Update on MEDC and MACF funding goals

Downtown Midland is going through some significant improvements and is looking for a small amount of supplemental funding from the community. Over halfway towards their goal, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Midland Area Community Foundation hope to raise $50,000 by December 1st through a crowdfunding campaign offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

So far, the campaign has successfully raised over $30,000 towards the goal with two weeks left for open donations. You can read more about the campaign as originally reported by Catalyst Midland here. 

Should the funding goal be reached, the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program will provide matching funds to what is raised within the community.

Funding help from the community will support the creation of stone fire pits, flexible seating, chess/checker tables, public art and other amenities to the evolving and walkable spaces in Downtown Midland. Designed to encourage commerce and quality time spent in the area, with widened sidewalks, festival-friendly streets, and large gathering spaces – an overall effort of placemaking and efforts to encourage connection, commerce and development.

“When you look at what makes a vibrant community, downtowns come up again and again,” Sharon Mortensen, MACF President & CEO says in a statement. “These amenities can create a sense of community, a sense of place. Community members and visitors can come sit around a fireplace or enjoy a game of chess while visiting downtown Midland. It’s a simple way to create quality spaces where people want to gather and spend time.”

For project details and to donate, please visit: http://www.patronicity.com/midland.