Discovering and applying new and innovative economic development tools, models, policies, and programs
Creating Jobs and Wealth in Distressed Michigan Communities
Jon Willow
Willow’s fellowship aims to analyze the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to address critical challenges in coalition building and organizational collaboration, with a specific use-case focus on the Michigan Highspeed Internet (MIHI) office’s Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology, and Equity Network (MITTEN) regions. The primary objective is to develop an in-depth understanding of how AI technologies might mitigate administrative burdens, enhance inter-organizational collaboration and potentially reduce professional burnout. While the Fellow will be centered around broadband coalition building, she anticipates that outcomes would readily apply to any similar coalition work.
Robert Carson, AICP & Zachary Vega, AICP
The project proposal focuses on evaluating Michigan's Act 425, the Conditional Land Transfer Act, which allows municipalities to transfer property for economic development. The researchers aim to update and analyze the use of these agreements, particularly in rural areas, as a tool for addressing the state’s housing and infrastructure needs. Act 425 agreements are presented as a more feasible alternative to annexations, enabling municipalities to expand infrastructure and collaborate on development in a cost-effective and regionally focused way.
The researchers will analyze state databases and conduct interviews with local leaders in rural areas, specifically those in Opportunity Zones, to gather data on the benefits and drawbacks of Act 425 agreements compared to annexations. The project will produce a detailed analysis, including case studies and recommendations, to inform the use of these agreements in promoting housing and infrastructure development.
Laura Sigmon
The BuyFlint Initiative aims to strengthen Flint's local economy by connecting small businesses and microenterprises with procurement opportunities from larger corporations and public institutions. This initiative focuses on identifying and supporting local businesses through capacity-building programs, resource alignment, and a new BuyFlint directory. The project targets underserved populations and businesses, particularly those in Opportunity Zones, to foster economic resilience and local supply chain development.
The initiative includes mapping and categorizing businesses, offering workshops and mentorship for procurement readiness, creating an interactive business directory, and engaging corporations to source goods locally. It aims to increase local procurement by 12% within the first year and improve the readiness of at least 50 businesses to meet procurement demands. The results will be shared through reports, presentations, and digital platforms, with the goal of creating a replicable model for strengthening local economies in similar distressed communities.
Phillip Olla
This project aims to provide residents of Zone 8 in Detroit with AI literacy and skills to improve their job prospects and economic stability. In partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy and Mama Akua Community House (MACH), the initiative will deliver practical, neighborhood-based training on AI tools and applications, focusing on areas like sales, marketing, and content creation.
The goal is to help residents, including small business owners and workers, use AI to streamline tasks and improve efficiency, making them more competitive in today’s workforce. The project will engage 30 participants through micro-learning modules and workshops with training developed in collaboration with local residents to ensure it meets their needs. The program also includes plans to create an “AI Upskilling Toolkit” to support scalability and share best practices with other communities. The ultimate goal is to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce while supporting Detroit’s economic development priorities.
National Coalition of Community Capital
As part of the 2025 project year, the Regional Economic Innovation (REI) initiative is supporting the National Coalition for Community Capital (NC3) in hosting Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, a transformative in-person event scheduled for March 7, 2025, in East Lansing, Michigan.
Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds will delve into the critical and evolving role of community investment funds, offering attendees the chance to learn from leaders at the forefront of the community capital movement. Participants can expect expert-led, interactive discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities designed to equip attendees with the necessary resources and connections to support their own community's investment fund.
Tom Smith
This project aims to address agricultural labor shortages and infrastructure challenges in Michigan by proposing the development of agricultural innovation centers. These centers would coordinate existing resources, such as private sector expertise, university research, and career and technical education, to provide training and support for a well-prepared domestic workforce. The project involves researching models of agricultural innovation centers from other regions, identifying relevant Michigan stakeholders, and drafting a tailored organizational structure for the state. Stakeholder feedback will refine the plan, which will be shared through networks established during the project. Ultimately, the project will identify the various existing stakeholders needed for agriculture innovation centers and develop and design the organizational structure and coordination to develop these centers.
The City of Beaverton seeks to revitalize its downtown area by reimagining the use of Municipal and privately owned surface parking tots. This capstone project with focus on conducting a comprehensive parking study and proposing a forward-thinking development plan that balances parking needs with progressive urban planning practices to enhance vibrancy, sustainability, and economic potential.
The City of Sterling Heights is seeking a corridor study document that reviews the existing conditions and provides data for the Office of Planning including the type of businesses, amount of residential units, traffic counts, and other conditions that can be evaluated by the Office for working with future developers. This will include numerical data, empirical data, maps, and other unique types of data gathering the students will have freedom to explore. There is the opportunity to meet with community members, appointed or elected officials, and City staff to accomplish their goals. Ideally, the students will have the opportunity to present at a Planning Commission meeting and to City Staff so that this can be used as a planning tool moving forward.
The Township’s zoning ordinance (ZO) sign section needs to be updated to comply with Supreme Court decisions regarding the regulation of signs based on content. This requires researching court findings, evaluating the current ZO sign regulations, and making recommendations for changes to ensure compliance. These recommendations must be presented to the Planning Commission (PC) for review and agreement, followed by a public hearing prior to any changes being finalized. This project could be completed by students as part of a practicum within a semester.
The Downtown Lansing Riverfront Revitalization Project focuses on planning and community engagement to enhance the river trail and riverfront area. The initiative builds on existing planning efforts and aims to achieve several key objectives.
First, trail improvements will enhance neighborhood connections, signage, lighting, and safety while working to "naturalize" the riverbank as much as possible. Second, the project will prioritize public space activation, including the development of new gathering areas, recreational amenities, and green spaces to foster a vibrant community atmosphere. Community engagement is a cornerstone of the initiative, ensuring residents and stakeholders are actively involved in the planning and design process to align outcomes with local needs and preferences. Finally, the project will address opportunities for private development by identifying and assessing Lansing-owned parcels along the riverfront to determine their best use and contribution to the area's revitalization.
The overarching goals are to identify optimal uses for the riverfront, plan dynamic public spaces, and engage the community in creating a shared vision for Downtown Lansing's riverfront transformation.
Warren is seeking a comprehensive implementation plan specifically tailored to the economic development aspects of the Van Dyke Corridor Plan, one that will solidify the goals and data into an actionable resource. The request is to create an implementation plan that focuses on key economic development elements, such as identifying crucial locations, key stakeholders, strategic approaches to success, preferred business sectors, recommended zoning changes, land use recommendations for micro-parks, and potential sites for public art installations.
The Township’s zoning ordinance (ZO) sign section also requires updates to align with Supreme Court rulings on the regulation of signs based on content. Students could undertake a practicum project to research court findings, assess the current ZO sign regulations, and propose necessary changes to bring the ordinance into compliance. These proposed changes would need to be reviewed and agreed upon by the Planning Commission (PC), followed by a public hearing before implementation. This project could be accomplished within a semester.
Michigan Inventors Coalition
The Michigan Inventors Coalition (MIC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping inventors bring their ideas to life and guiding them through the innovation process. MIC seeks to provide inventors and entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and knowledge they need to succeed. Through monthly local groups, expert speaker sessions, one-on-one guidance, and collaborations with organizations like Michigan State University’s Regional Economic Innovation (REI) Center, MIC offers support to Michigan’s start up innovators.
REI continues to support the annual Michigan Inventors Expo, now in its 14th year. Scheduled for August 14, 2025, this event will bring together inventors, startups, small businesses, patent attorney, economic development professionals, and more.
Attendees gain access to expert panels and speakers: Top-ranked speakers share insights and guidance on critical topics for inventors and entrepreneurs; networking opportunities: Attendees connect with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and industry professionals who can help take their ideas to the next level; exhibitor space: Inventors showcase their products, ideas, or businesses while meeting individuals and organizations who can provide support; spin pitch & sell competition: A friendly competition where inventors hone their pitch skills, gain exposure, and compete for prizes.