Project Considerations
The most competitive project submissions will also address local and regional impact, place, and economic and financial considerations. These considerations are listed below by category and are in no particular order. A project will be considered more competitive for funding the more criteria that are met.
Local and Regional Impact Considerations
- Project supports the vision and goals stated in the local master plan, downtown plan, capital improvements plan and/or economic development strategy.
- Project supports region-wide economic development strategy or initiative.
- Readiness of infrastructure – utilities, housing, transportation, public transit and other community services. Is project filling available capacity or creating need for new community or state investments in infrastructure/resources?
- Located in a community participating in the Redevelopment Ready Communities program.
- Located in a designated Michigan Main Street community.
- Located in a Geographically Disadvantaged Area (GDA)
Place Considerations
- Development maintains urban form that is zero-lot lined, pedestrian oriented, with integrated rear entry, or off-site parking, and/or includes the availability of transportation alternatives.
- Contributes to a traditionally dense mixed-use area and, where possible, contains multi-story elements. Development maintains district character, density, number of stories appropriate to its surroundings.
- Rehabilitation, infill and historic revitalization projects.
- Promotes mixed-income neighborhoods.
- Addresses improvement to non-motorized transportation.
Economic and Financial Considerations
The following financial conditions will be considered by staff when determining a project’s competitiveness for Build MI Community grant support:
- Availability of financing for the project
- Long-term financial viability of the project as demonstrated through project proforma
- Financial need for the project is exhibited
