Michigan's "Cool Cities"

Governor Granholm kicked-off the "Cool Cities" initiative in June, 2003 throughout the state, in part as an urban strategy to revitalize communities, build community spirit, and most importantly, retain "knowledge workers" who are leaving Michigan in alarming numbers. The new pilot program was designed to combines more than 100 of the state's community improvement grants, tax credits, loans, and assistance programs into a single Resource Toolbox that can be used by cities and communities for revitalization projects. This Toolbox is an effort to promote holistic approaches and ongoing investment in neighborhoods that have, or are moving to create, a mix of residential and commercial uses, mixed income housing, and a pedestrian-friendly environment. The program also creates a new "Catalyst Grant" that will serve as a flexible tool for those organizations engaged in neighborhood revitalization projects. Together, the Resource Toolbox and the Catalyst Grants have leveraged millions of dollars that will be strategically directed to revitalization projects that present the best opportunity for success.Together, the Resource Toolbox and the Catalyst Grants have leveraged millions of dollars for revitalization projects, including artist space.You can check out the cool cities website here:

http://www.coolcities.com/

Also Michigan has produced a summary document which talk about how to do live/work projects in Michigan, available here:

 http://www.clronline.org/resources/legal-lines/other/LiveWorkSpace_Rev.pdf/view