Building Readiness and Resilience in Rural Michigan

Course Details

The state Office of Rural Prosperity is working with Michigan’s rural communities to help them prepare for and respond to the complex changes they face. Historically, limited resources for planning and capacity have constrained the ability of rural communities to act proactively or strategically in the face of issues like climate change, population trends, and economic shifts. New Office-led programs and research are offering important paths forward for planning in rural areas.

Emerging best practices and models for building plans, capacity, and partnerships will foster resiliency and prosperity. Research and findings from work with diverse partners across Michigan and the United States will address the need for and approaches to long-term planning and capacity resources in rural communities. Planners can champion identified solutions for funding, collaboration, engagement, and planning at the local, regional, state, and national levels. 

Explore key rural trends, Michigan's Rural Readiness grant program and outcomes, models for rural engagement and community support, and state and federal policies that affect rural planning and resilience.

Learning Outcomes

• Provide options and best practices for local and regional planning solutions in rural communities.
• Assess funding and other supports for rural community planning.
• Advocate for state and federal resources for rural planning and capacity.