The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to expand the city's downtown bumpout project.

The Front Street Bumpout Redesign, intended to "create a more walkable and bike-friendly downtown for all to enjoy," redesigns bumpout areas near crosswalks to feature new landscaping, seating, bike parking and buffers between vehicle traffic and pedestrians. The first project was installed in front of Green House Cafe on Front Street. The DDA hopes to install a second redesigned bumpout by the clock in front of Robert Frost Fine Footwear on Front Street.

Through its Public Spaces Community Places initiative, the MEDC is offering communities an opportunity to submit their public improvement projects for an online donation campaign. Select projects meeting the fundraising goals can receive a matching grant from the MEDC of up to $100,000. The DDA is hoping to raise $7,500 through community donations now through November 22 for the bumpout expansion, then apply to the MEDC for a matching grant. The total cost of the project is expected to cost between $30,000-$40,000; the DDA would provide the remaining funds for the project.

"If we go over $7,500, we'll apply for a match for whatever that amount is," says DDA Deputy & Marketing Director Colleen Paveglio. "If we're under, we still get to keep the funds and will apply for a match for that amount. It's a new concept, so we wanted to set a (reasonable) goal."

To sweeten the deal, the DDA is offering an entry into a drawing for a downtown shopping spree for every $10 donated (so a $100 donation would net 10 entries). The organization will also offer other prizes throughout the campaign for donors. To donate, or for more details, click here.