Post on 26-Dec-2015
For decades we have ignored the principles of “place”
Unsustainable
What is Place?• Locations that are
unique, interesting and have a center
• Competitive places are appealing and fascinating to people and businessesPhoto Courtesy of G. Faerber
What is Placemaking?• The Actions used to
achieve an Outcome
• May be a singular act or a multi-part process
• Means to create unique places that people want to use, to be in, to enjoy, and to remember… to be a part of
Photo Courtesy of S Walker
How do people understand Place?• Physical = form
• Social = activity(Economic = prosperity)
• Emotional = “Sense” of Place
• Form -> Activity -> Emotion
How does Placemaking benefit LMI Groups & Neighborhoods ?
Cost reductions: Housing - Transportation – Energy
Increased Access: Needs - Services - Employment
Improved Interaction - Participation - Health
Engagement of Youth & Seniors
Placemaking = Social, Economic, Cultural GainPlacemaking = Social, Economic, Cultural Gain
MSHDA’s Housing Resource Fund
Approximately $6-8 million in 2012*
– HOME funds (homeowner and homebuyer)– CDBG (rental rehab a significant focus)– MSHDA funds (limited funding – Planning for
Neighboroods)
* Is just an estimate - Does not include county allocation funds
Rental Rehab – CDBG Funds
• Typically in the downtown of small communities
• Mixed Use
• MSHDA: Upper Floor Rental Rehab, Michigan Main Street, Historic Preservation
• MEDC: Façade grants, streetscape grants, redevelopment grants
• MDOT: Streetscape grants• DEQ: Clean water and sewer separation• DNR: Parks• MDARD: Local food
Lofts on Ludington
•Affordable and market rate units•Many funding sources•Commercial at street level
Eaton Rapids•Two new units over hardware store•$161,000 total project cost•$70,000 CDBG funds from MSHDA•Remaining funds from the property owner’s personal investment •Other investment in Eaton Rapids include 14 additional units over commercial space with some MSHDA investment in each
The Walker Building in Lansing
• 6 affordable units• Gateway project• $600,000 total investment• $200,000 MSHDA CDBG • Additional investment by the owner,
Lansing Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Lansing
Rental Rehab Challenges and Successes
Successes• Reuses long-term vacant space
• Brings people back downtown
• Creates vibrancy
Challenges• Environmental challenges
• Complicated funding packages
• Retrofitting old buildings
• Helping building owners and communities understand/navigate the program
MSHDA County Allocation
• Since 1990, all Michigan counties not funded directly by HUD receive an allocation of State of Michigan CDBG funds from MSHDA for housing – based on the population
• Average annual total for allocations is $8,000,000
County Allocation Formula
Population Allocation Amount
0 - 5,000 $100,000
5,001 - 10,000 $125,000
10,001 - 20,000 $150,000
20,001 - 30,000 $175,000
30,001 - 40,000 $200,000
40,001 - 50,000 $225,000
50,001 - 60,000 $250,000
60,001 - 70,000 $275,000
Over 70,001 $300,000
• The primary activity is homeowner rehabilitation
• At least 85% of funds are for rehabilitation that brings the house up to at least HUD Minimum Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
• Up to 15% of the funds can be used for emergency repairs and HQS standards are not required
County Allocation
50% of County Allocation Funds for Place-Based Work
• TA provided at no cost to grantee to develop place-based strategy
• Grantee may spend remaining 50% anywhere in the county
• Fifty percent of emergency repairs must be located in the approved place-based target area
Challenges And SuccessChallenges:• For some it is hard to embrace change• Need is all over the county• Takes time to plan
Success and Plans for Success:• Grantees are becoming more focused• Grantees are taking on projects in close proximity with intention of
making a visual improvement
MSHDA NOFA – Homebuyer Projects
Examples of Place-Oriented Funding Priorities
• Projects located in a target area that has the mass, density, building type and scale appropriate to the development area
• Projects located in state/local investment or incentive target area or supported by community developed plans
• Housing that is in or adjacent to a business or within a quarter mile of a business district
• $500,000 set aside by MSHDA’s Board of Directors to allow grantee communities to plan for placemaking
Planning for Neighborhood Grants
• Grants not to exceed $30,000 per community