6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Eastern
This is the second in a series of presentations coming to Portland, all designed to help our community move toward a shared goal: a unified city, proud of its downtown, with a level of vibrancy that’s felt well beyond our core. You're welcome to attend one, all, or any that interest you.
Please join us for this interactive workshop, hosted at City Hall in the Upstairs Community Room.
Wednesday, March 11 — Preservation Forward with Jessica Flores, national presenter to historic downtowns.
This session focuses on transforming stalled historic properties into true catalysts for downtown revitalization. Jessica cuts through the confusion and zeroes in on what actually works—offering practical insight, proven strategies, and clear next steps.
What you'll get:
- Federal and state tax credit programs that can cover 20-45% of rehabilitation costs
- How to streamline review processes and avoid the delays that frustrate everyone
- Façade improvement programs and grant opportunities available now
- Strategies for setting higher standards that elevate the entire district
- Case studies of buildings transformed from eyesores to economic engines
Who should attend (besides you)?
Boards and commissions, City Council, City staff, business owners, property owners, and anyone who cares deeply about Portland and the future of its downtown. Whether you're a property owner weighing your options, a business leader invested in downtown vitality, or a community stakeholder tired of watching buildings sit empty, this session offers actionable guidance for making historic rehabilitation work—financially and practically.
Let's turn barriers into opportunities and accelerate your downtown's transformation.
Roll up your sleeves and join others who genuinely care about Portland and who are ready to find out if they can contribute to making us even better.Last Presentation:
April - Date to be announced - Team Rogers City comes to Positively Portland to share best practices that changed their fading downtown into a vibrant hub year round. Mayor Scott will energetically lead the way!
Portland City Hall - Upstairs
259 Kent Street
City Hall
Portland, MI 48875
UNITED STATES
Click here for Google Maps
(phone: 5176475027)
| 3/11/2026 |    |