LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation aimed at helping reinvigorate downtowns across the state. Bills signed this week let downtown development authorities operate retail incubators. Incubators are places that house several businesses sharing common costs and equipment such as copying machines and receptionists.
The new laws also allow loans and tax breaks to improve downtown buildings. They encourage the Natural Resources Trust Fund board to give extra consideration to trails that intersect downtowns when determining funding priorities.
Supporters say retail incubators improve a community's image and increase businesses' access to capital.
Jim Bohannon
