Gaylord Selected for Michigan Main Street Program’s Select Level

Gaylord Joins Michigan Main Street’s Select Level for Community Revitalization

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have announced that the city of Gaylord has been chosen to participate in the Select Level of the Michigan Main Street (MMS) program.

Through this prestigious selection, Gaylord will benefit from five years of intensive technical assistance from the MEDC. The focus will be on revitalization strategies that aim to invigorate the area with new retail businesses and community events, fostering pride and activity in this Northern Michigan locale.

“Across Michigan, our historic investments in revitalization and placemaking are helping build more vibrant communities and bustling main streets where people want to live, work, and raise their families,” said Gov. Whitmer. “With the support of the Main Street program and the MEDC, we will continue to transform the downtowns and commercial districts throughout Michigan. Congratulations to Gaylord on their Select Level designation.”

The MMS program is designed to enhance existing infrastructure within districts to bolster vibrancy and strengthen community identity. By empowering local leaders, the program helps guide economic development efforts that support small businesses, attract more visitors, and enhance the built environment.

Gaylord joins 23 other districts already participating in the MMS program. For a map of the current MMS communities, visit here.

“The MEDC is pleased to support communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience as part of our economic strategy’s placemaking efforts, developing downtowns and commercial districts to grow vibrant, unique places,” said MEDC SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “Programs like Michigan Main Street provide communities with the tools needed to create jobs, cultivate community investment, and build a sense of place for Michigan residents. We look forward to seeing how the Gaylord community grows over the next five years.”

DDA Executive Director Lisa Marie Tobin expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “Downtown Gaylord is the heart of our community, reflecting the pride, history, and shared vision that continues to shape its future. We are deeply honored to be selected to join the Main Street Select Level program.”

The MMS program has proven its effectiveness over the years, generating over $9.1 million in private investment, supporting 93 new businesses, and facilitating 83 improvements in building facades in just the past year. Since its inception in 2003, the program has been a catalyst for job creation and community engagement, with over $165 million in public investment and $482 million in private investment, accompanied by 29,220 volunteer hours recorded in 2025 alone.

Lori Lancaster, Gaylord DDA chair, emphasized the importance of downtown revitalization: “By supporting local businesses, attracting new investment and jobs, preserving our historic character, and enhancing the heart of our community, we can create a vibrant downtown that benefits residents, visitors, and future generations alike.”

City Manager Kim Awrey and Mayor Todd Sharrard also highlighted the significance of this achievement for the community, noting the dedication of the Downtown Development Authority and the potential for continued economic growth and vibrancy in Gaylord.