2022: Creating Circular Economic Opportunities through Localizing the Food Cooperative

Authors: Dr. Stephen Gasteyer

This applied research study will use the development of a reimagined consumer food cooperative, in coalition with a neighborhood community-based organization, to develop a circular food economy in mid-Michigan that improves the prospects for local food producers and improves the local food access...

2021: Indigenous Food and Economic Systems for Michigan Tribes

Authors: Jessica V. Barnes-Najor

This pilot project will expand the work of Wiba Anung, a partnership between the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and representatives from Michigan State University (MSU). The MSU representatives, Dr....

2020: Fighting Hunger and Reducing Waste in Michigan by Addressing Strategic and Operational Challenges in Measuring Food Accessibility

Authors: Monireh Mahmoudi

The aim of this project is to eliminate food waste by making excess food accessible for people in need. A food donor (e.g., a farm, a retailer, or a catering) donates some food to a food bank. Then, the food bank will quickly decide to send the food to distribution agencies or to composting...

2018: Big-Box Converted to Co-op

Authors: Edward C. Lorenz, Alma College

An Alma College student team plans to work with the local community to convert an abandoned 'big-box' retail location (K-Mart) to a year round fresh vegetable and fruit production facility. Launching a cooperative controlled by local consumers and workers will benefit both urban and rural...

2018: Agricultural Technological Innovation in Michigan

Authors: Terri Barker, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry and with its proximity to the automotive industry and burgeoning biosciences and Information Technology sectors, the State is poised for food and agriculture technological innovation. Currently, resources for food and ag technology are...

2017: Triple Bottom Line

Authors: Bill Stough, Sustainable Research Group

In regions of the state where entrepreneurial innovation is more established, the emergence of the Triple Bottom Line business model is driving growth of companies that are decidedly place-based, pay better wages and prefer purchasing local goods and services. This innovative business trend...

2017: Ecotourism in the UP

Authors: Jonathan Lenonien, Michigan Technological University

A student research team at Michigan Tech researched and developed an inventory of the Upper Peninsula's eco-tourism resources and gaps. They compared these with similar successful eco-tourism regions and suggested a stronger business model.

Project Updated As Of September 30th,...

2016: North Flint Healthy Food Initiative

Authors: Kettering University; Bob Brown, Michigan State University

The project creates a self-sustainable, resident-owned aquaponic system in the West Pulaski neighborhood of Flint that allows neighbors to work together to improve their well-being. The aquaponic will be used to grow foods that mitigate the effects of lead poisoning in people, especially...

2016: Hybridized Ecosystem for Infrastructure and Renewable Systems

Authors: Lawrence Technological University

This initiative, led by a transdisciplinary design collaborative, studio[Ci] was now in the implementation phase. Studio[Ci] engages students in more diverse leadership roles, advances through generative design and digital fabrication, the HNZE prototype...

2016: Genesee County Material Recovery Facility Feasibility Study

Authors: Michigan State University

To reduce the overall amount of waste in Genesee County, this project will examine the feasibility of establishing a regional recycling facility in the area.

Project Updated As Of September 30th, 2016

2016: An Assessment of the Development of a Sustainable Ecotourism Alliance Organization for Munising

Authors: Scott Jordan and David Kronk, Northern Michigan University

An Assessment of the Development of a Sustainable Ecotourism Alliance Organization for Munising (2016)

This Co-Learning Plan examines the economic effects and sustainability potential of the creation of a Sustainable Ecotourism Alliance Organization (SEAO) in Munising to establish a...

2015: Generative NZE Infrastructure

Authors: Constance C. Bodurow, Lawrence Technological University

sw[LAB] NZE Prototype creates a new Hybridized Ecosystem––an Energy Farm/Outdoor Classroom (EF/OC) for a Detroit public school and surrounding neighborhood. Our vision engages the community and leverages assets of a strong institutional...

2015: An Assessment of the Effects of Mountain Biking in Marquette and on Michigan's Ecotourism Economy

Authors: Scott Jordan, Ph.D., Northern Michigan University

Mountain biking is an ecotourism activity that has been growing in popularity across the country and especially in Michigan. As interest in mountain biking has increased, a number of individuals and organizations have contributed in developing and expanding the trail systems in and around...

2014: Operation Above Ground: Improving Licensing for New Food Businesses to Promote a stronger Detroit Food Economy

Authors: Jess Daniel, FoodLab Detroit

This Co-Learning Plan provided research and a visual mapping of the current licensing process for five new and alternative models of food business to take the first step in removing a significant barrier to the emergence of a more diverse, thriving, healthy, and innovative food economy in...

2014: Greater Lansing Food Bank Garden Project

Authors: Elisha DeFrain, Lukas Hagen, Nick Major, Pablo Majano, Kevin McKenna, Arick Zaleski, Michigan State University

This Student-Led, Faculty-Guided Project developed a tool to measure the impact of community gardening in urban areas through a survey system and examination of the area. This information provides valuable insights on how to effectively manage community resources to their greatest...

2013: Socioeconomic Impact of Urban Gardening

Authors: Aaron Guay, Julie Pulgini

A documentary film on the socioeconomic impact of Urban Gardening/Small Scale Farming initiatives in Detroit. Using a documentary cinematic process as the medium, students focused on three communities which qualify as underserved and are involved in Urban Gardening and/or small scale urban...

2013: Cody-Rouge: Going Green for Growth

Authors: Rayman Mohamed, Robin Boyle, Wayne State University

Joy-Southfield CDC's goal was to create a healthy community that is known as the greenest neighborhood in Detroit. This project focused on improving the economic health of the community in two ways. It developed a short-range strategy to advance the CDC's on-going efforts to develop a...

2012: Food Innovation Districts

Authors: Nicholas Dansby, Zane Grennel, Michelle Leppek, Sean McNaughton, Marlon Phillips, Kirstie Sieloff, Claire Wilke, Michigan State University

The goal of this project was to bring together the planning and economic development tools that communities would need to designate spaces for farmers, retailers, distributors, processors, and other services, such as community kitchens, to locate near one another in ways that would serve both...