Hamtramck Joins Michigan Main Street Program for Downtown Revitalization

Hamtramck Steps Up: Joins Michigan Main Street’s Elite Select Level

LANSING, Mich. – In an exciting development for the city, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has revealed that Hamtramck has been chosen by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to participate at the Select Level of the Michigan Main Street (MMS) program.

This inclusion means that Hamtramck will benefit from five years of focused technical support from MEDC, aimed at implementing revitalization strategies. These efforts are intended to invigorate the local economy by attracting new retail ventures and organizing events that celebrate the cultural and historical richness of this unique Southeast Michigan community.

Governor Whitmer emphasized, “Michigan’s main streets create jobs, grow small businesses, and make our communities vibrant places to live, work, and play.” She added that the initiative is part of a broader placemaking strategy designed to create well-paying jobs and enhance neighborhood strength. “Congratulations to Hamtramck on their Select Level designation. Let’s keep working together to help more families and small businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

The MMS program aims to leverage existing infrastructure to foster small business growth, increase foot traffic, and cultivate community pride. This initiative empowers local leaders to tailor economic development strategies that best suit their community’s needs.

“Built ‘the right way’ in the 1910s and 1920s, the Jos. Campau corridor is a place that’s too good to fake, and probably too costly to ever build again,” stated Milo Madole, board chair for the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority (DDA). He praised the street as a quintessentially American thoroughfare that has stayed true to its roots, despite challenges. He expressed excitement about partnering with MEDC for the next chapter of Hamtramck’s downtown revitalization.

Hamtramck joins 22 other districts already enjoying the benefits of the Main Street program. For a detailed map of current Michigan Main Street communities, visit here.

Michele Wildman, MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness, commented, “The MEDC is pleased to support communities across Michigan and invest in their resilience as part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy’s placemaking efforts, developing downtowns and commercial districts to grow vibrant, unique places.”

Isabel Allaway, Hamtramck’s Community & Economic Development manager/DDA director, expressed honor at the designation, stating, “Through the leadership of our DDA and City, we will fully leverage this opportunity to usher in a new era of investment, beautification, and long-term stability.”

In the past year alone, MMS communities have seen over $9.1 million in private investments, 93 new businesses, and 83 building improvements. Since its inception in 2003, the program has been instrumental in creating significant economic growth and community engagement across Michigan.

For more information about the Michigan Main Street program, visit here. To learn more about MEDC’s community development programs, visit here.