Grand Haven officials are looking ahead to a spring construction project aimed at improving Washington Avenue in Centertown. The project is the result of a $750,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and a $250,000 city match from the city's water, sewer and street funds.

The loan committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation recommended approval of a $300,000 revolving loan for the redevelopment project in Coldwater, along with a $400,000 grant upon successful completion of applications.

This monthly release from Hilliard Lyons provides municipal commentary comparing general obligation (GO) and revenue bonds.

The city of Detroit's effort to declare some of its GO bonds as unsecured debt will be challenged in bankruptcy court Wednesday in what could be a precedent-setting turn in the largest-ever municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The issue is whether a pledge of Detroit tax revenue to pay off the voter-approved bond issues is a binding obligation under Michigan law or merely a promise.

Board members unanimously approved the program, which provides financial options for energy projects for commercial, industrial and multifamily properties. Within PACE districts, owners can finance efficiency upgrades and on-site renewable generation through their property tax bill.

Saginaw's city and county governments have resolved to demolish 950 vacant, dilapidated homes in the city and along its borders to help downsize the city's housing stock to fit its population.

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Access to Capital tools have come a long way in Michigan in the last decade. This presentation by Greg Nicholas with Great Lakes Capital Fund reviews the loan funds and programs available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Michigan Saves offers programs for Home Energy Loans, Business Energy Financing and Public Sector Energy Financing. Mary Templeton presents details over these programs and the process by which to apply.

Many strategies to deal with brownfield sites, such as TIFs, grants, loans and tax credits are discussed in this presentation by Anne Jamieson with AKT Peerless. Various case studies demonstrate the ways in which different capital stacks can be created to get a project moving.

The basics of bonds, including the Projects, the Players, and the Law, are covered here in a presentation by John Kamins with Foster Swift. His layout of the deals can be helpful for someone new to the bond world.

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