US-131 communities share ideas to enhance downtowns

REGION – Generating potential ideas and possible solutions to the revitalization of downtown areas up and down the US-131 corridor – from Cadillac to Petoskey and beyond – was the focus of last Thursday’s “Regional Downtown Summit” held at All Seasons Resort in Kalkaska.

Attendees included community leaders, representatives from businesses and nonprofits, as well as interested residents and property owners.

Last week’s Summit – attended by 26 representatives from Cadillac, Fife Lake, Kalkaska and Mancelona – was hosted by the Explore 131 North Committee.

Explore 131 North is a grassroots project spearheaded by local government and community leaders along the US-131 corridor – including Cadillac, Manton, Fife Lake, Kalkaska, Mancelona, Boyne Valley, Walloon Lake and Petoskey. The group holds monthly meetings and the Aug. 16 gathering was the third “summit” hosted by the organization, with the overall effort to energize local economies dating back over three years.

According to organizers, the initiative arose out of the US-131 Economic Development Strategy, a collaborative approach that builds upon local and regional strengths to address important economic needs. Networks Northwest, a 10-county community development organization, is helping to facilitate the process.

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