Ionia’s Sweep the Streets project had one simple goal: Bring pride back to our downtown community. You can use this model in your small town, too. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, check out this simple community development project that can quickly deliver a big dose of community...
STATEWIDE CONTACTS Emily Reyst Communications & Training Specialist, CEDAM emily@cedamichigan.org | 517.485.3588 Eric Hufnagel Executive Director, MCAH ehufnagel@mihomeless.org |517-853-3885 Housing is Out of Reach in Michigan for Low-Wage Workers Michiganders earning minimum wage must work 58 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom rental home Michigan, June 18—The National Low Income Housing Coalition released their...
By Heather Nugen, Eaton Rapids community development fellow I moved to Eaton Rapids, Michigan last fall as part of CEDAM’s year-long community development fellowship. I have been living in larger urban areas for most of my life, but cities with lush landscapes aren’t unfamiliar to me. I grew up in Spokane, Washington, never more than...
By Natalie Rogers, junior policy associate On May 10, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposed a rule that would ban families with mixed immigration statuses living in the home from obtaining public housing or housing assistance. Under the rule, these mixed status families would have to split up or be evicted. The...
By Natalie Rogers, junior policy associate Community Development Corporations (CDCs) address a wide-range of problems and are well positioned to do the work their community needs and wants. While CDCs have the potential to address local issues in their community, their funding models often limit what they are able to accomplish. The limitations under the...
Lapeer County Community Foundation Launches Child Savings Account Initiative FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lapeer County, Michigan – The Lapeer County Community Foundation (LCCF) is pleased to announce the Lapeer County Education Attainment Fund (LEAF). Beginning this fall, every kindergartener in the county will have an education savings account at ELGA Credit Union. The...
By Sarah Teater, Community Development Fellowship coordinator Community economic development projects are underway across the state thanks to a new fellowship managed by CEDAM. Last year, CEDAM was granted the opportunity to find the first cohort of community development fellows for Project Rising Tide. The fellows bring a diverse range of skills to their positions,...
By Chris Wardell, administrative assistant Last month, I wrote about CEDAM’s two AmeriCorps programs—AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA—and how the additional capacity an AmeriCorps member offers can help your organization reach even higher goals and make a greater impact in your community. (Did you miss the story featuring the AmeriCorps impact in Ludington and Saginaw...
CEDAM is excited to introduce its new executive director, Luke Forrest! Luke was previously the director of civic innovations at the Michigan Municipal League (MML). He officially joined the team this past Monday, April 22. Our communications specialist interviewed him to learn more about his background, what he’s looking forward to in his new role...
By Natalie Rogers, junior policy associate On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the South Lansing Capitol District Library, Dr. John Aerni-Flessner stood in front of a packed room of Lansing community members. The MSU Residential College for the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) assistant professor was there to present the early findings from a research project...
