Tag: Grant

Mt. Pleasant Awarded $2.79M Grant for New Farmers Market Pavilion and Commercial Kitchen

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been awarded $2.79 million through the Michigan Talent Partnership Program, a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The funding will support the construction of a new, multi-use, state-of-the-art pavilion in Island Park, including a commercial kitchen incubator.

The project will be a major addition to the park’s existing pavilions, which were originally constructed in the 1970s. While the current structures have served the City for decades, they cannot provide the flexible, year-round space needed for community programs, gatherings, and events.

“As communities across the state of Michigan continue to navigate uncertain economic times, this grant from the Michigan Talent Partnership Program will allow the City of Mt. Pleasant to build a new and innovative market space that serves as a resource for the entire Mid‑Michigan region,” said Mayor Boomer Wingard.

The new pavilion will feature a redesigned space and an incubator kitchen, creating a versatile venue for residents and community groups. It will support a wide range of activities from farmers’ markets and concerts to festivals, art fairs, and other social and cultural events, offering residents a welcoming, all-season gathering place.

“This investment positions the new multi-use pavilion as a powerful economic driver for Mt. Pleasant, supporting local farmers and vendors while expanding opportunities for small businesses through a commercial kitchen incubator,” said City of Mt. Pleasant Staff. “By creating a year-round destination that attracts visitors, fuels entrepreneurship, and strengthens the local food economy, the pavilion will help grow jobs, increase downtown activity, and enhance Mt. Pleasant’s ability to attract and retain talent.”

The incubator kitchen addresses a critical gap in local and regional food-business infrastructure. Currently, the nearest shared commercial kitchens are located more than 80 miles from Mt. Pleasant, creating a significant barrier for aspiring food entrepreneurs. By offering licensed kitchen space locally, the project will lower barriers to entry, support small and diverse businesses, and help retain food-based enterprises within the community.

With its optimized location and layout, the new pavilion will also strengthen physical and visual connections between Island Park and Downtown Mt. Pleasant, improving walkability, visibility, and the flow of foot traffic between the market and nearby businesses.

Planning and design work for the project is expected to begin in 2026. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses.

More information about the City of Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market is available at www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket.

$125,000 Available for Mt. Pleasant Homeowners Through CHILL Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for round two of the CHILL (Housing Improving Local Livability) Program, which helps eligible homeowners make essential home repairs to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and affordable.

The City was awarded $423,500 through the CDBG Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), with an additional $50,000 contribution from the City, resulting in a total of $473,500 available for home improvement projects. So far, the program has assisted 24 homes with a total of $247,055 in completed projects.

Who Can Apply:
To qualify for the program, the following requirements must be met:

  • Homes must be located within Mt. Pleasant city limits.
  • The home must be at least five years old.
  • Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (currently $52,4000 for a household of two).
  • Project costs must be at least $1,000, maximum funding for a project is $40,000.
  • Projects costing more than $10,000 shall be a zero interest, zero payment loan, forgivable after five years. Loans shall be secured by a second mortgage, forgiven in full at the end of five years.
  • The city’s project priority is to work with homeowners to repair or replace furnaces and water heaters.

How to Apply:
Applications are available online at www.mt-pleasant.org/CHILL or in person at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. Applications will be accepted through February 27 or until the remaining funds are fully expended.

Need Help with Your Application?
Residents can schedule one-on-one assistance with Lauren Baker, who will walk homeowners through the process and answer questions before submission. Email lbaker@mt-pleasant.org or call (989)779-5379 to set up an appointment.

The CHILL program reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to safe, livable, and affordable housing. Homeowners are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of the remaining funds.

Topics to Watch at the 11/10/25 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing to allow input on the proposed 2026 City budget.
  • Consider project agreement for $400,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trust Fund Grant to support the North Pathway project and adopt a related resolution.
  • Consider the Housing Commission’s request to renew the Municipal Services Agreement (MSA).
  • Work session on the Immigration Trust Act.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, November 10th  

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85920001383?pwd=YsYKuBzVnJslzG41LaL8o6DGNXvWN7.1

Meeting ID: 859 2000 1383

Passcode: 011738

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch         ebusch@mt-pleasant.org                                                     

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher    aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Ryon Skalitzky             rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org 

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Topics to Watch at the 9/22/25 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation on proposed fiscal year 2026 Operating Budget.
  • Presentation on Michigan Talent Grant by Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko.
  • Consider Approval of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 907 Lease Renewal.
  • Consider setting a public hearing for October 14, 2025, to allow for public input of an Ordinance to renew and amend the Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Mission Street – Pickard Avenue District Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan, Ordinance No. 720, adopted on November 26, 1990, as amended.
  • Consider setting a public hearing for October 14, 2025, to allow for public input on the 2021 fire code updates.
  • Public Hearing on the proposed Fourth Amendment (the “Plan Amendment”) to the Mission Street Pickard Avenue District Development Plan and Tax Increment Finance Plan (the “Plan”) of the Mt. Pleasant Downtown Development Authority (the “DDA”).
  • Public Hearing to consider adoption of the 2025 Master Plan updates.
  • Work session on employee climate survey.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, September 22nd

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83731131321?pwd=dVM6Vx3P7neEYx2zMdVomcgJyPpDaE.1

Meeting ID: 837 3113 1321

Passcode: 014281

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org                                                        

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Ryon Skalitzky             rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

City of Mt. Pleasant Awarded DNR Grant

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded $1 million in grants to hep 15 Michigan communities improve their tree canopies. Mt. Pleasant was one of the communities awarded, receiving $100,000 for public tree planting and maintenance activities to support a sustainable urban forest.

According to the DNR, these statewide grants will collectively plant and care for more than 1,700 trees, train 500 city staff, students, and residents through 33 workshops and events, and create inventories and develop plans to sustainably manage more than 32,000 public trees benefiting more than 285,000 Michigan residents.

This grant program is made possible through funding provided by the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program is a federally funded program providing technical, educational and grant assistance to communities, nonprofits, educational institutions and tribes to build capacity for managing trees and forests in communities throughout the state.  

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 6/9/2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Consider approval of the proposed 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Public hearing on proposed application from Reynolds Golden Finds LLC for the CBDG Revolving Loan Fund Program and consider resolution on the same.
  • Consider whether a public hearing to adjust the 2025 millage rate should be held.
  • Consideration of final draft of EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.
  • Discussion on Chapter 72 of the City’s Code of Ordinances entitled, “Bicycles” regarding the usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20June%209,%202025.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81794668975?pwd=HFZNeUXFJyz476EgKPb3E9VQAbTvFA.1

Meeting ID: 817 9466 8975

Passcode: 433810

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org                                                        

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang                   jzang@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Topics to Watch at the 5/27/2025 City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for TUESDAY, May 27, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on the amendment and adoption of Chapter 72 of the City’s Code of Ordinances entitled, “Bicycles” regarding the usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.
  • Public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant Water Related Infrastructure Program application and consider approval of resolution on the same.
  • Public hearing on the 2026 – 2031 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Discussion on EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20Tuesday,%20May%2027,%202025.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86254896065?pwd=qHJoz1HN3o3qC2faAvhHSUPlgipDkG.1

Meeting ID: 862 5489 6065

Passcode: 596089

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch           ebusch@mt-pleasant.org                                                         

Maureen Eke               meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher       aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard         bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang                   jzang@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

CHILL Grant Funding Available to City Residents

The city has been awarded $423,500 for home improvement projects through the CDBG Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The purpose of this grant is to develop and preserve decent, affordable housing for use by low- and moderate-income families. The city has contributed $50,000 to this program, resulting in a total of $473,500 available for home improvement projects.Project selection criteria include:

  • Homes must be located within the Mt. Pleasant city limits.
  • Homes must be at least five years old.
  • Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. ($51,000 for a family of 2).
  • Minimum funding for a project is $1,000.
  • Maximum funding for a project is $40,000.
  • Any project costing more than $10,000 shall be a zero interest, zero payment loan, forgivable after five years. Loans shall be secured by a second mortgage, forgiven in full at the end of five years.
  • The city’s project priority is to work with homeowners to repair or replace furnaces and water heaters.

The deadline for homeowners to apply is February 7, 2025. Grant funding applications can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/chill or picked up at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

If you have any questions, or need application assistance, email Lauren Baker at lbaker@mt-pleasant.org.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 10/15/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously adopted.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 23, 2024.

5) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved a $90,000 Funding Allocation for 200 E. Broadway University Lofts Revitalization (Old Isabella Bank Building) and Placemaking (RAP) Grant Application.

Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/22/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a proclamation recognizing Workers Memorial Day April 28, 2024.

Planning & Community Development Director Manuela Powidayko and Mayor Perschbacher presented Certificates of Completion to the 2024 Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 8, 2024.

7) Resolution authorizing a 2024 Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) grant application for Town Center civic space amenities.

8) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #1-2024.

9) Set a public hearing for May 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for Development District (DDA) License for Narrativality Artisan Coffee Roasters, LLC..

10) Contract with Bornor Restoration, Inc. of Lansing, MI for DPS – Masonry Screen Wall project.

11) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved a contract with Placer.ai for one year of access and a budget amendment for the same and a budget amendment for the internship program.

Adopted the 2025 Goals and Objectives.

Director Lauria provided an overview of suggested changes to the current draft Managed Natural Landscaping Ordinance. Commissioner consensus ruled against any form of registration and the term “Managed” versus “Planned.”

Appointed Mayor Perschbacher as the City representative to the County Tax Allocation Board.

Conducted work session discussions on 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and on Refuse and Recycling Pickup Services.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m.