Downtown Professionals Network (DPN) was retained by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Clare to facilitate the 2005 Michigan Main Street Market Studies project for the  communities of Clare, Muskegon and Niles, Michigan.

The keys to improving the economic performance and residential appeal of the traditional downtown business district in communities like Clare, Muskegon and Niles, in large part, will ultimately lie in the development and implementation of market driven Main Street Area business development, housing development and marketing strategies.

The market studies performed for the Clare, Muskegon and Niles Main Street Programs:

• Provide direction and help to establish market-based priorities for Main Street committee projects and activities

• Establish benchmarks and systems for tracking economic data, trends and progress

• Identify areas of economic strength and opportunities for business retention, expansion and recruitment

• Gauge the appeal of the downtown among various consumer segments and identify marketing strategies to attract key audiences

• Identify and lend support for possible business assistance programs and economic development initiatives 

• Outline strategies to target and pursue investors and prospects for business expansion and recruitment

• Promote concepts for the development of downtown area housing of various styles

• Document and build a case for possible downtown redevelopment and revitalization strategies

DPN worked closely with Main Street Program officials, community leaders and businesses in each community to identify trends and to capitalize on emerging economic opportunities. A “First Steps” implementation strategy developed as part of each study is providing a framework for the immediate and ongoing implementation of actions and projects.

2005 Michigan Main Street Program Market Studies Project