Gazette file photo Downtown Houghton seen in this photo taken last August. Houghton was the only city in the U.P. to be awarded a placemaking grant through the Michigan Talen Partnership Program.

LANSING – On Thursday, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the six communities receiving more than $23.9 million in total grant funding through the Michigan Talent Partnership (MTP) Program. The City of Houghton. the only UP community on the list, joins Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant which will each receive support for transformational public space projects aimed at attracting and retaining talent while also creating business opportunities for their residents. All awards will be structured as performance-based grants with milestones and reporting requirements.

Administered by the MEDC and supported by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), funding through the MTP Program will help increase density, walkability, and vibrancy in the awardees’ communities. Projects include a farmer’s market pavilion, streetscape and sidewalk improvements, incubator spaces, small business and entrepreneurial support, and parks.

“The Michigan Talent Partnership Program is a shining example of how the MEDC’s placemaking efforts contribute to the vibrancy and economic prosperity of our communities across the state,” said the MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “These grants will help improve the quality of life for residents of Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant, while also attracting new talent and increased activity.”

“Michigan’s future depends on strong communities and a growing population,” said Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director for LEO. “The Michigan Talent Partnership is about giving local leaders the tools to attract people, create opportunity, and build places where young people want to put down roots. When we invest in communities, we invest in Michigan’s long-term growth.”

On its Facebook page, the City of Houghton released, This investment will help us take major steps forward in strengthening our public spaces, supporting entrepreneurs, and improving mobility for residents and visitors.

City Manager Eric Waara said “We’re absolutely thrilled and so grateful for this support. These funds will be used for multiple projects to further improve our public spaces. Downtown and crosstown nonmotorized mobility will be better year-round. Visitor and shopper experience will be enhanced with more public gathering and restroom space. Small, non-high-tech startup businesses will have access to space and resources to launch and grow where they can eventually take their place alongside our other downtown businesses in their own spaces.”

The investment will help the city:

• Transform 326 Shelden into a Business & Creative Incubator for entrepreneurs, artists, and makers. This will offer small studio spaces, business support, public restrooms, and an accessible link between Shelden and Lakeshore.

• Build a pocket park and small music venue downtown with year- round public restrooms

• Advance design work for a more direct MTU-to-waterfront trail connection

Celebrating the announcement, Mayor Robert Backon said, “”We are so happy to see MEDC’s continued faith in Houghton. Their support and investment in us over the years has made our community a better place all around.”