Why these 4 rural communities were named finalists in statewide placemaking competition

What’s happening: It’s Michigan’s rural communities that have earned the spotlight as finalists for the Michigan Municipal League’s 2025 Community Excellence Award, the League’s annual celebration of innovative placemaking projects happening throughout the state. Attendees of the League’s annual Convention will vote to select the winning community, which is scheduled to take place from Sept. 17–19 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.

Final four: This year’s finalists include the City of Hart and its HArt Project, a public art and community spirit initiative that leveraged 25 public art installations to spur economic development through a stronger sense of place; the City of Negaunee and its Downtown Enhancement Project, a wide-ranging beautification effort that reinvigorated their historic but neglected downtown; the Village of Milford and Central Park: The Heart of Milford, a $3.9 million renovation of an important park that connects downtown to the Southside district; and the Village of Roscommon for embracing its local bird populations, recently earning the first Bird City designation in Michigan while also having installed the state’s largest Kirtland’s Warbler sculpture.

Small but mighty: A total of 14 communities submitted their crowning achievements in placemaking, including cities with populations nearing the 100,000 mark, but it’s Michigan’s more rural communities that made it to the finals in this year’s competition. With a population of approximately 6,500 residents, the Village of Milford represents the largest community to be named a finalist.

What they’re saying: “The League is thrilled to recognize the amazing work happening in Michigan and would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s competition,” says League Board President and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie. “This year’s proposals come from small villages and large cities, with diverse populations and resource bases—not to mention both peninsulas. From downtown revitalization to attainable housing to public art, these are all meaningful projects that will uplift and enrich people’s lives. There is no such thing as ‘small’ placemaking; they all bring us one step closer towards healthier, happier, more thriving communities.”