Contract with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

REI has been awarded a contract with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for $27,967 to partner with Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRCs). Through September 2020, the MSU REI will work with MEDC and Michigan’s Redevelopment Ready Communities to offer facilitation of Student-Led, Faculty-Guided (SLFG) project assistance. The projects based in colleges and universities across the state will assist Michigan communities in completing local and regional initiatives, especially in distressed rural and urban communities.

On August 29th, 2019, REI hosted the 8th Annual Innovate Michigan! Summit, which targeted economic development practitioners, business leaders, finance providers, scholars, local and state government, students, and community leaders. This year REI added a track to the event specifically tailored to Redevelopment Ready Communities to provide a learning and networking opportunity for certified RRCs.

Moving forward, REI staff will work with RRC communities to identify higher education institution partners for various community and economic development projects across Michigan. This fall, REI will solicit for 7-8 Student-Led, Faculty-Guided technical assistance projects for funding of up to $2,500 per project during the year. Stay tuned for RRC SLFG project application information.