Village of Stockbridge benefits from LEAP grant targeting rural gathering spaces

Information provided by LEAP

On July 9, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) announced the recipients of its Small Town Enhancement Grant. This grant is a new initiative that fosters growth in rural communities through smart projects, requested by the community, for revitalizing public gathering spaces. The program is the latest addition to LEAP’s strategic regional plan.

In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which provided the funding, LEAP’s new program awarded six grants to communities across Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

After a rigorous selection process, six exceptional projects were chosen to receive grants ranging from $11,000 to $25,000. The projects include business improvements, community beautification, and creating new community gathering spaces. The selected communities are: the village of Vermontville, Dimondale, Stockbridge, Leslie, Maple Rapids and Ovid.

To celebrate the kickoff of these projects, LEAP organized a Small Town Enhancement Grant Roadshow to visit each community between July 9 and July 11. On July 10, the roadshow visited Stockbridge to celebrate funding provided for transforming a patio next to the Village Hall (118 N. Center St.) into a tranquil seating area will foster community engagement and relaxation.

“Village Hall is in the heart of our community,” says Jill Marie Ogden, village manager and council president. “The residents are looking forward to having a nice place to gather for small breaks each day or for special events. The updates will be enjoyed for many years to come!”

“The small rural community, main streets and agriculture assistance are key parts of our broader regional strategy,” shared Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “LEAP is known for its larger projects, but we pour a lot of resources into supporting small businesses and rural communities. We want everyone in our three-county region to take pride in where they live and work—that’s quality of life, and that adds up to more investment and jobs and reasonable but necessary population growth, which we all need. The ripple effects of our Small Town Enhancement program are important.”

“The MEDC is proud to celebrate the places that make our state great and support the vibrancy of small towns throughout the Lansing area through the Small Town Enhancement Grant Program,” said Michele Wildman, chief place officer of Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “On behalf of the MEDC, congratulations to the grantees. We look forward to seeing the impact these projects have on further strengthening the economic vitality of their communities.”

LEAP awarded the Village of Stockbridge one of its six Small Town Enhancement Grants. The Village will use the funds to transform patio space next to its new Village Hall location. Image credit: Lansing Economic Area Partnership