Michigan Picks 10 Groups for Economic Growth Program Kicking off October

Ten Michigan groups won spots in a fresh state program starting October 2025. The Community Growth Academy will run for 18 months, helping areas hit by car industry and power sector changes plan their next steps.

"The goal of the Community Growth Academy is to support a proactive strategy for economic growth in Michigan. We know that economic shifts are always occurring, and we want to make sure those shifts have a positive impact on our communities," said Community and Worker Economic Transition Office Director Jonathan Smith as reported by Michigan.gov.

Winners span the state's map. Flint's 100K Ideas made the cut, along with Detroit Future City. The Downriver Community Conference will work with five Wayne County towns. Groups from Huron, Jackson, and Lake counties also got picked, plus teams serving Delta, Marquette, Clare, Isabella, Osceola, Branch and Saint Joseph counties.

Each winner gets expert help and project money. A full-time helper joins each group to push new plans forward. Michigan's Community and Economic Development Association runs this part of the work.

The groups will test a new guide for towns in transition. Their input will shape the final version that goes to all Michigan communities later.

"We have seen great success in what communities can accomplish with additional capacity through our other fellowship programs," said Eddie Fakhoury, who leads the Community and Economic Development Association of Michigan.

Two local chiefs spoke up about joining. Jazmine Danci from the Downriver Community Conference talked about team efforts near the Detroit River. "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," Danci said.

Lake County's Tobi Lake backed the program's goals. "We look forward to the resources and partnerships to be gained through our participation in the Community Growth Academy and are so grateful to LEO and our partners who will serve on our local team," said Lake.

Want to help by becoming a community fellow? Sign up by October 22, 2025. Find forms on Michigan's Community and Economic Development Association site.