Downtowns Will Help Save Michigan

Editor's Note: This week we're thrilled to have a good partner and friend Dan Gilmartin as our guest blogger. Dan is the Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League (MML). The MML has a seat on our Michigan Main Street Advisory Committee and is a partner on the Michigan Downtown Conference. They represent over 500 communities across our great state.

By Dan Gilmartin
Executive Director
Michigan Municipal League

Most Main Street workers and volunteers get involved in their local programs as a way of making an impact on their own community. But do they ever stop for a moment and consider that their actions may actually be saving Michigan?

We at the League believe that downtowns will play a critical role in reviving our lagging economy. Research from around the world shows that people are demanding authenticity and distinctiveness when choosing which communities to live in or where to set up a business. That means downtowns and the neighborhoods that surround them. This is particularly true among important demographic groups like educated millenials (with their entrepreneurial drive) and aging boomers (with their accumulated wealth).

So while a traditional focus for reviving Michigan's economy might center on areas such as taxes and regulations, a more fruitful strategy will consist of programs and policies that will assist our collective efforts in "place making" as a means of attracting people to our state. And while it is certainly too soon to declare victory, we are starting to see signs of positive change. After decades of state policies that have relegated downtowns to a bit role in their economic development initiatives, downtowns in Michigan are beginning to flex their muscles again and reclaiming their rightful place in the strategic economic vision for our state.

Now we need to keep pushing!

To learn more about the League's efforts to jump start a new vision for Michigan, go to www.mml.org and check out the Center for 21st Century Communities (21C3). A quick glimpse at our Inside208 Blog will also keep you up to date on important downtown legislative initiatives in Lansing as well.