LANSING, MI - On October 21, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $6.5 million award in funding to 27 municipalities and eight transit agencies as part of the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant (SSSG) program. The program supports quick-build projects led by incorporated cities and transit agencies that improve plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility and strengthened commerce.

"Today’s infrastructure investments will help dozens of communities across Michigan become more walkable, bike-friendly, and accessible to transit," said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have been fixing the damn roads, and we are now up to 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,600 bridges, supporting more than 89,000 jobs. But our work to upgrade infrastructure is also about making our cities and towns more livable and accessible to everyone with projects to promote road safety and connect neighborhoods together. Together, we will keep building up our infrastructure—of all kinds—and making our communities better places to live, work, and invest."    

This program is administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), in partnership with the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME).

Grant awards range from $35,000 to $200,000, funding projects that will reconceive streets for a variety of mobility options, including streetscape improvements, transit facilities, sidewalk infill programs, nonmotorized pathways, safety improvements and public spaces that provide improved access and a range of uses for all of us, no matter our age, ability or preferred ways of getting around.

SSSG Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 awards:

“Enhancing a city’s walkability enhances the community itself, enabling residents to better connect with neighbors, nature, and local businesses,” said state Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield). “I am thrilled that MDOT has chosen the City of Northville as an award recipient. Whether walking, running or biking, adding these pedestrian midblock crossings around the proposed Downs Development will be critical for residents to navigate their community with ease and safety.”   

"The Shared Streets and Spaces grant is a crucial investment in making communities like Jackson more accessible and connected," said state Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.). "The funding awarded to extend the MLK Jr. Equality Trail — Jackson’s most used non-motorized pathway — will help residents walk or bike more safely and easily to work, school, and other key destinations like the MLK Rec Center and downtown. This project is a great example of how state support can improve Michiganders' quality of life by creating vibrant, inclusive public spaces that everyone can enjoy."; 

“Improving public transit makes communities safer and more attractive for workers, shoppers, and visitors,” said state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City). "Investing in Saginaw’s transit amenities is key to our future population growth, and will provide a better experience for current residents as they travel to work, school, or anywhere else.”

“I’m thrilled to see this investment being made in our Southwest Michigan community to make our streets safer for bikers and pedestrians,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “This funding will allow us to enhance public transportation, improve accessibility and promote environmentally sustainable practices in Benton Harbor and Bridgman. This is a fantastic step in the right direction to achieving stronger community relations where everyone has access to safe, efficient transportation.” 

“This is great news for residents of Battle Creek and Springfield and will improve our mass transit systems,” said state Representative Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “In Springfield, riders will see major improvements at Upton and 26th Street with the Public Space Connector Project. Additionally, Battle Creek riders will soon have solar powered, interactive displays at major stops that will provide real-time schedules and route information.”

“I am ecstatic the city of Northville was chosen to receive these investments,” said state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “Securing this grant not only implements three needed pedestrian walks near the Downs Development, but it also ensures our community is connected and better accessible through these walkways. One of the pedestrian crosswalks will connect Hines Park Trail with the River Park Trail; this will get more people outdoors and linked to our city’s local amenities.”

"The League of Michigan Bicyclists is proud to have helped secure funding for the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant program," said John Lindenmayer, executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. "We appreciate MDOT's leadership with this exciting new program and are honored to have been involved with the inaugural round of grants. The SSSG program is a unique, new opportunity for the state to provide much needed funding to improve the bike ability of communities across the state. These projects will improve bike safety and encourage more people to ride for transportation and recreation."

MDOT Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 budgets include a total of $6.5 million intended to make communities more walkable, bikeable and transit- and micromobility-friendly. The SSSG program was highly competitive, with the program receiving 69 complete (and all outstanding) applications requesting $12.8 million in funds.   

Application reviewers consisted of representatives from MDOT, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) regional prosperity team, OFME, Michigan Main Street, the Michigan Infrastructure Office, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the League of Michigan Bicyclists, the Michigan Association of Planning, and the Michigan Municipal League. The following elements were considered in scoring the applications: project innovation; level of coordination; equity target areas and populations; ease and readiness of projects; consistency with local, regional, and state plans; public engagement efforts; diversity of project type; and geographic distribution across the state.  

Any questions about the SSSG program should be submitted to [email protected].