Downtown Beautification and Community Collaboration with America in Bloom

We are excited and proud to announce that Ortonville has received the 2026 America in Bloom “Bloom Equity” Award, a national recognition of the work happening throughout our community! 

America in Bloom is a national nonprofit program that helps communities improve their appearance, quality of life, environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and civic pride. Participating communities are evaluated by trained advisors who visit, assess local strengths and opportunities, and provide recommendations for future improvements. 

Our participation in America in Bloom is an important part of the DDA’s larger streetscape and Downtown Beautification plan—helping us take a thoughtful look at our public spaces, landscaping, gateways, historic character, environmental efforts, community vitality, and the overall experience of Downtown Ortonville.

Earlier this year, America in Bloom advisors spent two days touring Ortonville, meeting with local leaders and community partners, and learning about the many projects and organizations that contribute to our community. Their evaluation will also provide recommendations we can incorporate into future downtown improvements.

One theme that continues to stand out whenever Ortonville is evaluated by outside organizations is something we are especially proud of: the extraordinary level of collaboration within our community.

The DDA rarely works alone. Our projects regularly bring together the Village, Township, DPW, Parks & Recreation, Historical Society, schools, library, local businesses, nonprofits, volunteers and residents. That willingness to share resources, ideas and effort is frequently recognized as one of Ortonville’s greatest strengths—and it allows a small community like ours to accomplish some pretty big things.

America in Bloom fits directly into that approach. It gives us another set of expert eyes, new ideas, and a national network of communities to learn from as we continue implementing our broader vision for a more attractive, welcoming, walkable, and vibrant downtown.

The award is wonderful recognition—but even more valuable is what we are learning through the process and how we can use it to help shape the next chapter of Downtown Ortonville.