The Michigan Community and Worker Economic Transition Office has created the Community Growth Academy to support local economies as the auto and utility sectors undergo changes. Starting in October, the program will begin with its first group of 10 organizations, which will receive resources to help strengthen their communities, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The Michigan Community and Worker Economic Transition Office has launched an 18-month program that gives participating organizations access to a full-time fellow, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities. The program is supported by the Community and Economic Development Association of Michigan, and a draft Community Transition Playbook will be used by members and later refined for wider use, as reported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Organizations including 100K Ideas in Flint, Detroit Future City, and the Downriver Community Conference have been selected for a new cohort to support Michigan’s transitioning communities, covering Wayne County cities such as River Rouge and Ecorse. Jazmine Danci of the Downriver Community Conference said, "This opportunity allows us to build on our work with five cities facing transition along the Detroit River, now as part of a dynamic cohort." Tobi Lake of the Lake County Economic Development Alliance noted the benefit of added resources and partnerships. Applications for community fellows are open until October 22 on the Transition Office website, as stated by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
