Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Labor and Economic Growth Director David C. Hollister announced a new pilot program on April 1, designed to help communities across the state create vibrant, attractive places for people to live, work and play. The Pilot Program is about capitalizing upon inherent strengths of Michigan's cities to be attractive places to live for an increasingly diverse group of residents as well as to retain and attract workers and jobs.

The Michigan Cool City Pilot Program 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, under the Governor's initiative, 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. This is as important in downtown and near downtown areas as it is in more traditional residential neighborhoods.

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 leverage millions of dollars that will be strategically directed to revitalization projects that present the best opportunity for success. (From the Cool City Pilot Program Summary)