LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Communities across Michigan that have been impacted by shifts in the auto and utility industries now have a new opportunity to plan for long-term growth. The Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office is accepting applications for the Community Growth Academy, an 18-month program that lets local leaders pilot the state’s Community Transition Playbook.
The playbook is designed to guide communities through economic disruptions, providing tools to turn ideas into actionable strategies for growth and resilience. Selected communities will receive technical assistance, competitive grant funding, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and a full-time fellow to help implement locally tailored strategies.
Jonathan Smith, director of the Transition Office, emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the playbook. “Having communities take this playbook and use it in their own area is going to give us great feedback to perfect the product before we make it available statewide,” Smith said.
Applications are open to municipal governments, nonprofits, regional planning and economic development agencies, tribal organizations, and other community-serving groups. The office encourages coalitions that reflect diverse industries and geographies.
The application portal closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 11th, and interested communities can find more information and apply at michigan.gov/economicopportunity.
