Michigan Main Street Program

In July 2008, Rogers City was named as an Associate with the Michigan Main Street Program (www.michigan.gov/mshda/mainstreet). Our new designation gives Rogers City a good chance to become a recognized Main Street community with all the benefits, priviledges, and economic opportunities associated with that status. Currently, recognized Michigan Main Street communities include Boyne City, Calumet, Marshall, Portland, Clare, Muskegon, Niles, Grand Haven, Howell, Iron Mountain, Old Town Lansing, Scottville, and Manistee.

Being a "Main Street" city is not merely a bragging right. During 2008, the 13 cities listed above experienced over $9,000,000 of new private investment. Since 2003, these cities had over $35,000,000 of new private investment. Main Street works!

As an Main Street Associate we are entitled to free training and expert advice on ways to make Rogers City's downtown more successful. With the additional prospect of Wolverine's proposed Clean Energy Venture, Rogers City has an unprecedented opportunity. Right now, we have a real chance to make our downtown something lost four decades ago--a vibrant, successful center of community life!

Some say, "the economy is terrible." Some say, "the downtown is failing." Some say, "it will never happen." In response, we say, "it is darkest before the dawn." We say, "the history of the city is strong." We say, "we can make it happen." It may take some time, but we will turn this around.

"Main Street" is not a project, it is not a grant--it is a proven method. The key to this method is citizen involvment. Rogers City is your downtown; what do you want it to become? If you care, Rogers City is looking for you! Now is the time to get involved.

We need community volunteers to help in four area: design, promotion, organization, and business development. We need all sorts of helpers: people who will show up, listen, and share; we need young people and older people; people who like to make things; people who like to decorate or design, people who like to work in a committee and people who don't, people who are good with numbers and people who are not, and people who want to lead us to success.

The City will provide you with training and a group of like-minded friends with whom you will work. Our only goal is to make a better downtown. There is no deadline, no due-date, and no fee. There is no political agenda here--only our community. You don't have to be a long-time resident. You don't have to be a full-year resident. You don't even have to be a resident. You don't have to pass any test or have a degree. You can give as much or as little time and energy as you want. Nobody will critique you; we will work together.


If you are interested, please contact Mark Slown at City Hall, 734-2191 or mslown@rogerscity.com