Established in 2011 by Michigan State University's Center for Community and Economic Development and supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA), REI has pioneered a distinctive approach that collaborates with thinkers and innovators across Michigan. REI works to co-create strategies, tools, models, policies and programs that promote economic progress, especially in our most challenged communities. Current areas of engagement seek innovative community and economic development actions in resilience planning, financial resilience, 21st-century communication infrastructure, and circular economies. REI has a strong track record of partnerships and engaging with Economic Development Districts, along with public and private partners, serving both urban and rural communities statewide.
For 2024, REI is supporting three project types: Co-Learning Plans, where multiple parties collaborate to generate new knowledge; Co-Implementation Plans, spearheaded by Innovation Fellows; and Student-Led projects, steered by university student teams under faculty guidance. The focus areas for Co-Learning Plans this year include Sustainable Infrastructure, Equitable Economic Development, Investing in Michigan Business, Effective Collaborative Referrals, Circular Economies, and an "Other" category.
REI is "calling" for authors and experts to research and develop Co-Learning Plans. The findings and recommendations in these Co-Learning Plans, funded through this request, will serve as a source for current and practical information for local and state economic development practitioners and policymakers as they consider important decisions that affect development efforts for Michigan communities and regions.
To learn more about these opportunities or to submit an application for a Co-Learning Plan, please visit: https://reicenter.org/projects/23-24-project-overviews For questions, please reach out to Jenan Jondy, REI Coordinator at jondyjen@msu.edu.