Communities First, Inc. to receive one-to-one matching grant through MEDC’s Public Community Places Initiative
Flint, MI – Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is getting ready to transform a former flower shop and blighted lot into a dynamic, engaging community destination in Flint’s Grand Traverse Neighborhood. Focusing on food, music and fun, Foodie Commons @ the Flower Shop will offer a food truck park, event space complete with an outdoor stage, an open green space and covered seating. Foodie Commons @ the Flower Shop will also host technical assistance and resource support for small businesses alongside engaging programs and events like public artistic performances, efforts focused on cross-cultural exploration and ongoing activities like lawn games and open space for play and recreation.
To realize this vision and develop an important community amenity, Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is excited to be a part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Public Spaces Community Places Initiative. As a part of the PSCP initiative, CFI is racing to reach its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by February 15, 2022. Once the campaign hits its goal, Foodie Commons will receive a one-to-one matching grant from the MEDC, bringing the total funds raised for the Flint community to $100,000. For project details and to donate, please visit: www.patronicity.com/foodiecommons
“This project will transform a vacant building into an exciting community asset where community members can gather and small businesses can grow,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development, Michele Wildman.
“We are pleased to support and provide resources for the Foodie Commons project through our Public Spaces Community Places program,” Wildman added.
Foodie Commons will address the critical need for green spaces in the city for families to recreate, improve access to healthy foods, foster a supportive environment for small business owners and create a community meeting place.
“We’re excited to be a part of the Public Spaces Community Places program and that the MEDC sees Foodie Commons @ the Flower Shop as an important investment in Flint,” said Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc.
“Every donation to this project matters, and once we hit our goal, the MEDC with match every contribution dollar for dollar up to $50,000,” Wilson added. “With support from the community, we’re confident we’ll be able to transform this blighted site into a community destination.”
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC.
“The Michigan Municipal League is a firm believer in building community wealth in ways that enhance the human experience for everyone,” said Dan Gilmartin, the League’s CEO and executive director.
“This Foodie Commons plan in Flint that takes a vacant lot and makes it into a vibrant community space for the benefit of all is community wealth building in action,” Gilmartin added. “With the backing of Flint supporters, this space will improve the human experience for everyone for years to come.”
