Since 2004, Downtown Professionals Network (DPN) has been retained by the Michigan Main Street Program and participating communities to provide market analysis and strategic planning services for the communities of: 

• Boyne City

• Calumet

• Clare

• Iron Mountain

• Ishpeming

• Lansing - Downtown

• Lansing - Old Town

• Marshall

• Midland

• Muskegon

• Niles

The keys to improving the economic performance and residential appeal of Michigan's Main Street districts,  in large part, will ultimately lie in the development and implementation of market driven business development, housing development and marketing strategies. The market studies performed for Michigan Main Street communities:

• 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.

Michigan Main Street Program Market Study Services