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Detroiters revive historic resort tradition

The Michigan Citizen - Detroit, mi
(DETROIT) — This August, Detroiters will make history by bringing new life to a lost part of Michigan history. Detroit-based Aquarius Press and Broadside Press will be hosting the first Idlewild Writers and Poets Conference in northwestern Michigan. Idlewild, once known as the “Black Eden” from 1912 through the mid-1960s, was the premier entertainment and leisure resort for America’s top Black performers, including Della Reese, Jackie Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin and Bill Cosby. ...

Choice Neighborhoods program offers $65 million for neighborhood revitaliza

Metromode - lansing, mi
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will give neighborhoods a boost through a special $65 million initiative. Choice Neighborhoods has 15 planning grants worth $3 million in total, and 19 implementation grants totaling $62 million. Governments and nonprofits are eligible, and so are for-profit developers who apply jointly with a public entity....

Saving Face Some gutted buildings are still able to put on a brave front

Hour Stories - Detroit, mi
Façadism, which refers to the act of surgically preserving a building’s street-facing exterior wall during demolition, sounds as though it could be a mental illness right out of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. But sometimes, it can be the sanest option when attempting to strike a balance between developers and historic preservationists....

Muskegon Heights has new plan for redevelopment of former wastewater site

Mlive - Muskegon Heights, mi
City council members recently approved a revised plan for demolition and environmental cleanup at the site, and it was submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Cities of Promise Program....

\'Underwater\' mortgages weigh down homeowners

Business Lansing - Lansing, mi
But he doesn\'t qualify under a government refinancing program because the value of his home is so much lower than what he owes. Private lenders turn Katzer down for the same reason. And he\'s ineligible for assistance from a state-run program because he has a job and can pay the mortgage. Katzer, a 40-year-old engineering consultant from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., could do what some have done - walk away from his house and the loan. But he doesn\'t think that\'s appropriate. Program has limits \"I\'m stuck in the middle,\" he said. \"I want to do the right thing. It\'s incredibly frustrating.\" Participation in the Obama administration\'s Home Affordable Refinance Program, a mortgage assistance initiative, is limited to borrowers who owe up to 125 percent of the current value of their homes. But plummeting home prices over the past several years have left many owners owing more than that. Mary Townley, director of the homeownership division of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, advises homeowners to not give up. \"If they are thinking about walking away from their home, the detrimental effect that will have on their credit and their future ability to borrow is significant,\" she said....

The Ark to build apartments for low-income young adults

Mlive - KALAMAZOO, mi
For the three cottages, The Ark has received $500,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and $365,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. ...

Granholm Announces $128 Million in Additional Federal Support to Prevent Fo

PR-USA.net - Lansing, mi
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will receive $128.4 million in additional support from the Obama Administration to help homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments due to unemployment....

US gives Michigan $128M for jobless homeowners

Michigan Radio - lansing, mi
Michigan is expected to get about $128 million from the grants announced Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average....

Michigan gets new infusion of federal money to help homeowners

Michigan Radio - Ann Arbor, mi
ANN ARBOR (Michigan Radio) - More help is on the way for unemployed homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. The federal government is adding another two billion dollars to a program called the Hardest Hit Fund. It\'s designed to help people avoid foreclosure while they look for a new job or get job training. Michigan is one of the states getting the money because its unemployment rate of 14.1 percent is higher than the national average....

$128M for Michigan jobless homeowners

FoxToledo.com - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Obama administration says more money is headed to Michigan to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure. Michigan is expected to get about $128 million from the grants announced Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average....

More Money for Foreclosure Victims

WILX.com - Lansing, mi
Michigan was tossed another lifeline Wednesday, when the feds announced an additional $128 million to help the unemployed fight foreclosure. \"We didn\'t have any forewarning of the announcement, so we were ecstatic,\" says Mary Townley from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The new grant comes on the heels of nearly $155 million in federal funds earlier this year. Townley says up to $9,000 will be awarded to families if they qualify for the Hardest Hit program. ...

Idlewild Resort Receives National Recognition as a Historic Site

Michigan.gov - Idlewild, mi
LANSING – Michigan State Housing Development Authority interim executive director Gary Heidel and State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway announced that the African American resort of Idlewild, in Lake County, has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a nationally significant historic site....

State Historic Preservation Office Announces Winners of Preservation Photo

SunHerald.com - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Interim Executive Director Gary Heidel and State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway announced the winners of the state\'s first historic preservation photo contest. The contest, held from May 1 through July 31, began as part of the recognition of National Historic Preservation Month in May. Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2010/08/13/2404271/state-historic-preservation-office.html#ixzz0wn2vOTF8 ...

New senior housing may come to Maple Lane

Advisor and Source Newspapers - Sterling Heights, mi
The Sterling Heights City Council took the initial steps to pave the way for a new, 192-unit senior citizen housing development on Maple Lane north of 14 Mile Road. Council unanimously approved at its last meeting a tax exemption for developer Excel Sterling, which is proposing to build Sterling Senior Residence, a project that would offer low- to moderate-income housing for seniors whose two-person income is $33,000 a year or less....

MSHDA Gets on Board the eBus

Real Estate Rama - Lansing, mi
LANSING, MI - August 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) — The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is joining with community partners across metro Detroit when the Fifth Third Bank Homeownership Mobile (aka the “eBus”) rolls into Livonia Thursday, August 12 as part of a kick-off to highlight the state’s $154.5 million Hardest Hit Fund home foreclosure prevention initiative....

Fed aid extended to jobless homeowners

The Detroit News - Lansing, mi
Washington -- Unemployed Michigan homeowners could qualify for mortgage aid under an expansion of a federal program targeted at states with chronically high jobless rates. The money is part of an additional $3 billion announced Wednesday for the \"Hardest Hit\" program that will distribute money to 18 states. Michigan will get $129 million. Homeowners can apply for help through their bank or mortgage lender. Companies have to apply to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to participate. From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100812/METRO/8120408/Fed-aid-extended-to-jobless-homeowners#ixzz0wnGKDFzg ...

More Money for Foreclosure Victims

WILX.com - Lansing, mi
Michigan was tossed another lifeline Wednesday, when the feds announced an additional $128 million to help the unemployed fight foreclosure. \"We didn\'t have any forewarning of the announcement, so we were ecstatic,\" says Mary Townley from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The new grant comes on the heels of nearly $155 million in federal funds earlier this year. Townley says up to $9,000 will be awarded to families if they qualify for the Hardest Hit program. \"It is critical for us to keep individuals and families in homes,\" says Townley....

Governor Granholm touts federal mortgage money

Michigan Radio - Detroit, mi
DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - Governor Granholm was in Detroit Tuesday, touting aid programs for struggling homeowners. The Obama Administration gave the Michigan State Housing Development Authority an additional $128 million for its Hardest Hit fund last week. That means the Agency has a total of about $280 million to help an estimated 30,000 Michigan families at risk of foreclosure....

Gov. Granholm to discuss Michigan\'s $128 million US grant to help une

Washington Examiner.com - Detroit, mi
DETROIT — Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure. ...

Mich. Gov to Discuss $128M US Foreclosure Grant

The New York Times - Detroit, Mi
DETROIT (AP) -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure. Michigan is in line for the grants under a national program announced last Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average. ...

Mich. gov to discuss $128M US foreclosure grant

Boston Globe - Detroit, Mi
DETROIT—Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure....

Granholm to discuss $128M US foreclosure grant

The Times Herald - Detroit, mi
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is spreading the word about a $128.4 million federal grant to help struggling Michigan homeowners avoid foreclosure....

Seeking housing money

mining gazette - CALUMET, mi
There\'s a large pool of money available from the state for certain types of housing projects, and the village of Calumet would like to get some of that money....

Small lenders are offering help via Hardest Hit Fund Read more: Small lend

The Detroit Free Press - Detroit, mi
While Gov. Jennifer Granholm blasted major lenders earlier this week for not participating in a new federal program meant to help 30,000 unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure, little had changed by week\'s end. ...

Saginaw\'s SCENIC Initiative to Receive Accolades Thursday From Gov. G

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize the Saginaw Code Enforcement Neighborhood Improvement Cooperative (SCENIC) as a \"Promise Spotlight\" success story from the state\'s Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University. ...

Historic Renewal Projects in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park to Receive A

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize three historic renewal projects in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park as \"Promise Spotlight\" success stories from the state\'s Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University. ...

Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment to Receive Accolades Thursday From Go

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment as a \"Promise Spotlight\" success story from the state\'s Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University. ...

Muskegon Heights, Mona Lake Park Redevelopment to Receive Accolades Thursda

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize the Mona Lake Park Redevelopment in Muskegon Heights as a \"Promise Spotlight\" success story from the state\'s Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University. ...

Pontiac, Raleigh Michigan Studios to Receive Accolades Thursday From Gov. G

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING – Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize Pontiac and Raleigh Michigan Studios as a \"Promise Spotlight\" success story from the state\'s Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University. ...

EDC accepts loan request

Iron County Reporter - Crystal Falls, mi
CRYSTAL FALLS—The Iron County Economic Development Corporation accepted a loan request for a business expansion project in Crystal Falls. Several other EDC projects in the Crystal Falls area being discussed include the continued development of the Crystal View Apartments and a search for more retail businesses in the building, and discussions with the Crystal Falls DDA to look into the rental rehabilitation program through MSHDA....

Five States Get Funds to Keep Home Prices Elevated

San Diego Housing Bubble News and Analysis - WASHINGTON, DC
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it had approved five states\' plans to aid homeowners in the hope of thwarting foreclosures in communities hit hard by the recession. State housing agencies in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will receive a total of $1.5 billion from the Obama administration\'s \"Hardest Hit Fund.\"...

Feds OK Michigans funds for foreclosure help

CUNA - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich. (6/30/10)--The U.S. Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development have approved Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm\\\'s plan to distribute $154.5 million beginning July 12 to help more than 17,000 Michigan households avoid foreclosure....

Hart to get help from States Main Street program

Mlive - Hart, mi
HART — Looking to revitalize its central business district and spur economic growth, the city of Hart has been accepted into the Michigan Main Street program. The five-year initiative, in which 38 Michigan communities participate, is designed to attract new businesses, residents and jobs and fill empty storefronts in small-city downtowns....

The First Good Story I\'ve Heard About a Bank in Months... Maybe Years

CA Bay Area Real Estate - Washington, DC
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it had approved five states\' plans to aid homeowners in the hope of thwarting foreclosures in communities hit hard by the recession. State housing agencies in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will receive a total of $1.5 billion from the Obama administration\'s \"Hardest Hit Fund.\"...

Mortgage Help on the Way for 5 States

Main Street - Washington, DC
Five states have been granted access to a $1.5 billion federal fund to provide aid to families most affected by the housing crisis. The Treasury Department approved proposals from Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada on Wednesday. These states will now use the “Hardest Hit” foreclosure prevention fund to help debt-ridden and unemployed residents make good on their mortgage payments. ...

Fed aid program aims to avoid Michigan foreclosures

Business Lansing - Lansing, mi
Michigan homeowners can apply starting Monday for up to $10,000 in federal assistance to avoid foreclosure. Advertisement Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday announced the kickoff of the state\'s $154.5 million \"Helping Hardest-Hit Homeowners Fund.\"...

\'Helping homeowners\' program set for Mich.

Detroit News - Lansing, mi
Lansing -- About 17,000 Michiganians in danger of home foreclosure will get relief from a new program. Helping the Hardest-Hit Homeowners, announced by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday, will use $154.5 million in federal money to subsidize monthly mortgage payments for those collecting unemployment, to pay down principal for those who have taken lower-paying jobs and to help those struck by a medical emergency or other misfortune catch up on payments. From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100708/METRO/7080394/1001/-Helping-homeowners--program-set-for-Mich.#ixzz0t7HqkalK ...

If you\'re facing foreclosure, new program may help

Upper Michigan's Source.com - Lansing, mi
Governor Jennifer Granholm stopped in Flint today to get out the word: there is help for homeowners facing foreclosure. She discussed the state’s new $154.5 million Hardest Hit Homeowners Fund. It offers mortgage payment assistance for the unemployed or those who have suffered pay cuts, and rescue funds for homeowners behind due to medical emergency or temporary lay-off. ...

Michigan\'s Hardest-Hit Fund Expected To Aid 17,000 Borrowers

Mortgage Orb - Lansing, mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority\'s (MSHDA) HFA Hardest-Hit Fund foreclosure prevention program, which the U.S. Treasury Department formally approved last month, is estimated to assist as many as 17,000 borrowers, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm....

City of Jackson has permission from the state to seek bids to tear down for

Mlive - Jackson, mi
Jackson Mayor Karen Dunigan said Friday the city has received clearance from the Michigan Office of Historic Preservation to prepare specifications and take bids for the demolition of the 12-story, 183,000-square-foot building at 212 W....

Lofts project gets boost

Daily Press - ESCANABA, mi
Last year, the project was awarded a $200,000 MSHDA grant for facade improvements on the brick structure. The building has also been designated as an historic building, which has been a key element in receiving the state funds....

Chesaning one of 10 Michigan Main Street communities

Tri-County Citizen - Lansing, mi
LANSING – Chesaning is one of 10 Michigan communities selected by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to take part in the Michigan Main Street Associate Level program, as announced by Keith Molin, executive director of MSHDA. ...

Muskegon Heights seeking alternative ways to fund city programs, projects

Mlive - Muskegon Heights, mi
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS — “Innovation” is the code word circulating in Muskegon Heights City Hall these days. Money from the Clean Energy Initiative available to the city through its designation as one of Michigan’s “Cities of Promise” could help start the renovation project that would take millions of dollars. The initial work would include cleaning the interior, steam cleaning the exterior and replacing windows....

Plan for Michigan Foreclosures First to be Carried Out

Real Estate Blog - Lansing, mi
The state plan of containing Michigan foreclosures will be the first to be carried out among the five state plans submitted to the Hardest Hit Fund of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department and the Treasury Department. The plan of the administration of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to use the $154.5 million received from the federal government in helping over 17,000 distressed homeowners with focus on the 11,000 currently unemployed has been approved by the HUD and the Treasury....

Program begins that can help distressed homeowners

ABC 12 - Lansing, mi
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) -- (07/12/10)-- If you are facing foreclosure, a new program started Monday that could help you avoid losing your home. It\'s call the Hardest Hit Fund and it is designed to bail out thousands of Michigan residents. There are three programs you can apply for. ...

Letter of Notifcation to Banks Explaining Hardest Hit Plan

Fox 2 Detroit - Lansing, mi
MyFoxDetroit.com - Banks doing business in Michigan received a letter in June to explain how they can start providing Hardest Hit services to their customers. Is your bank informed? Are you?...

Detroit\'s McGregor Fund awards $2.3 million in grants toward programs

Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit, mi
The Detroit-based McGregor Fund directed $776,000 toward efforts to end homelessness in Detroit as part of more than $2.3 million in recent grants to Michigan organizations. ...

Desperate Homeowners May Get Help

6 WLNS - Lansing, mi
Thousands of homeowners facing foreclosure could soon get a financial fix. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is accepting applications from mortgage loan servicers for the Obama administration\'s helping hardest-hit homeowner fund. The fund will give out more than 150-million dollars to help about 17,000 Michigan homeowners. ...

17K Homeowners To Get Federal Mortgage Help

WNEM.com - Saginaw, mi
SAGINAW, Mich. -- More than 17,000 Michigan homeowners could avoid foreclosure following the state\'s new $154.5 million program, called the Hardest Hit Homeowners Fund...

Michigan Main Street Center and State Historic Preservation Office @ MSHDA

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING – The Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the Specialized Technical Assistance and Revitalization Strategy (STARS) Division, in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), recently unveiled renderings for proposed façade improvements for three buildings in downtown Portland. The buildings are: 108-110 Kent Street (Duff Chadwicks & Associates), 123-125 Kent Street (Around the Block Quilt Shop and Donna Marie\'s Studio of Dance), and 136-140 Kent Street (PCMI-West). ...

Pump Up The Sales Volume: Housing Finance Agencies At Work

Mortgage Orb - Lansing, mi
Housing finance agencies are critical partners to helping American families through this tough economic time,\" said Shaun Donovan, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, when the initiative was unveiled. Donovan\'s department, along with the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, collaborated in structuring the HFA initiative....

Hancock council discusses projects

Houghton Daily Mining Gazette - HANCOCK, mi
In June, council members approved spending $100,000 of Michigan State Housing Development Authority funding to demolish the building...

Detroit Multifamily: Challenged region beginning to re-emerge.

REBusiness Online - Detroit, mi
What a difference a year can make. At this time last year, the Detroit and Southeastern Michigan multifamily housing markets were experiencing some of their worst economic times since the early 1970s. But with recent announcements from Ford and General Motors concerning first quarter profits, there appears to be hope for the troubled region....

State Housing Agencies Prepare To Distribute Hardest Hit Funds

NU Wire Investor - Lansing, mi
The $2.1-billion Hardest Hit Fund is targeting homeowners in 10 states most severely affected by the housing crisis. Proposals from state Housing Finance Agencies in the five worst impacted states have been submitted to the Treasury Department, laying out plans to aid homeowners in distress....

CNCS Awards LISC $2.2MM in New AmeriCorps

PR-USA.net - Lansing, mi
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has awarded the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) nearly $2.2 million to support 240 LISC AmeriCorps members who will help revitalize disadvantaged communities across the country....

Governor Granholm Announces Recent Appointments and Reappointments

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments and reappointments:Michigan State Housing Development Authority Douglas H. Graham, a Democrat, of Birmingham, president and chairman of Detroit Technology Ventures, LLC, is appointed for a term expiring March 10, 2011. He succeeds Marianne Udow-Phillips who has resigned. ...

CNCS Awards LISC $2.2MM In New AmeriCorps Funding

The Corporation for National and Community Service - Lansing, mi
NEW YORK, June 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has awarded the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) nearly $2.2 million to support 240 LISC AmeriCorps members who will help revitalize disadvantaged communities across the country. ...

Lighthouse Renovations Win Award

Interlochen Public Radio - FRANKFORT, Mi
Point Betsie Lighthouse has reopened after being closed for renovations this winter. Today, the group that has done the work on Point Betsie Lighthouse will receive an award from the State of Michigan....

Safe, Supportive Housing for Girls in Detroit MI

PRLog - Detroit, MI
Jun 02, 2010 – Hunter House is the brainchild of homeless advocate, author and holistic health champion, Versandra Kennebrew. She is a member of the National Coalition for the Homeless, an elected community service representative for the Community Service Commission of the Detroit Department of Human Services, Spirit of Detroit recipient and she travels around the country speaking to audiences large and small about the issues of homelessness. Hunter House provides safe, supportive and affordable housing for 4-6 young adult ladies age 18 - 20. ...

Sign up for Concentrate's Speaker Series: Home Here, Business There

Metromode - Ann Arbor, mi
But how to remain local? How do you build a company that understands the advantages and challenges of the global marketplace but chooses to remain here, in a state struggling to develop its future self?...

Granholm's family builds Detroit home for another

Detroit Free Press - Detroit, mi
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is building a house in Detroit. Not just a house, but a home -- for a family moving back to Detroit from out of state. On Monday, the governor, first gentleman Dan Mulhern and members of the Mulhern/Granholm families are to begin work on a Habitat for Humanity house that they will build from the ground up....

John K. Warner to Design the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Awards

Cloud Computing Journal - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., June 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Downtown Conference Planning Committee announced today the Michigan-based artist chosen to design the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference awards is John K. Warner from Walker, Michigan. The purpose of the awards is to recognize excellence in downtown revitalization over the past year and to celebrate the successful projects and people making Michigan's downtowns vibrant and attractive places to live, work and play. The conference will take place in downtown Bay City, at the Doubletree Hotel, on September 13-14, 2010....

Oakman Place Apartments Groundbreaking - Provides Homes and Hope

PR-USA.net - Detroit, mi
Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan (LCFS) along with Focus: HOPE and The Damone Group, will break ground on Oakman Place Apartments on Oakman Blvd., a $5.1 million affordable housing community for homeless youth, at 11 a.m. on June 22, 2010 as a collaborative effort to revitalize residential areas of Detroit....

Child Homelessness in America

New York City Independent Media Center - New York City, mi
The National Center on Family Homelessness (NCFH) studies and reports on the phenomenon, including its causes and consequences. On March 10, 2009, it launched a Campaign to End Child Homelessness, and on the same day released "America's Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness." It discovered one in 50 homeless children annually (about 1.5 million), saying it's dedicated to ending the problem - now even greater than during the timeline of the study, largely preceding the current economic crisis....

John K. Warner to Design the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Awards

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
The Michigan Downtown Conference Planning Committee announced today the Michigan-based artist chosen to design the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference awards is John K. Warner from Walker, Michigan. The purpose of the awards is to recognize excellence in downtown revitalization over the past year and to celebrate the successful projects and people making Michigan's downtowns vibrant and attractive places to live, work and play. The conference will take place in downtown Bay City, at the Doubletree Hotel, on September 13-14, 2010. ...

State braces for possible rise in homeless children

Huron Daily Tribune - Bad Axe, mi
As thousands of students prepare to start summer vacations, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is bracing for a possible rise in homeless children who won’t have school systems to provide support. A new report shows the total number of homeless children increased by 22 percent from 17,181 in 2007 to 20,925 in 2009, according to MSHDA and Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness (CTEH). Numbers for the report are from the Michigan State Homeless Management Information System (MSHMIS), a database that provides an unduplicated count of homeless persons living in each of the eight regions of Michigan....

Beacon of renewal: Lighthouse restorations could bring public tours

Mlive - Muskegon, mi
Imagine being able to climb to the top of a Muskegon Channel lighthouse for a panoramic view of one of Lake Michigan's most scenic stretches of shoreline....

Lake Linden gets more than $500K in grants

mining gazette - LAKE LINDEN, mi
The village received $272,000 through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for new affordable housing units in downtown. The apartments will be added above Quality Hardware...

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Keith Molin, executive director of the Mi

PR-USA.net - Lansing, Mi
"Preserving Michigan's historic buildings enhances the uniqueness of our communities and stimulates economic activity," Granholm said. "This year's awards demonstrate that Michigan history can be preserved when individuals and organizations unite to do so." The 2010 recipients are: ...

Senior complex in Haslett to get 'green' retrofit

Lansing State Journal - Haslett, mi
HASLETT - A senior citizen housing complex in Haslett is expected to receive more than $4 million in federal stimulus funds to improve the facilities' energy efficiency. Grange Acres is one of 16 multifamily complexes statewide expected to receive a total of $26.3 million in "green retrofit" funds....

Help for homeless in Gratiot

Morning Sun - Gratiot, MI
At one point in the last two years, Stacey Smith of the Gratiot County Salvation Army had a waiting list of 32 people homeless people in need of shelter. For about three years, the state has established a Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP) but the money stopped flowing two years ago. ...

National Trust for Historic Preservation Honors MSHDA's Leadership Exc

Scottrade - Lansing, MI
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the winners of the 2010 Main Street Leadership Awards, honoring the Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA and the Washington State Main Street Coalition. This award, presented May 5 at the Main Street Awards Ceremony during the National Main Streets Conference in Oklahoma City, recognizes creative approaches to commercial district revitalization challenges. ...

WITH VIDEO: Pontiac aims to help contractors apply for redevelopment projec

The Oakland Press - Pontiac, mi
The call for local contractors has gone out as elected officials push to use federal and state dollars in redevelopment that will put Pontiac to work. Councilman Kermit Williams is asking for local contractors to show up at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 13, at city hall to obtain information on how they can apply for work through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant....

Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development A

Lets Save Michigan - Lansing, MI
Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, works to improve the quality of life for Michigan residents by keeping the Authority focused on providing safe and affordable housing through home ownership and rental programs, ending homelessness, and revitalizing neighborhoods and downtowns through urban development initiatives; all of which will create vibrant communities in Michigan....

2010 Main Street Leadership Awards Recognize Programs in Washington and Mic

National Trust For Historical Preservation - Washington D.C, DC
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2010) — Yesterday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the winners of the 2010 Main Street Leadership Awards, honoring the Washington State Main Street Coalition and the Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA. This award, presented at the Main Street Awards Ceremony during the National Main Streets Conference in Oklahoma City, recognizes creative approaches to commercial district revitalization challenges....

Two MSHDA Leaders Recognized for Work in Affordable Housing and Community D

Scottrade - Lansing, Mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently announced that Executive Director Keith Molin and Public Policy and Market Research Director Gary Heidel both were awarded high honors within the affordable housing and community development industry. Molin and Heidel were cited with their awards at the 2010 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. This year the conference theme was Rebuilding Michigan Together and the awards received commemorate that theme. ...

Bing holds summit over stabilizing Detroit neighborhoods

Detroit Free Press - Detroit, mi
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing held his first land use summit today in an effort to begin forming a strategy of how to reshape and stabilize city neighborhoods. Bing told the Free Press that any plan would take 12 to 18 months to complete....

Saginaw Downtowns of Promise Committee to meet at 5:30 p.m.

Mlive - Saginaw, mi
SAGINAW — The Saginaw Downtowns of Promise Committee is meeting at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss developing an action program for Old Town Saginaw. The meeting will be held at the Old Town University, 301 Cass. Food and beverages will be available. The meeting is part of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Main Street Downtowns of Promise project, which aims at creating an action plan to revitalize downtowns. This includes improving the economy, creating jobs and increasing investments....

Constan to host foreclosure prevention town hall on Saturday

Heritage Newspapers - ail to a friend | Print version | ShareThis DEARB, mi
DEARBORN HEIGHTS/INKSTER -- State Representative Bob Constan (D-Dearborn Heights) invites residents who are facing foreclosure, looking to prevent foreclosure and even those who are considering new homeownership to join him for a town hall meeting from 10:30 a.m. to noon this Saturday at the Dozier Recreational Center, 2025 Middlebelt Road, in Inkster. ...

Group to revamp Old Town Saginaw

ConnectMidMichigan.com - Saginaw, mi
SAGINAW -- By day, Old Town Saginaw is a suit and tie business district near the Saginaw County Courthouse with nearby lunch time-ready restaurants. By night, the pubs get much of the clientele with SVSU students and others frequenting bars for an after-hours getaway. Seasonal events are also popular. “We already have the Martini March, the Wine Walk, Beers Around the World, Grill Wars, the car show,” said Greg Fischer, a resident of Old Town and Saginaw DJ. ...

Two MSHDA Leaders Recognized for Work in Affordable Housing and Community D

Bloomberg Business Week - Lansing, MI
LANSING, Mich., May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently announced that Executive Director Keith Molin and Public Policy and Market Research Director Gary Heidel both were awarded high honors within the affordable housing and community development industry. Molin and Heidel were cited with their awards at the 2010 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. This year the conference theme was Rebuilding Michigan Together and the awards received commemorate that theme. ...

Ingham/Eaton -get info on MSHDA's programs -income lmts to $74750

Lansing Rocks - Lansing, Mi
MSHDA has got some great programs for home buyers. You do not always need to be a first time buyer to qualify for their programs. Qualification depends on various factors such as income, household size, region you are buying. You can get information at our site http://www.mshdalender.com While your at our site submit your contact information and we will contact you to determine if you qualify. http://www.mshdalender.com...

Paulson's wins award for restoration project

LivingstonDaily.com - Howell, mi
Paulson's Construction has received a 2010 Preservation Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for the restoration of a 1916 curved porch in Howell. The award was presented during the network's annual Michigan Preservation Conference held May 14 in Ann Arbor. Paulson's earned recognition in the building award category, which recognizes outstanding building preservation projects. Projects were to have been completed within the past three years; have been a restoration or rehabilitation project; and must have included exterior rehabilitation work....

Kalamazoo's historic preservation and jobs-creation program to receive

Mlive - Kalamazoo, mi
KALAMAZOO — The city of Kalamazoo will receive Michigan’s highest historic preservation award Monday for a program created here that melds history and job creation. State officials are scheduled to be at Kalamazoo City Hall at 10:30 a.m. Monday to present the 2010 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation....

Two MSHDA Leaders Recognized for Work in Affordable Housing and Community D

PR-USA.net - Lansing, mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently announced that Executive Director Keith Molin and Public Policy and Market Research Director Gary Heidel both were awarded high honors within the affordable housing and community development industry. Molin and Heidel were cited with their awards at the 2010 Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. This year the conference theme was Rebuilding Michigan Together and the awards received commemorate that theme....

Community Connect helps 170 families

Gaylord Herald Times - Gaylord, mi
OTSEGO COUNTY — Community Connect, held Wednesday at the Evangelical Free Church (E-Free), provided services to 170 low-income families. Although numbers are still being tabulated, it is estimated that 400 to 500 individuals were served. Gaylord High School Culinary Club served 250 meals to attendees. Club members, along with Head Start and Early Head Start, provided child care for families who brought young children....

Michigan’s Bold Plan

Affordable Housing Finance - Lansing, mi
Please see page 42-43. Michigan State Housing Development Authority(MSHDA) officials knew they had an opportunity to take a bite out of the state’s housing and economic crisis. They, along with their counterparts in each state, were charged with implementing several brand-new programs created under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act(ARRA)....

Celebration of Architecture Awards

DBuisness - Detroit, mi
May 7, 2010 - Detroit, Michigan - The American Institute of Architects Michigan presented plaques for architectural excellence to the owners, architects and constructors of 12 buildings at its annual Celebration of Architecture on May 7 at the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. Seventy-one buildings were examined by a diverse jury of 8 architects from across the U.S. that are members of the National AIA Committee on Design. Carol Rusche Bentel, FAIA from New York chaired the jury....

Allegan OKs second-story reuse grant

Mlive - ALLEGAN, MI
ALLEGAN — The Allegan City Council has approved funding for the second project under the city’s second-story reuse program. ...

Calumet village council declares Lehman Day

mining gazette - Calumet, mi
CALUMET - A former Calumet resident and World War II combat victim will have a day named in his honor as a result of action taken by the village council Tuesday....

AIA Michigan Design Awards Announced

PR Log - Lansing, mi
he American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIA Michigan. www.aiami.com) announced that 12 buildings have been singled out for design excellence at its annual Celebration of Architecture at the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. Seventy-one projects were entered in the competition and judged by a panel of seven architects from across the United States. Carol Rusche Bentel, FAIA, from New York chaired the jury...

Should Jackson City Council vote tonight to allow demolition of historic st

Mlive - Jackson, Mi
The Jackson City Council tonight will consider whether to let Dr. Tony Pinson demolish a historic structure at 744 W. Michigan Ave....

MSHDA Announces Michigan Nonprofits to Receive More Than $500,000 in Federa

PR Newswire - Lansing, mi
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Executive Director Keith Molin proudly announced today that members of the Michigan Individual Development Account Partnership (MIDAP) have been awarded $514,822 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. MIDAP is a collaborative managed by the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) with major funding support from MSHDA. The grants, awarded annually to organizations nationwide, totaled $1.8 million and MIDAP received five of the nine grants awarded in the most recent round....

State Officials to Recognize Historic Rehabilitation of Point Betsie Lighth

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway announced that he and other officials will honor the Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse and its partners with a Governor's Award for Historic Preservation on Monday, June 7, at the light station. Point Betsie was one of only six statewide awards that were announced at a ceremony in the state capitol on May 5. ...

VIDEO: Royal Oak senior housing project under way

Daily Tribune - Royal Oak, Mi
ROYAL OAK — Three years after proposing affordable senior housing for the site of the former Starr Elementary School, the developer put a ceremonial shovel in the ground Wednesday for an $18.3 million project called The Village....

2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Partners Release a Call for Presentations

PR Newswire - Lansing, MI
LANSING, Mich., April 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners announced today they are seeking proposals for presentations at this year's conference, being held September 13-14 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Bay City....

2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Partners Seek Michigan Artist to Design A

Mi News Wire - LANSING, Mi
Lansing, MI – The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners announced today they are seeking Michigan-based artists to design the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference awards. The Conference is September 13-14, at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Bay City. This year's theme, "Michigan's Downtowns: Yes, We're Open!" In keeping with the theme, the Conference Awards Committee is seeking exceptional, hand-crafted, Michigan-made awards to present at the conference awards ceremony. ...

2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Partners Release A Call For Presentations

The Street - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., April 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners announced today they are seeking proposals for presentations at this year's conference, being held September 13-14 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Bay City. ...

Downtown development remains a priority for Muskegon Heights officials

Mlive - Muskegon Heights, mi
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS -- Muskegon Heights' downtown continues to garner the attention of city and state officials looking for ways to improve the area. City officials last week discussed two state programs designed to help improve the downtown -- an update on one and the plan for a second initiative -- during a special meeting of the Muskegon Heights City Council and Downtown Development Authority....

In the Margins: Saginaw County treasurer's office must work with resid

Mlive - Saginaw, mi
Mortgage foreclosures dropped last year, but the number of tax foreclosures has skyrocketed. Tax foreclosure properties in Saginaw County reached 789 last year, up from 491 the year before, Saginaw County data shows. And it could get worse, said County Treasurer Marvin D. Hare, whose office oversees tax issues. “A lot of people aren’t working,” Hare said in explaining the jump. “They don’t have any money.” Without an extension to pay, more than a thousand properties on the delinquent tax rolls for two or more years could join the foreclosure list March 31, the deadline to pay up, he said....

Henry Ford Health System plans $500 million expansion

Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit, mi
Henry Ford Health System is planning a $500 million expansion of its main hospital campus in Detroit and is hoping to attract another $500 million from developers to participate in a major business, retail and housing development project. ...

Port Huron's Studio 1219 finishing transition into non-profit

The Voice - Port Huron, Mi
ail to a friend | Print version | ShareThis By Dan Simons, Special to The Voice Studio 1219 in Port Huron is finalizing the move into becoming a non-profit independent corporation. "Since the studio opened in October of 2005 it has really become a focal point for arts and culture throughout the area," said Randy Maiers, president of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. "It has helped revitalize the south side of Port Huron and has become a popular destination for visitors and tourists throughout the year," said Maiers....

(Re)Locating your business to a downtown

examiner.com - Lansing, Mi
As an entrepreneur, you may have started your business in a small home office, rented a desk in another company’s office, or used telecommuters. In the place of a physical location, you may have even opted to start an ‘e-business.’ However you may have started your business, as it evolves, proper planning of its location is critical to its success. Even ‘e-business’ owners should consider physical locations that imbue the culture of the company by merging trendy office spaces with technological enhancements. ...

20 houses demolished, many more to go as Lansing, county clean up

Lansing State Journal - LANSING, mi
Clutter is plainly visible through the windows facing Prospect Street, where Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing shows a keen eye for features that either mean the Lansing house's salvation or demolition. He lists the assets that could keep bulldozers from tearing apart the structure at 1207 Prospect St., a foreclosed parcel falling into disrepair: newer roof, nice wood, decent foundation and close proximity to Sparrow Hospital...

Speeding up Weatherization: Michigan’s Solution

IBM center for the Business of Government - Lansing, mi
The GAO has documented that almost 90 percent of homes set to be weatherized are subject to historical preservation review. Whether or not they had that startling number in front of them, officials in Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) saw that they were confronting an enormous obstacle to getting weatherization money out. In Michigan alone, 34,000 homes would be affected and would need review....

$154.5M in federal funds to help struggling homeowners

The Detroit Freep Press - Lansing, MI
More than 17,000 Michigan households will share in $154.5 million in federal funds targeted at keeping unemployed and underwater borrowers in their homes....

Michigan briefcase: Mich. companies up for Defense honor

The Detroit Free Press - Lansing, Mi
Three Michigan employers have been selected as semifinalists for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is given by the U.S. government to employers for exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve....

2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Announced Bay City is Host City

News Blaze - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners announced today that the 2010 Michigan Downtown Conference will be held September 13-14, 2010. The conference is being held in an effort to help community leaders revitalize their downtowns. This year's conference is being held at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Bay City. Online registration is accessible at: www.michigandowntownconference.org...

Franklin Historic Commission to host lecture on preservation

The Oakland Press - Franklin, mi
The Franklin Historic District Commission and Main Street Franklin will host a presentation by the Michigan Historic Preservation Network from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 3, upstairs at the Franklin Grill, 32760 Franklin Road....

WYANDOTTE: Volunteers sought to help city revitalize its downtown

The News Herald - Wyandotte, mi
WYANDOTTE — The Downtown Development Authority wants volunteers to help with an application for the city to be considered for the Michigan Main Street program’s Selected Level. DDA Director Brandon Wescott described the program as a grass-roots, volunteer-driven approach to economic development through historic preservation. Last summer, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority announced that Wyandotte was one of seven Michigan communities selected for the program. As part of that initial acceptance, Wyandotte and the other communities have been receiving training in the Main Street four-point approach: organization, promotion, economic restructuring and design. Training is provided by the Michigan Main Street Center, a part of the authority....

City set to begin budget process

The mining Journal - MARQUETTE, mi
MARQUETTE - The Marquette City Commission on Tuesday will hold the first of a series of meetings on the city's 2010-2011 budget. The meeting is at 5:15 p.m. in commission chambers at city hall. Mayor John Kivela encourages Marquette citizens to attend the meetings. "It's an opportunity to see where their tax dollars are spent, how we use them," he said. Kivela said the last several years have been challenging due to cuts in revenue sharing from the state. However, he said he was "pretty confident we can get through another year without a tax increase and without laying anybody off."...

Michigan to Use Hardest-Hit Funding to Help Unemployed Homeowners

DS News.com - Lansing, mi
In February, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) was selected as one of five state housing finance agencies (HFAs) to receive financial aid through the administration’s HFA Hardest-Hit Fund. But before these funds can be used, each HFA must submit a program design to be approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury....

Sparta DDA joins state program

Mlive - SPARTA, mi
SPARTA -- The Downtown Development Authority is entering another state program to help businesses. The Michigan Main Street Program provides training and expertise for businesses and DDA officials in the areas of organization, promotion, design and economic revitalization. DDA director Elizabeth Gorski said she hopes the program brings about collaboration in defining the benefits of locating downtown and in helping to attract and retain businesses. She said she also hopes it creates a consistent vision for downtown. ...

Near North locks down funding, prepares for construction

Concentrate - Ann Arbor, mi
But first Three Oaks and Avalon Housing, the two organizations behind the development, are waiting to hear if the development qualifies for the $10 million in state brownfield and affordable housing tax credits. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is expected to pass judgment by mid May on the $11-million project....

New-home sales spike 27% in March

CNN Money.com - New York, NY
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Sales of new homes soared in March, breaking a 4-month losing streak, according to a government report released Friday, as buyers snatched up properties ahead of the tax credit that's set to expire. New-home sales rose 26.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 411,000 last month, compared to a upwardly revised annual rate of 324,000 in February, the Census Bureau said. ...

Conference on Affordable Housing set for Lansing

WTOL11 - Lansing, MI
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing is taking place this week in Lansing. The event at the Lansing Center opens Monday and runs through Wednesday. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan is scheduled to be the keynote speaker on the final day of the conference. Donovan is expected to give an update on the progress Michigan cities and communities nationwide are making in the effort to combat the effects of vacant and abandoned homes while working to create jobs....

Saginaw business folks 'On the Move'

MLive - Saginaw, Mi
Five cardiology specialists from the Michigan CardioVascular Institute have joined MidMichigan Physicians Group of Midland. They include: Drs. Robert N. Jones, William R. Felton, Nilofar Islam, Rodney O. Diehl and Robert Genovese. Jones, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, introduced an innovative non-robotic heart valve surgery that minimizes scarring, pain and recovery time. Felten, an invasive and interventional cardiologist, regularly takes part in national and international studies putting the newest knowledge to work for patients....

Saginaw gets approval to raze 'historic' homes

MLive - Saginaw, mi
SAGINAW — Members of the State Historic Preservation Office saw firsthand last week how far some historic Saginaw homes have fallen. After a visit to Saginaw, the agency gave Saginaw County and city leaders approval to demolish 49 of 53 homes it previously denied demolition of on the basis that the city and county failed to adequately prove the homes had lost their historic value, said Scott D. Crofoot, the city’s dangerous buildings inspector....

Great Lakes Financial Group Closes Preservation Deal

Mortgage Orb - Lansing, mi
Cleveland's Great Lakes Financial Group LP (GLFG) reports that it recently closed a preservation deal through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) tax-exempt direct loan program with Longfellow Apartments, a 149-unit residential, active-adult apartment building development consisting of one seven-story building located in Ludington, Mich., for approximately $3.87 million....

Conference on Affordable Housing set for Lansing

9 & 10 News - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing is taking place this week in Lansing. The event at the Lansing Center opens Monday and runs through Wednesday. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan is scheduled to be the keynote speaker on the final day of the conference....

Conference on Affordable Housing set for Lansing

6 WLNS - Lansing`, Mi
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing is taking place this week in Lansing. The event at the Lansing Center opens Monday and runs through Wednesday. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan is scheduled to be the keynote speaker on the final day of the conference....

Conference on Affordable Housing set for Lansing

News Spider - Lansing, mi
The 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing is taking place this week in Lansing. The event at the Lansing Center opens Monday and runs through Wednesday. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan is......

Marketing on the Internet: From the Michigan Conference On Affordable Housi

Rent Linx - Lansing, mi
Yesterday, I gave a presentation at the Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing in Lansing, MI. As promised, you can view and download the whole presentation here. This was the 4th year I've presented at the MCOAH and the conference as great, as always. One of the new additions to my presentation was a phone study we did on on a set of over 7,000 phone calls made from renters responding to ads for rental properties in Michigan over the last few months. One of the shocking statistics is that, during business hours, only 26% of these calls are answered by a human, and only 44% of them can ever get to a human during the call! Callers, when confronted with a machine, hang up about 2/3 of the time and over half of those hang ups never call or e-mail the property again! Make sure to answer your phone! ...

Coach Carter motivates affordable housing advocates

Lansing State Journal - Lansing, mi
LANSING — Renowned high school basketball coach Ken Carter spoke today to attendees at the 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing. Carter — the inspiration for the 2005 Samuel L. Jackson film “Coach Carter" — encouraged the 1,500-person crowd to work together to create affordable housing solutions and to tap any resource available to them. “You’ve got to be part of a team,” he said during a luncheon on the first day of the three-day conference at the Lansing Center. “Knowledge is not power - the use of knowledge is power. “You need to challenge yourself. You need to step up. Are you bold enough to say the way we do things is not good enough?”...

$1.5 Billion Targeted for Struggling Homeowners

AOL News - Lansing, mi
(March 1) -- Housing finance agencies are anxiously awaiting a small windfall to help some 125,000 struggling homeowners in five states hardest hit by the housing market crash. President Barack Obama announced the $1.5 billion infusion for housing agencies in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada, where home values have fallen more than 20 percent from the peak 2006 and 2007 markets. ...

Michigan announces Pure Michigan Living winners

Concentrate - Lansing, Mi
Is it any wonder that the two winners of the Pure Michigan Living contest come from places in the heart of the state?...

'Why I Choose Michigan' winners announced

Metromode - Lansing, mi
If you're wondering why Michigan is a great state you might be able to find your answer at the Pure Michigan Living web site. It features people, places, and things that make the mitten the place that it is. With the launch of the site came the launch of the essay contest "Why I Choose Michigan." And, finally, those winners were announced....

MSHDA and MEDC's Travel Michigan Announce Contest Winners

Fox 26 - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the winners of the "Why I Choose Michigan" essay contest. The contest helped kick off the recent launch of PureMichiganLiving.com, a new Web site featuring the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play. ...

GH woman appointed to state housing board

Grand Haven Tribune - Lansing, mi
LANSING — Catherine Luckert Schmid of Grand Haven, program director of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, has been appointed to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. ...

Several projects on village of Blissfield’s agenda for 2010

Lennconnect.com - Blissfield, mi
BLISSFIELD, Mich. — Blissfield is poised to make progress on several projects this year even as a new, high-tech company sets up shop in the village and promises hundreds of new jobs....

State Historic Preservation Office and Archives of Michigan Join Forces to

PR Newswire - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Good luck, good timing, and personal relationships played a major role in saving materials from the office of Minoru Yamasaki, one of the world's premier Modernist architects. A native of Seattle, Yamasaki (1912-1986) moved to Detroit in 1945 to work for the firm of Smith, Hinchman and Gryls before starting his own firm in Troy, Michigan. Yamasaki, best known for designing the World Trade Center in New York, also designed the Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company Building in Detroit, the Lambert-Saint Louis Air Terminal in Missouri, the McGreagor Memorial Building at Wayne State University and the U.S. Consulate building in Kobe, Japan. Yamasaki's firm continued after his death in 1986. ...

More Affordable Housing Could Be Coming To T.C.

Fox 32 - Traverse City, mi
Traverse City's housing commission is pushing for more affordable housing. ...

State Historic Preservation Office and Archives of Michigan Join Forces to

Forbes - Lansing, MI
LANSING, Mich., March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Good luck, good timing, and personal relationships played a major role in saving materials from the office of Minoru Yamasaki, one of the world's premier Modernist architects. A native of Seattle, Yamasaki (1912-1986) moved to Detroit in 1945 to work for the firm of Smith, Hinchman and Gryls before starting his own firm in Troy, Michigan. Yamasaki, best known for designing the World Trade Center in New York, also designed the Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company Building in Detroit, the Lambert-Saint Louis Air Terminal in Missouri, the McGreagor Memorial Building at Wayne State University and the U.S. Consulate building in Kobe, Japan. Yamasaki's firm continued after his death in 1986. ...

Governor Granholm Issues Executive Order Consolidating Public Finance Autho

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued Executive Order 2010-2 to further improve efficiency in state government by consolidating 10 public finance authorities into one Michigan Finance Authority. The new finance authority will be an autonomous entity within the Department of Treasury and is one of the 29 government reforms outlined by the governor in January to transform Michigan government....

Former E.E. Fell School could be transformed into apartment project for sen

Mlive - HOLLAND, Mi
HOLLAND -- Nearly four years after the project was proposed, work could begin this summer on transforming the former E.E. Fell School into apartments for low and moderate-income seniors....

Sign up for Concentrate's Speaker Series: Downtown Development - A Gen

Metromode - Lansing, mi
Who decides what a downtown looks and feels like? Are we making it a place where young and talented people want to be? Is density good for our community? Concentrate will be listening for answers at our very first Speaker Series, held March 4th in The Michigan Theater's Screening Room (located at 603 East Liberty Street)....

Flint selected for 'Downtowns of Promise,' vying for 'Promis

Mlive - Flint, Mi
FLINT, Michigan — The city already has one promise and is now looking for another. Flint is one of seven cities in the state recently selected for the Downtowns of Promise program and is looking for a spot in the federal Promise Neighborhood Initiative....

HOUSING: State aid allocation announced

Detroit Free Press - Lansing, mi
Michigan will get 10%, or about $154 million, of a $1.5-billion federal fund to help struggling homeowners, the U.S. Treasury announced Friday....

State Historic Preservation Office and Archives of Michigan Join Forces to

Michigan.gov - Lansing, Mi
ood luck, good timing, and personal relationships played a major role in saving materials from the office of Minoru Yamasaki, one of the world's premier Modernist architects. A native of Seattle, Yamasaki (1912-1986) moved to Detroit in 1945 to work for the firm of Smith, Hinchman and Gryls before starting his own firm in Troy, Michigan. Yamasaki, best known for designing the World Trade Center in New York, also designed the Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company Building in Detroit, the Lambert-Saint Louis Air Terminal in Missouri, the McGreagor Memorial Building at Wayne State University and the U.S. Consulate building in Kobe, Japan. Yamasaki's firm continued after his death in 1986. ...

Fighting Foreclosure

WILX.com - Lansing, mi
The money isn't here yet but the Obama administration has set aside just over $150 million to help Michigan cope with its foreclosure crisis. The U.S. Treasury has a total of $1.5 billion that it's shelling out to the five states across the country that have been hit the hardest by foreclosure. Those states are California, Florida, Michigan, Arizona and Nevada....

MSHDA and MEDC's Travel Michigan Announce Contest Winners

bizJournals - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the winners of the "Why I Choose Michigan" essay contest. The contest helped kick off the recent launch of PureMichiganLiving.com, a new Web site featuring the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play. ...

Video: Take a tour of first rental units of Marine City's rental rehab

The Voice - Marine City, mi
Local, county and state officials came to a special ribbon-cutting ceremony March 5, marking the completion of Marine City's first Rental Rehabilitation Program project at Anita's Place Restaurant at 341 South Water Street. The guest list included Senator Judd Gilbert, Rep. Phil Pavlov, Marine City Manager John Gabor and representatives from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Rep. Candice Miller's office, Ingham County Housing Commission Executive Director Bruce Johnston and Darlene Kramp of the Community Action Agency of St. Clair County. The initiative is part of a downtown revitalization effort aimed at drawing visitors to shop and live in communities qualifying for the 50/50 matching grant. The program matches up to $50,000 for apartments above downtown businesses and grants $10,000 for lead abatement, if needed....

Owosso Council, OCP move ahead to rescue Lebowsky Center

Argus Press - OWOSSO, mi
OWOSSO - The rebuilding of the Lebowsky Center continues to move closer to reality. Monday the Owosso City Council approved a brownfield redevelopment plan for the fire-gutted building. Also Monday, bids were due for construction of a roof and walls to enclose the structure under a state grant....

With New Homes, Town Makes Amends for Its Bias

New York Times - Hamtramck, mi
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — Even though more than 50 years have passed since Sallie Sanders was a confused little girl wondering why her family was kicked out of their house for being on the wrong side of the color line here, the pain seems fresh....

Saginaw mortgage foreclosures down, but tax foreclosures skyrocket

Mlive - Saginaw, mi
mortgage foreclosures dropped last year, but the number of tax foreclosures has skyrocketed. Tax foreclosure properties in Saginaw County reached 789 last year, up from 491 the year before, Saginaw County data shows. And it could get worse, said County Treasurer Marvin D. Hare, whose office oversees tax issues....

Party with a purpose: Bands to perform for preservation

The New Herald - Lincoln Park, mi
Rock the night away while helping to preserve some historic spots. Seven bands from across metropolitan Detroit will entertain and raise money for the Lincoln Park Preservation Alliance during “Ventures of Music” April 10 at the Lincoln Park Moose Lodge No. 1665, 1600 Fort St....

U.S. new home sales unexpectedly fall in Feb.

The Washington Post - Washington, DC
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sales of newly built U.S. single-family homes fell for a fourth straight month to a record low in February, a government report showed on Wednesday, heightening fears of renewed weakness in the housing market. ...

Michigan Municipal League

WJR - Lansing, mi
he “Michigan Prosperity Agenda” hour-long program is hosted by Dan Gilmartin, CEO of the Michigan Municipal League (MML). Gilmartin will be joined by various co-hosts and guests. The show is sponsored by MML and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month in 2010....

Organizations Receive Emergency Housing Grants

UpNorthLive.com - Traverse City, mi
TRAVERSE CITY -- Several local organizations, like the Traverse City Women's Resource Center, received grants from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. With Michigan’s struggling economy, Emergency Shelters are seeing a spike in the number of people seeking assistance....

In the Margins: Saginaw County treasurer's office must work with resid

Mlive - Saginaw, MI
Mortgage foreclosures dropped last year, but the number of tax foreclosures has skyrocketed. Tax foreclosure properties in Saginaw County reached 789 last year, up from 491 the year before, Saginaw County data shows. And it could get worse, said County Treasurer Marvin D. Hare, whose office oversees tax issues. “A lot of people aren’t working,” Hare said in explaining the jump. “They don’t have any money.” Without an extension to pay, more than a thousand properties on the delinquent tax rolls for two or more years could join the foreclosure list March 31, the deadline to pay up, he said....

2010 Michigan Downtown Conference Partners Release a Call for Presentations

Mi News Wire - Lansing, mi
Lansing, MI – The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners announced today they are seeking proposals for presentations at this year's conference, being held September 13-14 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Bay City. This year's theme, "Michigan's Downtowns: Yes, We're Open!" is an outgrowth of the nationally acclaimed Shop Main Street video produced by the Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA in 2009. In keeping with the theme, the Conference's Speaker's Committee is seeking exceptional, individual or panel presentations that specifically relate to current and emerging issues, best practices, and challenges that are facing downtowns. The Committee encourages presentations on topics that will benefit Michigan's downtowns. ...

Michigan governor's State of State will be 'all about jobs'

The Detroit News - Lansing, mi
Lansing -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm delivers her eighth and final State of the State address tonight with a heavy focus on the two issues she sees as most important to propping up the foundering state in her last 10 months in office: jobs and education. ...

Window Rehab Workshops Train Contractors

Qualified Remoldeler - Kalamazoo, mi
KALAMAZOO, Mich., -- Feb. 8, 2010 -- The second of three workshops aimed at teaching contractors to repair wood windows began Feb. 8 in Kalamazoo and continued through February 19. In Michigan, 20 percent of the housing dates from before 1950, therefore, a number of houses have wooden double hung windows....

Passionate supporters to speak at 'Touting Michigan'

WZZM13 - Grand Rapids, Mi
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)- "Touting Michigan" is the subject of a new monthly series created by Rapid Growth Media. ...

Window Rehabilitation Workshops Teach Contractors to Repair Rather than Rep

PR Newswire - KALAMAZOO, mi
KALAMAZOO, Mich., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The second of three workshops aimed at teaching contractors to repair wood windows begins today in Kalamazoo and continues through February 19. In Michigan, 20 percent of the housing dates from before 1950, therefore, a number of houses have wooden double hung windows....

SEDP is upbeat during annual luncheon and awards

The Argus-Press - OWOSSO, mi
OWOSSO - During an upbeat 2009 annual luncheon meeting Thursday of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, President and Chief Executive Officer Justin Horvath said, “Despite the difficult economic climate, there was much positive news (to report) about Shiawassee County.” ...

Developer plans 'work force housing' for old RHD Tire spaces on S

The Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids, MI
GRAND RAPIDS -- Another Miracle on South Division Avenue may be in the offing from Midland-based Brookstone Capital. The company is laying the groundwork to buy three buildings, mostly used as storage by RHD Tire for two decades. Then it plans to renovate them into what it calls work force housing....

HARRY CASSIDY: Walking away from your home is a bad idea

The News Herald - Lansing, mi
As Michigan and the rest of the country struggles with the effects of the mortgage-lending crisis — skyrocketing payments, tumbling housing values and tighter lending requirements — I’ve read about Web sites and companies that help owners to “walk away” from their homes. I can understand the motivation for this troubling development, but it’s still a very bad idea in many cases....

Donovan To Be Keynote Speaker

MultifamilyBiz.com - LANSING, mi
LANSING, MI - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan will serve as the closing keynote speaker at the 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing on Wednesday, April 28 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. Secretary Donovan is expected to give an update on the progress Michigan and communities nationwide are making in the effort to combat the effects of vacant and abandoned homes while creating jobs....

Home away from home: Historic Kalamazoo house now used as office was built

mlive - Kalamazoo, Mi
KALAMAZOO — One of the oldest homes in Kalamazoo, the Richard Dexter Walker House on South Park Street was built in 1857 and served several families as a residence for nearly 100 years. But for the last half century, the Greek Revival structure has housed professional offices for attorneys and a doctor. ...

Wolcott Mill earns national historic status

Advisor and Source Newspapers - Ray Township, Mi
The Wolcott Mill Historic Center was named to the National Register of Historic Places in December....

Michigan modern architecture a draw for travelers

Fosters.com - DETROIT, mi
DETROIT, Michigan (AP) — Stop by the Minoru Yamasaki-designed McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University in Detroit, and you will find its halls open for a stroll through what is considered a masterpiece from the architect who created the World Trade Center....

Michigan to share in $1.5B for homeowners

Detroit Free Press - Lansing, Mi
Michigan is among five states getting money under a $1.5-billion program announced Friday to help struggling homeowners, but it's unclear how many people will be helped or how the program would work....

Mich. among states to benefit from $1.5B federal plan From The Detroit New

Detroit News - Lansing, Mi
Financially strapped homeowners in Michigan and four other states with hard-hit housing markets could get help under a $1.5 billion federal plan announced Friday. The program is targeted for states where the average price of homes has fallen by more that 20 percent from their peak. The White House wants states to use the funds to help unemployed borrowers, those who owe more on their mortgages than their home is worth, and homeowners who have problems keeping current with either a second mortgage or a home equity credit line. ...

HUD Grantees Share Similar Approach

National League of Cities - Lansing, mi
by James Brooks The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $2 billion in the second round of funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP-2) to 55 entities — states, localities, land banks and housing developers. Common to nearly all the recipients was a combination of three principles: a coalition of partners to implement programs; targeted efforts across a limited number of census tracts; and leveraging of other funding to support the federal program dollars. Coalitions...

HUD Secretary Donovan to Serve as Keynote Speaker at 2010 Michigan Affor...

New Mexico Business Weekly - Lansing, Mi
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan will serve as the closing keynote speaker at the 12th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing on Wednesday, April 28 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing...

Idlewild documentary to be shown in Grand Rapids

WZZM13 - Idlewild, mi
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- A once popular resort for African Americans is the focus of a fundraiser this week in Grand Rapids. ...

State tells Lincoln Park to save the Mellus

Metromode - Lincoln Park, mi
A Michigan Historic Preservation Officer has sent a strongly worded letter to the Lincoln Park Downtown Development Authority, urging local officials to save the Mellus Newspaper building in the Downriver suburb's downtown. ...

MSHDA and MEDC's Travel Michigan Announce Contest Winners Residents fr

Mi News Wire - Lansing, mi
LANSING, MI - The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the winners of the "Why I Choose Michigan" essay contest. The contest helped kick off the recent launch of PureMichiganLiving.com, a new Web site featuring the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play....

MSHDA and MEDC's Travel Michigan Announce Contest Winners

Action 3 News - Lansing, Mi
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the winners of the "Why I Choose Michigan" essay contest. The contest helped kick off the recent launch of PureMichiganLiving.com, a new Web site featuring the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play. ...

MSHDA and MEDC's Travel Michigan Announce Contest Winners

WWJ 950 - Lansing, mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Wednesday announced the winners of the "Why I Choose Michigan" essay contest. The contest helped kick off the recent launch of PureMichiganLiving.com, a new Web site featuring the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play....

New Partnership Forms to Ensure Future of Michigan Historical Marker Progra

Media Newswire - Lansing, MI
(Media-Newswire.com) - LANSING – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Director Rebecca Humphries today announced that Eastern Michigan University and the Michigan History Foundation have joined the Michigan Historical Commission in a new partnership to ensure the continuation of the Michigan Historical Marker Program. The partnership was in response to Executive Order 2009-36, which abolished the Department of History, Arts and Libraries....

Seven Cities of Promise Communities Selected for Downtowns of Promise Progr

PR Newswire - Lansing, Mi
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) announced today that seven Cities of Promise communities have been chosen to take part in the Downtowns of Promise program. The Downtowns of Promise program will focus on creating an action-oriented strategy that will help in the efforts of revitalizing their traditional downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood districts. The seven communities selected for the Downtowns of Promise are Benton Harbor, Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Muskegon Heights and Saginaw....

Affordable Housing To Draw In Families

UpNorthLive.com - FRANKFORT, mi
FRANKFORT -- A Northern Michigan community is hoping to attract new families by building affordable housing. Construction is underway for an affordable housing project in Frankfort. Hollander Development Company received funding for the 36 unit apartment complex from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. City Officials say what was once an eyesore in the community will now be a family friendly area....

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program

City of Dearborn Heights Truth Page - Dearborn Heights, MI
As previously reported, Section 2301 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA), enacted on July 30, 2008, appropriated nearly $4 billion to state and local governments for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed upon residential properties (covered properties), creating the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)....

Michigan Communities Achieve National Main Street Accreditation

Triangle Business Journal - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) today announced that four Michigan Main Street communities have been awarded National Accreditation through the Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA. ...

DONT LOSE YOUR HOME TO FORECLOSURE THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE

City of Gilbraltar - Gilbraltar, mi
It is no secret that a number of our residents and fellow Michigander's are facing some economic challenges that are affecting their ability to maintain their quality of life. More and more individuals and families are finding it increasingly difficult to make their mortgage payments resulting in possible foreclosure. The most unfortunate thing is that many do not realize that they dont have to lose their homes. In many cases, there are programs available designed to assist homeowners in getting back on track. If you are facing foreclosure, there is help available...

MSHDA CDBG DOWNTOWN RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM

City of Hillsdale - Hillsdale, mi
Through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are being made available for the purpose of creating and/or rehabilitating rental housing units within the Downtown area. Funds of up to $35,000 per unit are available. A minimum of twenty five percent (25%) of the total project cost is required to be paid by the Property Owner....

2010 Resolutions

Michigan Main Street - Lansing, MI
So, the New Year is upon us. Gone are the restful and luxurious days off of the holiday break, sleeping in, eating cookies for breakfast, playing with friends and relaxing on the couch. Its time to get back to business. So, in addition to my personal list of resolutions, which could be another complete blog, in honor of making this year better than the last, I give you my list of Main Street resolutions:...

Sturgis faces budget woes in 2010

Sturgis Journal - Sturgis, MI
There are other good things happening in the city this year. Demolition of the Arkwrights property across from the Sturgis Post Office happened a year ago, with the help of a MSHDA grant totaling $178,092. Now the city is exploring ways to promote development on the vacant land....

Idlewild, black resort from segregation era, seeks comeback

Mlive - Idlewild, mi
Tiny Idlewild wants to be Michigan's comeback story. And state and federal governments seem intent on making that happen in the historic community tucked away in the Manistee Forest....

Saginaw knocked down record homes in '09

Mlive - Saginaw, Mi
City Development Director Odail Thorns said crews knocked down 265 blighted homes last year....

Mich. gets $223.9M for neighborhood revitalization

Kcoy - DETROIT, mi
DETROIT (AP) - The federal government awarded Michigan $223.9 million on Thursday to help tear down blighted buildings and revitalize neighborhoods in a dozen cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint....

Residents are ready to see millions in federal funds put to use in Flint ne

Mlive - Flint, mi
FLINT — A federal grant is about to give the Flint area more money than it has ever had to demolish and rehabilitate run-down homes, and Sharon Burnett has a message now that the check is in the mail:...

Holland housing partnerships align to fix abandoned homes

The Grand Rapids Press - HOLLAND, mi
HOLLAND — Three nonprofit organizations are partnering with the city to buy and fix up abandoned or foreclosed homes in the Midtown neighborhood....

Black resort from segregation era seeks comeback

Associated Press - IDLEWILD, mi
Tiny Idlewild wants to be Michigan’s comeback story. And state and federal governments seem intent on making that happen in the historic community tucked away in the Manistee Forest....

Marches, Speeches Mark MLK Day In Detroit

WWJ - Detroit, mi
There were marches, speeches and volunteerism throughout Detroit and southeast Michigan Monday as thousands paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. ...

Pure Michigan Living' Web Site Launches

Chanel 7 ABC News - LANSING, mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announce the official launch Tuesday of a new web site featuring the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to live, work and play....

Michigan boasts gems of modern architecture by Yamasaki, Saarinen and other

The Canadian Press - DETROIT, mi
Stop by the Minoru Yamasaki-designed McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University in Detroit and its halls are open for a stroll through what's considered a masterpiece from the World Trade Center architect....

Project Homeless Connect today

Lapeer Area View - LAPEER, mi
The second annual Project Homeless Connect event takes place today, Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Lapeer Center Building, 425 County Center St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m....

Council OKs move to help development group get tax-exempt status

Heritage Newspapers - Milan City, mi
Milan City officials approved a modification in the way that tax revenue is estimated and collected for a rental housing complex for low- to moderate-income tenants....

State building Pure Michigan Living effort

The Alpena News - LANSING, mi
LANSING (AP) — A new ‘‘Pure Michigan Living’’ campaign is being rolled out to promote the state as a place to call home. ...

Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA to Host Informational Webinars on the A

Ajax World Magizine - Lansing, mi
LANSING Mich., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) announced today that the Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA (MMSC) will be holding informational webinars for communities interested in learning about the Associate Level Michigan Main Street program for downtown and traditional neighborhood commercial district revitalization. The webinars are free, open to the public, and will take place February 10 at 9:30am and February 16 at 2pm....

MSHDA's Michigan Main Street Center and State Historic Preservation Of

Ajax World Magizine - Lansing, mi
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) today announced that the Michigan Main Street Center in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), recently unveiled renderings for proposed facade improvements for a building in downtown Scottville. Locals consider the currently vacant building at 130 S. Main Street as key to Scottville's efforts toward revitalizing its downtown....

Pure Michigan Living Campaign

Associated Content - Lansing, mi
Pure Michigan Living is the new campaign launched on January 26, 2010 by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, MSHDA, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation, MEDC. The Pure Michigan Living campaign will try to share stories of the quality of life in Michigan. This is a nationwide campaign, so many of you will be seeing Pure Michigan Living ads!...

Bids for Lebowsky Center roof, walls sought

Argus-Press - OWOSSO, mi
OWOSSO - Construction of a new roof at the Lebowsky Center could start soon....

Countdown to 2010 Paczki Day Festivities in Hamtramck, MI

PR Web - Hamtramck, mi
Autmobile industry town near Detroit, MI finds reason to celebrate. Thousands to converge on culturally diverse Hamtramck, MI for Paczki Day, a celebration of baked goods, Polish food and polka music, bar crawls, also known as the 'Polish Mardi Gras' and the 'Polish St. Patrick's Day.'...

State unveils 'Pure Michigan Living' campaign

Crain's Detroit Business - Lansing, mi
The "Pure Michigan Living" campaign was launched this week to collect and publish stories on why people are choosing Michigan. MSHDA and Pure Michigan, as well as Metromode's parent company Issue Media Group, have teamed up to roll out the new web site....

DDA to seek bids to remove canopy over Elixer

The Davison Index - DAVISON, mi
DAVISON -- Slowly but surely, more of the canopy will be removed along the southwest block in downtown. The Davison Downtown Development Authority gave approval for city staff to go out for bids to remove the portion of the canopy above Elixer, 211 N. Main Street, with a 6-1 vote. Mayor Fred “Mac” Fortner cast the dissenting vote. ...

Grants to aid Lapeer home renovation projects

Lapeer Area View - LAPEER, mi
LAPEER — Single-family homeowners living on Lapeer’s north end are eligible to apply for grant funding to renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient and enhance and stabilize their neighborhoods at the same time....

Building's history may not be enough to still the wrecking ball

Charleviox Curier - Charlevoix , mi
A preliminary determination of the 1870s house at 108 Park Ave. by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office is not enough to save it. The Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority (DDA), acting on a recommendation from DDA executive director Keith Carey, voted to unanimously to go forward with the parking project....

$47,000 state grant to pay for weatherizing historic buildings

Kalamazoo Gazette - Kalamazoo, MI
KALAMAZOO — The city of Kalamazoo will get a $47,000 state historic preservation grant that could lead to employment opportunities for small contractors and energy savings for some homeowners....

State OKs historic nomination for Rosedale Gardens

Observer and Eccentric - Rosedale Gardens, MI
After eight years of gathering historical information and pushing for an historical designation for a Livonia neighborhood, John Stimac has received good news. The Michigan Historic Preservation Review Board nominated the Rosedale Gardens Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places....

State gets $223 million for neighborhood revitalization

Associated Press - Lansing, mi
(AP) — The federal government awarded Michigan more than $223 million on Thursday to help tear down blighted buildings and revitalize neighborhoods in a dozen cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint....

Michigan residents to get federal help to avoid foreclosure

Fox28 - Lansing, mi
The Obama administration says more money is headed to Michigan to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosure. Michigan is expected to get about $128 million from the grants announced Wednesday. The state is one of several getting extra help because its unemployment rate is well above the national average....

Flint, Witherbee\'s Market to Receive Accolades Thursday From Gov. Gra

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will recognize Witherbee\'s Market in Flint as a \"Promise Spotlight\" success story from the state\'s Cities of Promise program during the 2010 Emerging Cities Summit that will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University....

Mshda Lowers Interest Rate For First-time Homebuyers

MortgageMag News - Lansing, Mi
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) mortgage interest rates are dropping nearly a full point in an effort to stimulate the housing market for low and moderate income homebuyers, MSHDA Executive Director Keith Molin announced today. The significant drop to 5.375 percent for a 30-year fixed rate MSHDA mortgage and the extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit to April 30, 2010 makes owning a home an achievable reality for many more people throughout the state....

Grand Rapids seeks $20.1 million grant to renovate vacant properties

Mlive - Grand Rapids, MI
GRAND RAPIDS -- The city could soon get $20.1 million to buy and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant and abandoned properties....

Tax credit could help boost area home sales

Business Lansing - Lansing, mi
For those in the market for a home, the world is their oyster. Interest rates are at record lows. Housing prices in many parts of the country still are depressed. And buyers may be eligible for a generous tax break, even if the home they buy isn't their first....

First-timers cram homeless shelters

Free Press - Metro Detroit, Mi
The number of people who say they are homeless for the first time is increasing in metro Detroit, spurred by unemployment and foreclosures, experts say....

Mortgage market weakness continues, but states take steps to help homeowner

News Blarg - Lansing, MI
According to a new study, loan delinquency rates have increased again in the third quarter of 2009 and are on course to hit record highs this year. In the meantime, several states have taken measures to help struggling families stay in their homes....

Economic Activity Picks Up in Eighteen States in October

Reed Contruction Data - Lansing, Mi
While only five states have an expanding economy over the last three months, eighteen states recorded an increase in their economic activity index. Except for Oregon and Montana, all of the states with economic pickups in October were in New England, the Midwest and mid-South regions. This includes Michigan, Ohio and Indiana in the Midwest motor vehicle region and four of the six New England states. Montana had the largest month to month gain at 1.7% followed by Massachusetts at 1.5%....

Unlike rest of Michigan, survey shows more Grand Rapids-area companies plan

Mlive - Grand Rapids, Mi
GRAND RAPIDS -- Businesses in the area planning to hire in the first quarter outnumber those cutting jobs during the first quarter, according to the quarterly Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released this morning....

Free Michigan Housing Stimulus Expo Offers Loan Modification Experts and Fo

amazines.com - Lathrup Village, Mi
Lathrup Village, MI - A free Housing Stimulus Expo will take place at the Lathrup Village City Hall, Saturday, November 21, 2009. Experts and specialists will speak with home buyers and sellers as well as those trying to save your homes from foreclosure. ...

Michigan communities seek federal help to target urban blight

Great Lakes Echo - Lansing, Mi
LANSING, Mich. Time could be running out for abandoned and dilapidated homes plaguing the property values of some Michigan neighborhoods....

Facing the Mortgage Crisis: Aging Out of Foster Care and Into Affordable Ho

Michigan Radio - Ann Arbor, Mi
ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - The Vista Maria campus for girls has gorgeous brick buildings spread out over 37 acres. You could easily mistake it for a boarding school out east. There's the big lawn out front. Volleyball courts behind each hall. Inside, you'll find some girls watching a movie, others are working out, and some are getting ready for the big Fall dance. ...

State seeks funding for land banks

The Michigan Messenger - Lansing, MI
The state of Michigan is applying for $290 million in federal funds to help set up or fully fund municipal land banks that help local governments take control of foreclosed and abandoned properties....

Gov. Jennifer Granholm declares next few days Homeless Awareness Week

ABC 12 - Lansing, mi
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has declared the next few days Homeless Awareness Week....

Michigan's Homeless Coalition and MSHDA Team Up to End Homelessness in

PR Newswire - Lansing, Mi
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Homelessness ends with a place to live. That is the message the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) wants to drive home this week during Homeless Awareness Week in Michigan. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has issued a proclamation designating November 15-21 as the official week for this year's homeless awareness activities. ...

Taking control of Capitol Park

Detroit Free Press - Detroit, mi
By the end of this year, Detroit's Downtown Development Authority hopes to have acquired three key buildings in the Capitol Park district as part of a long-term effort to turn the historic but derelict square into a residential and entertainment district....

Grants help rehab homes

Tri-City Times Online - IMLAY CITY, mi
Qualified residents and rental property owners can soon apply for financial help to rehabilitate their properties. ...

Area towns to get $18M in federal block grants

Kalamazoo Gazette - LANSING, Mi
Several communities in southwestern Michigan will get shares of more than $18.1 million in federal money to support public infrastructure projects, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Thursday. ...

Clio restores historic buildings downtown

The Flint Journal - Clio, mi
The downtown area of Clio is getting back the look of its glory days. Buildings are being restored to their 18th century style, everything from paint colors to awnings. The aim is to increase downtown foot traffic and bring shoppers downtown....

The Next Generation Of Affordable Housing

Metromode - Lansing, mi
The young professional creative class may be willing to spend a higher proportion of income on housing, but it better be hip....

Mainly Manitowoc program working with state on several projects

Htrnews - Manitowoc, mi
When Jamie Zastrow was hired a year ago to head the Mainly Manitowoc program she said she wasn't coming with a magic wand. "Good things take good planning with the right people at the table with the right resources," Zastrow said as she approaches her one-year anniversary with the downtown boosters group seeking to revitalize the historic downtown. ...

State forms Affordable Housing Investment Fund

Hometownlife.com - Lansing, mi
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority recently announced the creation of the Michigan Affordable Housing Investment Fund, a new program that will allow MSHDA to encourage local banks and other financiers to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing in the state through the end of 2010. ...

Michigan Receives 2009 Interstate Renewable Energy Council Innovation Award

Chloregy - Lansing, mi
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan has been awarded the 2009 Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Innovation Award for its clean energy leadership through the state's Department......

4th Annual Michigan Summit on Ending Homelessness

Reuters - Lansing, Mi
Over 400 representatives from state agencies, supportive housing agencies and continuum of care networks, will be gathering today at The Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University for the 4th Annual Michigan Summit on Ending Homelessness. The theme for the two day Summit is "Change That Makes a Difference." ...

Landlords object, but PILOT homes OK'd

ourmidland.com - Midland, mi
Despite objections from the city's landlord population, seven more tax-exempt single-family houses were added to the inventory of PILOT homes after a favorable 4-1 ruling from the Midland City Council. ...

Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity seeks foreclosed homes to rehabilitat

mlive - Kalamazoo, mi
Don Jones is in the market for three homes and three families to occupy those homes. Jones, executive director of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity, said his organization received $60,000 in federal funding for the purchase and rehabilitation of three foreclosed properties in the Kalamazoo area. ...

Foreclosures rock some suburbs harder than city

Free Press - Detroit, mi
While Detroit is known nationally for its high foreclosure rate, the problem is worse in three suburbs. ...

Muskegon Heights targets more blighted buildings

Mlive - Muskegon Heights, mi
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS: The city of Muskegon Heights is aiming the wrecking ball at 22 dilapidated houses and buildings in an ongoing effort to fight blight. ...

$20.6 Million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits

Job Stats - none, US
Granholm has announced that over 2100 unis of affordable rental housing will be built or renovated for low to moderate-income Michigan families, the elderly, people with disabilities and those at risk of homeless as a result of...

Michigan Downtown Conference is September 15-16

Michigandowntownconference.org - Lansing, Mi
Join downtown professionals, elected officials, community leaders and others in learning reasonable steps you can take to revitalize your downtown at the 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference...

Highland Park' film may revive dormant library

Free Press - Highland Park, MI
Crew to refurbish city's McGregor...

Lansing Housing Commission hires new director

City Pulse - Lansing, mi
Former director of asset management at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Patricia Baines-Lake is deputy director of Detroit Housing Commission, will officially start Sept. 28...

Detroit LISC Awards to Honor Community Heroes on Friday, September 18

Reuters - Detroit, mi
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Sponsors Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) as they honor the winners of the Detroit Community Development Awards...

Downtown work tops in state

LivingstonDaily.com - Howell, mi
Howell's Main Street program has been named Michigan Main Street Program of the Year by the Michigan Downtown Conference Planning Partners for its success in preserving and promoting the city's downtown....

Lt. Gov. John Cherry praises 'Highland Park' movie, film tax ince

Mlive - Highland Park, mi
Lt. Governor and gubernatorial candidate John Cherry was in Highland Park yesterday to talk with the city's mayor and officials from the Bureau of Motion Pictures, a California-based film company, about a new movie project about a city library starring Danny Glover....

2009 Michigan Downtown Conference Begins in Lansing

Reuters - Lansing, Mi
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners kicked-off their 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference today at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. The conference runs Tuesday, September 15 through Wednesday, September 16. The 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference is being held in an effort to help community leaders create successful strategies and case studies for attracting new investment, jobs and young professionals to city centers. ...

MSHDA Funding Window Open, Sept 14-25

GFA News - Lansing, mi
MSHDAs Office of Community Development (OCD) has released its 2009 Housing Resource Fund (HRF) Summary in support of Michigans local housing initiatives. The HRF Summary discusses the objectives of the Housing Resource Fund, applicant eligibility and program offerings....

Hunter Ice Festival garners acclaim for Niles downtown

The Niles Star - Lansing, Mi
In Lansing Wednesday, the annual Michigan Downtown Conference awards presentation honored communities and individuals from across the state at the Lansing Center in Lansing Michigan. Among those honored, Niles received special recognition for the annual Hunter Ice Festival....

In Defense Of Detroit

Forbes - Detroit, mi
The Motor City's bouncing back....

Busy businessman recharges scene in downtown

Lansing State Journal - ST. JOHNS, mi
Jim Ortman has become the go-to guy for breathing new life into vacant buildings in downtown St. Johns....

2009 Michigan Downtown Conference Begins in Lansing

PR Newswire - Lansing, Mi
The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners kicked-off their 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference today at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. ...

MSHDA Down Payment assistance programs for home buyers in Macomb County MI

Chat About Macomb County - Macomb, Mi
MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) has some new programs to help first time home buyers with their down payment assistance....

What Not To Take For Granted

Michigan Main Street - Lansing, mi
We're fortunate enough to have the manager of one of our local Michigan Main Street communities, Travis Alden of Manistee Main Street DDA, as our guest blogger this week...

Buchanan achieves national historic status

Niles Daily Star - Buchanan, Mi
After months of anticipation, official confirmation came Thursday that the downtown district of Buchanan had achieved the designation and listing on the National Register of Historic Places. ...

2009 Michigan Downtown Conference Begins in Lansing

SOA Worl Magazine - Lansing, MI
The Michigan Downtown Conference Partners kicked-off their 2009 Michigan Downtown Conference today at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing....

Governor Granholm Launches New Helping Hand Site

Michigan.gov - Lansing, MI
New site helps Michigan citizens facing economic hardship find the services they need. ...

Cool Cities grant funds signage system

Detriot Development News - Lansing, MI
The Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) and Creekside Community Development Corporation recently received a grant from Michigan's Cool Cities Initiative to develop a wayfinding system for the neighborhoods, which are located on Detroit's lower eastside. ...

Governor Granholm Announces Four MSHDA Programs for First-Time Homebuyers F

Michigan.gov - Lansing, mi
LANSING. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has announced the restoration of a federal tax credit program along with new programs that will give Michigan residents an unprecedented opportunity to purchase affordable homes through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The funding is provided by the federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA), ...

Governor Granholm and MSHDA Announce Over $10.1 Million In 34 Statewide Gr

MSHDA - Lansing, MI
LANSING Governor Jennifer M. Granholm together with Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Executive Director Keith Molin has announced over $10 million in grants to 34 cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations to help minimize vacant, abandoned and blighted property left behind in neighborhoods as a result of the foreclosure crisis. The funding is provided through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) as part of the competitive grant process. ...

Striving for a living downtown

Adrian Daily Telegram - Arian, MI
MSHDA makes funds available to local government units to encourage the rehabilitation of...

Vine neighborhood welcomes families

Kalamazoo Gazette - Kalamazoo , MI
They also had an opportunity to learn about low-interest home improvement loans available from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for home...

Evans should stay out of foreclosures

DetNews.com - Detroit, MI
The state Housing Development Authority will also help broker alternatives to foreclosures with lenders. these are all better moves than arbitrarily ......

OCP looks to raise $350K by May 1

Argus Press - Owosso, MI
The money is part of a $1 million grant given to the downtown Development Authority by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority as part of the...

House bill has funds to raze Acme building

The Jackson Citizen Patriot - Jackson, MI
The city of Jackson has applied to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for additional funding City Manager William Ross said he expects to...

Rickman House slated for $12.3 million renovation

Kalamazoo Gazette - Kalamazoo, MI
In addition to the city's pledge of $500,000 of US Department of Housing are expected to come from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority ...

Grant offer helps to downtown Hillsdale owners, renters

The Hillsdale Daily News - Hillsdale, MI
The city applied for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Community Development Black Grant last sumer and, come mid-march, the grant's $25,000...

Consultant wants to see Cathedral District, hospital zones born again

The Saginaw News - Saginaw, MI
Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant funds Capital Access' contract for about $20,000 annualy. Earley said the city likely would retain the...

DDA looks for new ways to revitalize downtown program

Escanaba Daily Press - Escannaba, MI
DDA Director Roger good said the city had recently become an associate member of the Michigan Main Street Program. The program provides technical assistance...

Rickman residents to get vouchers

Kalamazoo Gazette - Kalamazoo, MI
Pending approval from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, work is slated to begin in January 2010. Plans for the Rickman House...

Habitat for Humanity to dismantle vacant Saginaw homes

The Saginaw News - Saginaw, MI
A $135,000 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and up to $400,000 per year from the city will fund the project for two years...

Downtown facade project to be re-bid in spring

Escanaba Daily Press - Escanaba, MI
MSHDA has awarded the bid to improve facades on these five businesses: The Ritz, Beck's Plaza, Pine Tree Reality, Becca's Closet and Fashion Lane...

MSHDA creates incentives for alt-energy improvements

Metromode Media - Detroit, MI
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has started a program that will allow local residents to borrow up to $50,000 to make alternative energy...

Free credit, foreclosure counsiling

Charlevoix Courier - Charlevoix, MI
Northern Homes CDC has received a contract from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to provide Foreclosure Counseling services for free to...

State, Local banks fight foreclosures

Coldwater Daily Reporter - Coldwater, MI
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) said recently the federal grants will support foreclosure prevention counseling...

Foreclosure freefall can be fast, so take charge

Lansing State Journal - Lansing, MI
It takes only about 10 months for a financially stable family to go from cozying around the fireplace to huddling in a homeless shelter...

MSHDA to Offer Grants to Low Income Housing and Downtown...

Lansing State Journal - Lansing, MI
Public hearings on Allocation Plan Scheduled LANSING, Mich., Jan. 29...

Saginaw officals hoping summer census doesn't fall below 50,000

The Saginaw News - Saginaw, MI
Instead o, city leaders would have to apply for the federal funds through a third party -- the Michigan State Housing Development Authority...

Demolitionn complete at former Thayer ice cream plant

The Morning Sun - Mt. Pleasant, MI
Although final funding has not yet been approved, the non-profit agency received approval from the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority on tax...

State Adds Green Loan Program for Homeowners and Landlords

Capital Gains - Lansing, mi
Under an enhanced Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) program, homeowners and landlords can now get help financing alternative energy improvements to their properties. ...

Michigan State Housing Development Authority