Michigan Talent Partnership Program

The Michigan Talent Partnership Program (MTP) is a grant program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and supported by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The program invests state funding into public space development projects located in central city neighborhoods or concentrated districts designed to increase density, walkability, and vibrancy in Michigan's central cities to attract and retain talent and create business ownership opportunities for local residents.

Eligible applicants must form a consortium of entities that includes the local unit of government where the project funding will be expended, alongside local economic development organizations, nonprofits, business entities, or other partners. The consortium must designate a lead applicant or nonprofit entity to serve as fiduciary and project manager. Applications are restricted to specific cities identified in Section 528(13)(a)(i-iv) of Public Act 121 of 2024 based on federal decennial census population thresholds, as well as selected Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula cities with four-year public universities. Proposals require a formal letter of support from the local unit of government's chief administrator or executive.

Eligible projects must execute a local talent plan within a defined area such as a neighborhood, district, or corridor. Project activities can include planning, engineering, and assessments; community engagement; redevelopment of existing housing stock; conversion of commercial property into affordable housing; street and surface improvements supporting nonmotorized transit and walkability; ADA streetscaping; small business and entrepreneurship incubation; and public park or cultural arts amenities. Projects must provide at least a 50% non-state local or private match committed within twelve months prior to the adoption of Public Act 121 of 2024.

Applications were evaluated based on objective criteria including talent attraction potential, density, walkability, commercial activation, mixed-income housing, and project sustainability. Final awards are structured as performance-based grant agreements subject to milestone disbursements and reporting. The competitive funding round officially closed on September 26, 2025, and all available program funding has been allocated across six awarded community talent plans.