Granholm signs measures to help Michigan downtowns

Detroit Free Press

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a package of bills Thursday that is expected to give local officials new tools to help attract business to revitalize downtowns.

"Vibrant downtowns, both large and small, are vital to a prosperous future for Michigan,” Granholm said. Creating opportunities for new entrepreneurs, she added will allow downtowns to attract young professionals and revitalize retail and housing development.

Among other things, the new laws amend existing statutes to:

• Allow local downtown development authorities (DDA) to operate retail business incubators.