Doing Business

Economic Development

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Business Development in Kingsley

Economic Development Despite Kingsley's well-earned reputation as a phenomenal bedroom community, boasting amenities such as an excellent school system, restaurants, a brewery, a youth/senior center, a library, six parks, various healthcare facilities, and downtown shopping boutiques have led local government leaders to believe that residents prefer to shop and conduct business locally. Guided by this insight, several measures have recently been instituted to enhance Kingsley's business climate.

In 2018, the monthly "Business Coffee" was established, successfully bringing together leaders from the business, school, and faith communities to benefit the local economy. That same year, the Kingsley Downtown Development Authority intensified efforts to incentivize business growth by forming the Kingsley Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Additionally, initiatives to improve downtown's appearance and activity included supporting the Kingsley Beautification Committee, launching the annual "Christmas in Kingsley" festival, and initiating the heritage preservation building mural project.

In 2019, the Village of Kingsley is set to join the regional economic development organization Traverse Connect, based in Traverse City. The Village also became engaged with the Redevelopment Ready program through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. We intend to become certified at the end of 2025 which will aid in the type, size, and location of development Kingsley would like to see. In 2022, the Downtown Development Authority entered into a Redevelopment Agreement with the Grand Traverse County Landbank to redevelop several vital parcels in the heart of downtown Kingsley formerly known as John’s Auto and Autotech. The Kingsley Farmer’s Market was revamped in 2022 and is traditionally held in Brownson Park during the summer months on Wednesday nights.

In 2023, the Village secured, constructed, or is preparing to construct over 3.7 million dollars in grant projects related to Brownson Memorial Park, S. Brownson Avenue Reconstruction, Lead Service Line replacements, and 4-inch to 8-inch water main upgrades. In 2024, the Village is participating in Grand Traverse County-wide economic development conversations to work with our neighbors in ways that benefit our residents. Ultimately, it is the people of Kingsley who make the future of local business bright. In Kingsley, "buy local" is not just a slogan—it's a way of life.