FEBRUARY 27, 2006 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today the launch of the 2006 Cool Cities Grants & Planning Program. This is the third year for the Cool Cities program.  Building strong cities is part of the Governor’s comprehensive plan to grow Michigan’s economy. Improved cities can help attract job providers, in turn providing job opportunities in the state.  A workshop will be held later in mid-March to help potential applicants better understand the resources available.

“Michigan’s economic success is tied directly to our ability to attract and retain exciting new jobs and young workers who are prepared to compete in a global economy,” Granholm said. “The Cool Cities initiative is a critical tool for achieving that goal.  We need to be able to attract jobs and opportunities that will keep our children in Michigan.”

Cool Cities will continue to offer a “Neighborhoods in Progress” designation, which awards recipients with $100,000 catalyst grants along with priority access to existing state grant funds, loans, tax credits, or services that can help create vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods.  The program was expanded in 2005 with new categories: Cool Cities Michigan Main Street, Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Downtowns, and Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Neighborhoods. Like the Neighborhoods in Progress, designees in these categories will participate in a State Resource Fair and receive the “Cool Cities Neighborhood” designation as well as special consideration for certain Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) programs.

“This initiative is an excellent example of what can happen when state agencies and local governments and development organizations cooperate,” said MSHDA Executive Director Michael R. DeVos. “We are pleased to be among the many organizations contributing toward the success of this innovative program.”

Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jim Epolito added that the Cool Cities program is key to the state’s overall economic development strategy.  “This is an opportunity to assist communities which have a commitment to neighborhood and downtown growth,” Epolito said. “Through Cool Cities programs, these cities can achieve their economic priorities and become entrepreneurial hot spots.”

A Pre-Bid Workshop has been scheduled for 1:30-4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14th.  The workshop will be held using interactive video conferencing at remote sites in East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie. More information about the workshops will be posted shortly on www.coolcities.com.

The workshop agenda includes a brief description of each of the programs and case studies of best practices.  The workshop also includes a sampling of the state resources contained in the Resource Toolbox which combines more than 100 of the state’s community improvement grants, tax credits, loans and assistance programs into a single web based venue that can be used by cities and communities for revitalization projects.

“The Resource Toolbox made available by the Cool Cities initiative is critical for successful development in downtown, near-downtown areas and traditional residential neighborhoods,” said Robert W. Swanson, acting director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, which oversees the Cool Cities program.

The notice of intent will be posted on www.coolcities.com the week of March 6^th and the deadline for the notice submission is Tuesday, March 21. The state will invite applications for the Cool Cities program, which will be due Friday, May 5. The Cool Cities Neighborhood award designations will be announced mid-July.

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Cool Cities Pre-Bid Workshop Information

The pre-bid workshop will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14^th.  No registration is necessary.  Food and beverages are not allowed at the locations that are listed below.  Contact:  Elizabeth Armstrong, Cool Cities Collaborative, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, (517) 373-9097.