MMS Impact Reports

Main Street: Michigan’s Grassroots Economic Development Engine

Michigan Main Street (MMS) assists communities across Michigan interested in revitalizing and preserving their traditional commercial district. MMS provides technical assistance to local communities as they implement the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, a community-driven, comprehensive strategy encouraging economic development through historic preservation in ways appropriate for the modern marketplace. The program aims to create communities distinguished by economically vital and vibrant commercial districts and downtowns, thereby developing attractive places that make the state economically stronger and culturally diverse.

View 2020 Report

Impact Reports: Region 1

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie Main Street, a program of the Downtown Development Authority, is leading the charge to transform the downtown into an internationally renowned, lively, full and year-round commercial district; a place with a diversity of experiences and entertainment options that invites and welcomes the active engagement of residents and visitors alike.

Impact Reports: Region 2

Boyne City

Downtown Boyne City is a well know, welcoming, four seasons community on Lake Charlevoix with successful businesses and high quality facilities. Boyne City is a community accessible to everyone and where the outdoor recreation experience of northern Michigan can be fully maximized.

Charlevoix

Michigan Main Street provides technical assistance to local communities as they implement the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, a community-driven, comprehensive strategy encouraging economic development through historic preservation in ways appropriate for the modern marketplace. The program aims to create communities distinguished by economically vital and vibrant commercial districts and downtowns, thereby making the state economically stronger and culturally diverse.

Grayling

Downtown Grayling inspires creativity, inviting people to come, play, and stay in its beautiful, eclectic, and fun live and work spaces, surrounded by the art of nature and the artistry of its residents, with diverse commercial offerings and modern amenities abundant throughout our historic, river town.

Impact Reports: Region 4

Evart

Downtown Evart’s main street appeal is reflected in its warm, inviting, clean and well-kept historic buildings and storefronts, with interdependent businesses and community organizations creating memorable experiences that are abundant throughout this friendly, historic downtown.

Grand Haven

Grand Haven Main Street is a historic waterfront town and vibrant business district that is the heart of our community. We promote Grand Haven Main Street as a year-round destination and cultivate economic development to deliver a variety of activities that offer enjoyable experiences and welcome people of all ages to enjoy all we have to offer!

Otsego

Otsego Main Street works hard to enhance the economic and community heart of our city. Families and people of all ages and backgrounds come together in downtown Otsego to enjoy a variety of locally owned dining and shopping experiences. With unique boutiques and year-round community events, you’ll find that Otsego truly is the place to be.

Wayland

Downtown Wayland is an inclusive and appealing community that is open for business and fun; its engaging, well-lit storefronts proudly displaying historically restored façades and filled with a diversity of food options, goods and services, its alleyways and mixed-use buildings transformed into cool, multi-functional spaces, with walkways and green spaces creating a sense of place where everyone wants to be.

Impact Reports: Region 6

Lapeer

Lapeer Main Street works with local public and private partners to ensure the growth, health, and prosperity of our vibrant downtown. We are creating an inviting community filled with friendly faces, historic places, delectable foods, delicious drinks, and a variety of unique shopping options that attract businesses and visitors alike with our family friendly charm.

Owosso

Downtown Owosso is widely known for its enthusiastic, welcoming culture that invites and embraces businesses, residents and visitors alike, showcasing a green and thriving environment of beautiful, walkable boulevards and authentic, unique attractions, residential, shopping, and dining experiences; the small town-downtown with appeal!

Impact Reports: Region 7

Old Town Lansing

The Old Town Commercial Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Lansing’s Old Town through socioeconomic development, historic preservation, business recruitment and community outreach. Rich and vibrant streetscapes provide a gateway to our livable, walkable and family-friendly community. Residents of Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods are invested and engaged in the success of the Old Town community.

Downtown Lansing

Downtown Lansing Inc. is a community connector, and solution creator—balancing the needs of our residents, the practicality of the workers, and adventures of the tourist—all in our state capitol! Together with our partners, we are proud to foster economic growth while developing a strong sense of place in a city that offers a carefully crafted mix of small town charm and big city economics: establishing downtown as a “first choice” destination for business owners, patrons and visitors who have all chosen the experience that IS Lansing!

Impact Reports: Region 8

Three Rivers

It started with a few people making investments in beautiful historic properties with great potential. It gained momentum when we joined the Michigan Main Street program. Five years into that, we are welcoming new businesses to our main street that match today’s market demand for authentic, place-based, experience-driven business development in traditional charming downtowns like ours.

Impact Reports: Region 9

Blissfield

With enthusiastic volunteers, hard work and inspiration, we will preserve the structures of yesterday, support our labors of today, and build our dreams of tomorrow. This will establish and maintain a prosperous and welcoming community for stakeholders, visitors and surrounding communities.

Howell

Howell Main Street Inc. is at the heart of a movement to develop downtown Howell as an entrepreneurial, innovative, and environmentally sustainable community that exists for everyone. Downtown Howell is a place where residents and visitors of all ages experience an array of diverse, locally owned food, shopping and dining establishments; a place to engage in many inclusive events and gathering spaces; a place where memories are made; and a place that feels like home.

Milan

Milan Main Street is spearheading a grassroots initiative that engages volunteers, business and property owners, and public and private partnerships in concerted efforts to restore vitality to our downtown. Together, we are working to make downtown Milan vibrant and attractive...a place full of energy that is thriving and inviting. As a result, Milan is a choice location to live, work, and celebrate a strong sense of community.

Saline

Saline Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to guiding Downtown Saline toward its most vibrant future and serves as a cultural and commercial nexus for entrepreneurship, innovation, entertainment and the arts. The Main Street District is branded by charming streetscapes flanked by classic Michigan architecture and rich natural history. Authenticity and friendliness make Downtown Saline an extraordinary location for work, enterprise and investment — and a wonderful place to call home.

Impact Reports: Region 10

Mexicantown

The Mexicantown-Hubbard Communities Main Street, a program of Southwest Detroit Business Association, in collaboration with businesses, residents and community stakeholders, is implementing a comprehensive commercial district economic development plan to strengthen, market and promote its business district. Mexicantown welcomes everyone to respectfully enjoy its vibrant, colorful and distinctive Main Street and traditional events, its architecture and aesthetic reflective of its proud Latin American roots.