LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is accepting applications for a new program aimed at improving neighborhoods near downtowns and other business districts.

The state authority says it will take applications until March 22 from neighborhood associations within a half-mile of a downtown or approved commercial district. The program called MI Neighborhood provides no direct money but offers technical assistance and guidance about available resources.

Officials say goals include increasing the taxable value of homes and resident volunteer hours, and decreasing crime, foreclosure rates and vacancies.

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Online:

http://www.michigan.gov/mshda