If you are in the Community Economic Development industry in Michigan, there is a chance you’ve heard some buzz around the new comprehensive training program: Michigan Community Development Training (MCDT). If you haven’t heard about it or are interested in more information about this valuable program then sit back, relax and enjoy this written introduction.

What is Michigan Community Development Training?  

Michigan Community Development Training is a comprehensive and extensive training and technical assistance resource for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and organizations and individuals looking to become CHDOs. Not looking to obtain CHDO status? Have no fear, this program also promotes training and technical assistance for all types of community development practitioners in Michigan.  After all, MCDT’s main goal is to provide you and your organization with the resources you need to increase capacity within your organization; something that all types of practitioners need. On the MCDT website, you will find many of these resources including:

• A comprehensive training calendar promoting a wide-array of training occurring all over the state.
• Links to our State-wide Partner’s websites.
• Resources to help you stay connected with the program’s updates.
• The Comprehensive Training Matrix.

What is the Comprehensive Training Matrix? 
The Training Matrix is a great tool to gain an understanding of what types of training and technical assistance that your specific type of organization needs in order to increase capacity. If you want your staff, board and volunteers to achieve their maximum potential with the assistance of many accomplished state-wide agencies who provide training and technical assistance, this is a great place to get started.

How do I use the Comprehensive Training Matrix?
When you first open the excel document that contains the general matrix flow-chart, you’ll notice that it outlines a set of core competencies in which your organization should be proficient. These core areas are:

• Board Development
• Organizational Development
• Real Estate Development
• Economic Development
• Community Planning
• Placemaking
• Understanding Federal/State Programs

Within these core competencies are corresponding training and technical assistance topics that are being offered by our statewide partners.  This is represented in the screen shot bellow:

You’ll notice that there are 3 columns adjacent to the corresponding competency area which outline which organizations are offering Technical Assistance, Training Topic Areas and which organizations are offering Training in that topic. If you are looking for an expanded description of each training topic listed in the matrix, you may hover your cursor over the Training Topic, a text box will appear with a short description.  At the bottom of the excel document, you will find different tabs which list different types of organizations so you may view a version of the matrix tailored especially for your type of agency.  These tabs include matrices for:

• Local Units of Government
• CHDOs
• Block Club Neighborhood Watch
• Organized Nonprofits
• Downtown & Main Street Groups.

If you are not sure which category you fall into, you may always reference the General Matrix Flow Chart (first tab)

As stated before, the matrix is just one of the many resources that are available on the MCDT website.

So, what is the future of the MCDT program?

In addition to the matrix being continually updated, the training calendar and partner events will also be updated and promoted. Organizations looking to obtain CHDO certifications through MSHDA or local units of government will greatly benefit from MCDT’s resources and will soon have an opportunity to view the new CHDO application that MSHDA has published. The Training Associate at CEDAM is also working with the MCDT committee to develop a self-assessment checklist to coincide with this CHDO application so organizations and individuals have a better understanding of which thresholds they must meet in order to become certified or recertified as a CHDO.  However, all organizations with varying levels of skill in community development may benefit from examining the matrix and investing in continuous education.

If you have any questions or suggestions for the MCDT committee, are looking to obtain more information or are interested in joining the MCDT committee, please call 517.485.3588 or visit www.MichiganTraining.info