Lansing Economic Area Partnership

 

Community Enhancement Grant

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Revitalization and Placemaking: Sub-Grant

LEAP’s Community Enhancement Grant (CEG) program funds projects across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties to revitalize communities by rehabilitating underused buildings, historic structures, and developing permanent infrastructure for social zones, downtowns, and public spaces.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is proud to announce that it was awarded more than $2.27 million through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Grant program. This transformative funding, distributed through LEAP’s Community Enhancement Grant (CEG) program, supports revitalization projects in 12 communities big and small, all across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.

2025 CEG Project Highlights:

  • Bath Township – Streetscape improvements including lighting, wayfinding signs, and benches.
  • Charlotte Rising via City of Charlotte – Façade updates for multiple downtown businesses through a local grant program.
  • City of DeWitt – Construction of a new farmers market with expanded vendor and event space.
  • City of Grand Ledge – Installation of a new inclusive ADA playground near the central business district.
  • City of Lansing – Façade improvements for a variety of downtown businesses.
  • City of Mason – Revitalization of a blighted property near the grain elevator to enhance the community entrance. 
  • City of Ovid – Enhancements to a pocket park near the downtown area.
  • City of St. Johns – Restoration of historic rail cars and façade upgrades in the downtown district.
  • Delhi Township – Development of a year-round Holt Farmers Market with indoor and outdoor vendor space.
  • Eagle Township – Restoration and accessibility upgrades to a community hall. 
  • Village of Stockbridge – Village hall revitalization including an exterior patio to support community events.
  • Village of Vermontville – Repairs to a deteriorating pavilion in the village park.

From reimagined downtowns to reactivated public gathering spaces, these projects represent a bold investment in the places that shape our regional identity. By creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike, the CEG program aims to strengthen community pride, support small business growth, and attract new talent to the region.

As a funding mechanism within the Revitalization and Placemaking Sub-Grant process through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), applicants could apply for projects that include public place-based infrastructure projects, or Façade improvement program implementation projects. LEAP assigned a Community Enhancement Grant scoring committee for the review process to select eligible applicants. Selected project leads were notified by LEAP at the end of January 2025. Grant funding of all projects was contingent upon LEAP’s overall application program funding approval by the MEDC. 

Click here to view the preliminary list of 2025 Community Enhancement Grant awardees.

Program Goals

Strengthen the economic vitality of small towns and communities throughout the Lansing Tri-County Region by proactively addressing revitalization needs and investing in projects that help create an environment necessary to: attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation, enhance business attraction, and provide resources for Michigan citizens and communities.

  • Select and prioritize applications that demonstrate clear community needs, maximize positive community impact, are financially viable, adhere to realistic timelines, and provide comprehensive project details.
  • Strengthen partnerships with local organizations to ensure meaningful, collaborative community-based projects and outcomes.

Questions?

Richard Enty
Economic Development Manager

Timeline

  • Grant Award Announcements were made April 2025