MICHIGAN — The Michigan Municipal League has named four finalists for the 2025 Community Excellence Award: the cities of Hart and Negaunee, and the villages of Milford and Roscommon.
The award, launched in 2007, honors innovative placemaking projects across Michigan. Finalists are chosen by a voting panel and will compete at the League’s annual convention Sept. 17–19 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. Attendees will vote for their favorite project, with the winner announced during the convention’s closing general session. The winning community receives a trophy and a year of bragging rights.
This year’s finalists are:
“The League is thrilled to recognize the amazing work happening in Michigan and would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s competition,” said league board president and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Don Gerrie.
“This year’s proposals come from small villages and large cities, with diverse populations and resource bases — not to mention both peninsulas. From downtown revitalization to attainable housing to public art, these are all meaningful projects that will uplift and enrich people’s lives. There is no such thing as ‘small’ placemaking; they all bring us one step closer to healthier, happier, more thriving communities.”
Finalist project highlights
Roscommon: As Michigan’s first Bird City community, Roscommon installed the state’s largest Kirtland’s Warbler sculpture to symbolize resilience and environmental stewardship. The public art project honors the rare regional songbird, attracts birders worldwide, and anchors the annual Kirtland’s Warbler Festival. More than 200 residents, businesses, nonprofits and volunteers contributed, raising funds through Patronicity with a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The initiative boosts tourism, supports local businesses and strengthens conservation partnerships with Gahagan Nature Preserve and the Roscommon Area Recreation Authority.
- Negaunee: The Downtown Enhancement Project revitalized a neglected core by pairing water infrastructure upgrades with placemaking, streetscape improvements and historic preservation. The city created plazas, green spaces and pedestrian-friendly amenities that honor its iron mining heritage. Gathering spots, bike facilities and accessible spaces foster community engagement and tourism. The project has spurred business investment, improved public health and promoted sustainability, positioning downtown as a hub for recreation, culture and commerce.
The League received entries from 14 communities: Big Rapids, Birmingham, Douglas, Hart, Mount Pleasant, Milford, Negaunee, Portage, Roscommon, Southfield, Sparta, Westland, Wyandotte and Ypsilanti.
“We’re incredibly thankful to (the) communities who submitted projects for this year’s awards,” said Heather Elliott, the league’s member experience coordinator.
“Each submission reflects a deep commitment to their community. We also want to recognize and thank our panel of judges for their thoughtful review. It isn’t easy to choose when everyone is doing such amazing work.
“A special congratulations to our four finalist communities. Your projects showcase the kind of creativity and impact that moves Michigan forward. We’re excited to celebrate and share more about your work in the months ahead.”
