Lansing, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is announcing an award of $1,370,000 in grant funds to Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) through the Talent Investment Pilot program. The funds are a component of the fiscal year 2024 state budget supplemental appropriations administered by LEO and will be used to support streetscape improvements that help create the types of dense, walkable and vibrant city spaces sought after by younger generations of job seekers.
“Creating spaces where Michiganders can thrive in their work and home lives is an investment that will have multi-generational lasting impact,” said Jonathan Smith, LEO senior chief deputy. “When we look at a comprehensive approach to job growth, that includes creating strong, vibrant opportunities. Thriving, attractive downtowns are crucial to attracting talent, workers and small businesses so we can grow our economy. I’m proud of our partnership with the City of Lansing and look forward to engaging with the results of this grant funding.”
The Talent Investment Pilot supports projects that help create thriving and resilient communities where young talent wants to live and work. The funds awarded aim to increase the state’s ability to attract and retain working adults between the ages of 18 and 34 by creating high-density, high-amenity and walkable neighborhoods or districts with vibrant street life. Lansing’s project focuses on the beautification and placemaking in Downtown Lansing through installing permanent art pieces in partnership with the Lansing Art Council, adding attractive lighting and wayfinding measures and activating open and vacant space for performances and events. These activities will help increase outdoor activity and provide attractive amenities in preparation for planned housing developments nearby.
“It is imperative we invest in these types of initiatives that focus on growing Michigan’s core communities. We know the assets that draw young talent — from transit and housing to public spaces and walkability, investing in talent concentration and placemaking is a key driver of economic and entrepreneurial growth,” said Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Sarah Anthony. “Our capital city is well positioned to join with other major metropolitan areas across the state in this collaborative effort to attract and retain talent.”
Work is expected to be completed in 2026.
“As Lansing’s downtown management agency dedicated to strengthening and nurturing the health, culture and sustainability of the downtown district, my team is proud and grateful to have this funding awarded to DLI. This funding will not only enhance the combined sewer overflow reconstruction project planned for our downtown community over the next year, but it will assist with our goals of cultivating a welcoming and accessible downtown experience where our existing assets are strengthened and the future landscape is diversified, ensuring a welcoming, accessible and vibrant environment for every stakeholder,” said Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of DLI.
In addition to DLI, the project team consists of the City of Lansing and Lansing Economic Development Corporation.
“Creating places where young talent wants to live is now an economic development imperative. This new state grant program and Lansing project moves the city, region and the state forward in creating those kinds of talent magnet neighborhoods,” said Lou Glazer, President, Michigan Future, Inc.
Building on the state’s significant talent attraction and retention efforts, this initiative underscores Michigan’s commitment to be a state with places where employers and talent want to establish roots and contributes to Gov. Whitmer’s goal of becoming a top-ten state for population growth by 2050.