience — that could be put into making sure that downtown Lansing continues
the restaurants, the retail stores, murals, or pocket parks. I to be revitalized,” said Downtown Lansing Inc.’s executive
think people are looking for that experience.” director Cathleen Edgerly. “We really focus on that
community-led approach to the long-term transformation
An analysis of the Michigan Main Street program from of downtown Lansing.”

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