Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, a pop of summer color in a flower pot or a newly paved parking lot, the Munising Downtown Development Authority is once again inviting local businesses to invest in the look and longevity of the community.
Applications are now open for four separate DDA grant programs aimed at beautifying and improving the downtown district.
The DDA’s 2025 grant cycle includes funding for flower and plant beautification, building façade improvements, parking lot upgrades and dumpster enclosures. The grants are designed to promote business development, boost curb appeal and support the long-term vitality of the community.
“Investing in local beautification programs, such as façade grants and parking lot improvements, is essential for creating a vibrant and welcoming community in the City of Munising,” said Lindsey Clark, the Eastern Upper Peninsula’s senior community development manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “These initiatives not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also foster a sense of place, making the area more attractive to residents, potential talent and visitors alike.
“By prioritizing these improvements, we are cultivating an environment where people want to live, work, play and thrive, ultimately strengthening the local economy and building a stronger, more connected community in Munising.”
Since 2006, the DDA has awarded 390 grants to local businesses, totaling over $609,532 in matching funds and spurring more than $1.5 million in downtown investment.
“For us, it’s honestly been critical because that is really one of the biggest goals that a DDA is supposed to do — enhance the area and make more economic activity happen,” Munising DDA Executive Director Kathy Reynolds said. “You really need to get your buildings and your aesthetics in the downtown looking better. The aesthetics of a downtown are just critical in having people stick around, because if things don’t look good, people just keep on driving.”
This year’s offerings include:
• Summer Flower/Beautification Grant
• Building Façade Improvement Grant
• Parking Lot Grant
• Dumpster Enclosure Grant Each grant is available to businesses located within the Munising DDA district. Eligibility can be confirmed by reviewing the “Tax Detail” section of a business’s city tax bill, where “Munising DDA” will be listed.
Just in time for spring planting season, the DDA is offering a 50 percent matching grant — up to $250 — to help businesses cover the cost of flowers, pots, soil, fertilizer and watering supplies.
All beautification projects must be approved before any materials are purchased, and recipients are expected to maintain their plantings through at least Labor Day.
Applications for the beautification grant are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16.
“The flower beautification [grant] is one of the most popular programs,” Reynolds said. “People always say, ‘Oh, let’s have more flowers!’ And it’s funny — whether it’s the holiday decorating one or beautification, it’s almost competitive. If somebody else’s stuff is looking really cool, you want to beef yours up too.”
For businesses looking to improve their street-facing appeal, the DDA offers matching funds to help with the cost of exterior renovations such as siding, signage, windows and paint.
These façade grants cover 50 percent of eligible expenses — typically up to $2,500 per visible side of the building — with some properties qualifying for multiple awards if they have more than one street-facing facade.
“There’s hardly a building you see downtown that hasn’t taken advantage of the façade program at some point,” Reynolds said. “It’s been around for nearly 20 years, and it’s contagious: Once one building gets spruced up, the neighbors take notice and often follow suit.”
Applicants must submit a plan and receive DDA approval before beginning work. Projects must comply with Munising’s downtown design standards.
For businesses planning parking lot improvements, the DDA offers matching grants that cover 50 percent of eligible costs, up to $5,000. Eligible projects can include painting, resurfacing or redesigning a lot to improve functionality and appearance.
“Everybody and their brother needs to fix their parking lots,” Reynolds said. “It’s a huge expense. So we upped that match and started offering $5,000, and it’s been very popular.”
To apply, businesses must submit detailed plans — including photos, cost estimates and contractor credentials — and receive written DDA approval before work begins. Projects must comply with local zoning ordinances and align with Munising’s downtown design standards.
“The way your buildings look, how your parking lots look, how your gardening efforts look — it’s all a reflection of your community and its economic health,” Reynolds said.
The DDA’s newest grant aims to tackle a less glamorous — but equally important — aspect of curb appeal.
The Dumpster Enclosure Grant helps cover the cost of fencing or structures that shield dumpsters from public view. The grant was developed in response to city ordinances and community concerns over unsightly or unsanitary waste areas.
“It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but dumpsters matter,” Reynolds said. “Nobody wants to walk by an open dumpster that smells or looks bad. It’s not appealing. This program helps business owners clean up those back corners that people do notice.”
Though the program is still gaining traction, DDA officials hope it will catch on.
“We haven’t seen a ton of interest in the dumpster enclosures yet, but we’re optimistic,” Reynolds said. “It’s just another way we’re trying to help our business community put its best foot forward.”
Beyond grant funding, the DDA has led several public-art and placemaking initiatives designed to enrich downtown Munising.
These include the Munising Art in the Alley exhibit, the DDA Banner Art Program, the Munising Historical Walk and the Maritime Alley project.
Murals and veterans art displays also dot the downtown area, bringing character and color to the streetscape.
“Between the infrastructure projects, the city and the DDA’s investments and years of façade improvements, it’s amazing how much walking around downtown has increased,” Reynolds said. “Yes, we’ve seen a rise in tourism — but if the town didn’t look good or offer interesting experiences, they wouldn’t hang out.”
Interested business owners are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible as dumpster, parking lot and facade grant applications are due by 4 p.m. on June 10.
Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
“Every year or two, we try to expand or adapt the programs,” Reynolds said. “We listen to what business owners are saying they need, what they’re struggling with — and we try to be responsive. It’s about making ongoing investments back into the community.”
For help with the application process or to receive forms, contact Pat Sanderson at 906-3871110 or pat@algercountychamber. com.
Additional information on grant programs and the DDA’s mission can be found at munisingdowntown. com.
