Lincoln Park to take part in MSHDA Main Street training program

Lincoln Park is one of six Michigan cities learning how to take their downtowns to the next level through the Michigan Main Street Associate program of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, or MSHDA, Lincoln Park officials will receive special training during the next year. The training will focus on the basics of Main Street planning, including organization, promotion, economic restructuring and design. Staff from the Michigan Main Street Center and representatives from successful Main Street communities will provide the training. Madhu Oberoi, executive director of the Lincoln Park Downtown Development Authority, applied for the training and designation as an associate member of Main Street associate member. "I'd like the training outcome to be that we receive some economic development tools and strategies to revitalize the downtown area. We need direction and assistance on facade improvements, historic preservation and business recruiting," says Leslie Lynch wilson, board member of the Lincoln Park DDA. "The Main Street program is beneficial for Lincoln Park because if we can successfully revitalize our downtown area…it will help improve other parts of the city through improved property values." In a statement announcing the training recipients, Scott Woosley, executive director of MSHDA, says “Michigan’s economy cannot thrive without vibrant downtowns. The Michigan Main Street program creates opportunities for new development and economic growth in downtowns across our state.” The Michigan Main Street Associate program is part of Governor Rick Snyder’s Placemaking initiative and downtown development efforts in Michigan, which are based on research that shows investment in downtowns leads to healthy communities and a more economically successful state. The other recipients of the Main Street training are the cities of Flat Rock, Alpena, Grayling, Port Huron, and the village of Middleville. Writer: Kim North Shine Sources: Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Leslie Lynch Wilson, board member, Lincoln Park Downtown Development Authority