Crowdfunding campaign for “The Electric City Project” launched in Sturgis

Goal: $50,000 to receive a grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. – The City of Sturgis will activate several new public spaces in downtown Sturgis and honor its history as the Electric City through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Sturgis Downtown Development Authority announced the campaign today, which will be offered through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by August 12, the project will receive a grant from MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program funds. For more information about the project and to donate, visit: patronicity.com/electriccity.

“The Electric City project will create a permanent identity for Sturgis and create multiple gathering spaces within the downtown corridor,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz“We are pleased to support and resource this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

The city of Sturgis has proudly borne the nickname “Electric City” since 1896, which is due to the establishment of its municipal power plant. This name gained significance in 1911 with the commissioning of the hydroelectric plant, which ensured a sustainable and reliable power supply. This central infrastructure underlined the self-reliance of the community and promoted its growth and prosperity in the years that followed.

The DDA consulted with the community and concluded that Sturgis needed to preserve this historic name while creating more space to attract people to the incredible downtown. This resulted in the Electric City Project, which includes lighting downtown, a new food truck park, the creation of Electric Alley, and the completion of an interactive website for the DDA and public use. This project will help the public develop an understanding of Sturgis’ rich history and generate more interest in the downtown community and local businesses.

“The goal of the DDA has always been to increase the vibrancy and business activity in our downtown. Illuminating the skyline of our downtown buildings has been a vision for years, but without the necessary financial support, the idea remained dormant,” said Melvin Camburn, Chairman of the Sturgis DDA“Over the past 18 months, DDA board members have worked passionately with building and business owners to reignite the enthusiasm and support to bring this project to life.”

“We realised that some buildings could not financially support the project on their own, and that’s where the grant from Public Spaces Community Places came to our aid,” said Andrew Kuk, City Administrator of Sturgis. “This generous $50,000 grant closes the gap for buildings that need additional support. Additionally, we incorporated the food truck and Electric Alley to add a dynamic placemaking element and ensure the city is activating more than just the skyline with this project.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a joint initiative between MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity where local residents can use crowdfunding to help develop strategic projects in their communities and receive a matching grant from MEDC. Municipalities, nonprofits and other businesses can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“From new lighting to a new food truck park, these improvements in downtown Sturgis will help members of the community and beyond come together and connect,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League“This is just one example of what is possible when supporting downtowns and local businesses is a priority. These are the projects our communities need as we work to create thriving communities.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative began in 2014 with MEDC providing up to $50,000 in grants to community improvement projects across Michigan. As of June 26, 2024, MEDC has provided over $12.9 million in grants. Since the program’s launch, 381 projects have met their goal, with more than $14.7 million raised from 71,086 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in meeting their goals and securing grants.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and leading advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with a focus on Michigan’s economic growth. For more information about the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your journey begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn and On twitter.