$1M investment helps 10 Michigan communities navigate industry transitions, prepare for future
LANSING, Mich. — The Community and Worker Economic Transition Office is announcing $1 million in grant awards through its Economic Transition Fund, supporting 10 Michigan communities participating in the Community Growth Academy. The $100,000 awards given to each community will be used to implement projects that strengthen local economies, build long-term resiliency and prepare regions experiencing industry transitions for future opportunities.
“Our Community and Worker Economic Transition Office is delivering real results to communities across the state including those who have been impacted by changes in the automotive and utility industries,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “The investment is helping communities prepare for their economic future in comprehensive ways like building career pathways, improving city infrastructure and building partnerships.”
The Community Growth Academy is an 18-month capacity-building program, providing community coalitions with technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, a full-time fellow and access to project funding. These resources help communities design and implement strategies tailored to local needs that foster long-term economic growth.
Participating communities in the academy’s inaugural cohort have achieved early, tangible progress with support from the Economic Transition Office. Highlights from projects receiving Economic Transition Fund awards include:
Detroit Future City: Implementing a “career pipeline” approach to expand Climate Tech and STEM workforce pathways in Detroit’s Black Bottom and lower east side neighborhoods.
“The Economic Transition Fund is an incredible opportunity for Detroit Future City to facilitate change in our community,” said Shari Williams, Director of Equitable Neighborhood Planning. “The fund has set us up to ensure that Detroit residents have access and pathways to tangible economic opportunities. This investment will allow us to strengthen partnerships and will advance economic, educational, and employment outcomes while ensuring that young people have access, exposure, and hands-on experience needed to participate in Michigan growing climate tech economy.”
Downriver Community Conference: The Jefferson Avenue Corridor Streetscape Implementation Plan evaluates current conditions, sets corridor priorities and outlines the improvements, costs, funding and framework needed to guide future design and construction.
“Through the Community Growth Academy, the leadership of our fellow, and now this investment from the Economic Transition Fund, we’ve been able to build tremendous capacity and momentum as a regional coalition,” said Jazmine Danci, Economic Development Administrator. “We are incredibly grateful for this support and excited to take the next step with the Jefferson Avenue Corridor Streetscape Implementation Plan. After years of bringing these communities together around a shared vision for the future, this project will help turn that vision into something tangible and create a foundation for investment along the corridor for years to come.”
100K Ideas (Flint): Address key barriers to economic mobility in Flint by improving access to startup capital, enhancing financial and digital literacy and connecting residents to workforce resources.
"The Economic Transition Fund is an amazing opportunity for us to build capacity for multiple organizations to enhance the work already being done across our community,” said Brandee Cooke-Brown, Executive Director. “Our goal is to pour into the already impactful projects happening in Flint and building on the existing momentum of our workforce development and small business programs."
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce: Coordinate outdoor recreation economic development strategy by launching a countywide recreation brand and marketing campaign and supporting outdoor-focused businesses through an accelerator program.
"Jackson County is a hidden gem with countless lakes, trails and other outdoor amenities that rival those found throughout the state,” said Ryan Tarrant, President & CEO. “Through the Economic Transition Fund grant, we are excited to accelerate our growth as a leader in outdoor recreation by supporting local entrepreneurs and showcasing these incredible assets."
Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development: Investment for downtown business in the Village of Romeo and creating an Industrial Feasibility Subarea Plan for communities in Macomb County.
"Macomb County is very grateful for the grant that was made available to us via the Transition Fund,” said John Culcasi, Project Manager. “It's allowed us to directly support and invest in our northern communities, the local businesses, the Village of Romeo DDA, and build relationships with stakeholders and community leaders. We are very hopeful that the impact of this project will be a sustainable and successful next chapter for us all."
Huron County Economic Development Corporation: Create Huron County’s first coordinated entrepreneurial ecosystem by building the infrastructure, partnerships and support systems needed for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to start, grow, and thrive.
"The strongest economies don't happen by chance. They're built by investing in people, businesses, and the systems that support them,” said Samantha Schnettler, Executive Director. “Through the Community Growth Academy Transition Fund, Huron County will strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting small businesses with technical assistance, mentorship, business cohorts, and practical resources that help them start, grow, and succeed. We're grateful to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for investing in the long-term vitality and resilience of our rural communities."
Lake County Economic Development Alliance: Develop branding marketing and organizational assets that position Lake County as a leading outdoor recreation and tourism destination.
“Our Transition Fund project will truly move Lake County’s scattered grassroots attempts to attract visitors to our area into a cohesive, far-reaching and effective effort that will significantly impact our core industry, said Jodi Nichols, Lake County Executive Development Alliance Executive Director through a partnership with The Right Place. “We are so grateful for this opportunity to develop these long-needed resources.”
Lake Superior Community Partnership: Strengthen outdoor recreation and regional economic development in Marquette and Delta Counties by creating a shared GIS mapping system, a public website to showcase recreation assets and investing in partnerships to advance cross‑county collaboration.
“Lake Superior Community Partnership is grateful to receive this award to strengthen promotion of outdoor recreation across Marquette and Delta Counties,” said Natalie Chmiko, Executive Director. “These funds will support development of a public-facing website that helps residents and visitors locate recreation opportunities, local businesses, amenities, and community assets. This project also creates new opportunities to deepen cross-county collaboration and regional partnerships that support economic growth across the Upper Peninsula.”
Middle Michigan Development Corporation: Accelerate investment in priority development sites across Isabella, Clare and Osceola counties by funding critical pre‑development activities that prepare projects for implementation.
“The Transition Fund is allowing us to invest in development readiness,” said Kati Mora, President and CEO of Middle Michigan Development Corporation. "By helping communities identify priority sites, understand their opportunities and barriers, and complete critical pre-development work, we’re creating a stronger pipeline of projects that can attract investment and generate long-term economic impact throughout Middle Michigan.”
Southwest Michigan First: Advance industrial and residential infrastructure projects by providing financial support for pre‑development and technical services that improve readiness for future development.
“Having high-quality, shovel-ready sites is critical to creating jobs and attracting new investments in our region,” said Jennifer Owens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First. “We’re grateful for the addition of a Community Growth Academy fellow to support our economic development efforts, as well as additional funding to advance the long-term growth and vitality of our smaller municipalities in Branch and St. Joseph Counties. Investments like these help strengthen industrial and residential sites and infrastructure, creating a stronger foundation for continued growth and opportunity in Southwest Michigan.”
The Economic Transition Office will launch the second Community Growth Academy cohort in 2027. Applications for host sites will open early next year, offering communities additional opportunities to shape their own economic futures, receive targeted support, and participate in a growing statewide network focused on local economic diversification and building durable partnerships. You can learn more about the academy and other ways the Economic Transition Office supports transition-impacted communities by watching this recently released video.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.
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