The state is working to boost economic opportunities for Michiganders in rural areas of the state. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed an executive directive to establish the Office of Rural Development within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). 

The office will focus on providing guidance on issues in rural Michigan and offer insight on how the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration can invest in these communities. 

"Rural Michigan is a fundamental part of Michigan's economy," Whitmer said in a press release. "By creating the Office of Rural Development, we are recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in our rural communities and implementing policies and making investments to put Michiganders first. This new office will play a crucial role in supporting MDARD's efforts and leading new ones as we all work together to build a more prosperous rural economy." 

The Office of Rural Development’s responsibilities will include:

•    Collaborating with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other stakeholders on rural economic development. 

•    Collaborating with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to facilitate rural affordable housing development. 

•    Promoting sustainability, environmental preservation and green energy development. 

•    Addressing the ramifications of population and demographic trends in rural Michigan. 

•    Analyzing and providing guidance on education-related issues affecting rural communities.

•    Collaborating with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office to facilitate expansion of high-speed internet connections in rural communities. 

•    Coordinating with tribal leaders in this state on issues facing rural Michigan. 

Sharon Mortensen, president and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation told CMF that the foundation is pleased to see that the voices of rural residents will be elevated through the Office of Rural Development.

“The issues that rural communities face including economic development, affordable housing, education, talent attraction and retention, and high-speed internet will be elevated through this office. We are excited to see the development of more public/private/philanthropic partnerships to build greater opportunity and prosperity in our rural communities,” Mortensen said.

Bonnie Gettys, president and CEO of the Barry Community Foundation and chair of Rural Partners of Michigan (RPM) believes the office can support the work RPM is leading.

“RPM’s mission is to connect and educate community leaders, provide expertise and advocate for policy and projects to impact rural Michigan,” Gettys told CMF. “This office can bridge the work that will increase economic and social opportunities for rural citizens and increase rural communities’ viability with private, public and philanthropic partnerships in a very cohesive way.” 

Midland Area Community Foundation, Barry Community Foundation and many other rural serving foundations across the state are deeply engaged in work around the areas of housing, economic development, bridging the digital divide and much more.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County is a part of a collaborative effort with the goal of improving housing, education, recreation and more. The Marquette County 2040 Master Plan includes 10 goals and 100 strategies to guide the county into 2040 and address challenges faced by the community. 

In St. Joseph County, Sturgis Area Community Foundation and their partners have worked to address housing needs through the Sturgis Neighborhood Program (SNP). SNP was formed in 1991 and has since completed nearly 60 projects including home renovations and blight elimination aimed at improving Sturgis neighborhoods.

Pennies from Heaven Foundation and United Way of Mason County teamed up to support workforce development through the Lakeshore Employer Resource Network of Mason County, aimed at breaking down barriers for employees to be successful in the workplace.

According to the state’s press release, a new senior leader at MDARD will run the office and be the state's point of contact for community leaders on urgent rural issues. 

Want more?

Read the state’s full press release.

Learn more about CMF’s Rural Philanthropy Affinity Group. 

Learn more about the Strugis Neighborhood Program and Lakeshore Employer Resource Network featured in CMF’s 2019 rural philanthropy video series.