Benton Harbor is one of seven communities taking part in the Downtowns of Promise program.
The program will create a strategy for revitalizing the city's traditional downtown. Goals will be set and progress monitored as part of the program.
"The goal of the Downtowns of Promise program is to ensure these Michigan communities have attractive downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood districts to live, raise a family and to start and grow a business," Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), says.
"In order for the state's overall economy to succeed, its traditional downtowns and neighborhoods must gain population, generate business and attract private investment."
The Downtowns of Promise program was created by the state as a way to assist with downtown housing development, build strong neighborhoods and help shape cities into places where people want to spend their working hours and free time.
MSHDA's programs focus primarily on four areas: providing affordable rental housing, supporting home ownership, ending homelessness and creating vibrant cities and neighborhoods overall.
The six other Downtowns of Promise are: Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Muskegon Heights and Saginaw.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority
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