The inaugural cohort of Community Growth Fellows started their term in early January! Meet the fellows.
The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity’s Community & Worker Economic Transition Office has established a new program, the Community Growth Academy, a program that helps Michigan communities impacted by transitions in the auto and utility sectors plan for long-term economic growth and prepare for future change. CEDAM is excited to host the Community Growth Fellowship, a key part of the Community Growth Academy. Learn more about LEO’s Community & Worker Economic Transition Office and the new Community Growth Academy.
Fellows are placed at selected host sites for 15 months to help design and implement strategies that build economic resilience, strengthen local workforces, and diversify regional economies. They will work directly with local governments, nonprofits, and community partners to move projects forward that support long-term growth.
By participating in the Community Growth Fellowship, fellows:
- Provide meaningful capacity at host sites
- Advance and grow economic resiliency across Michigan
- Receive $75,000 in salary for the 15-month fellowship period
- Earn a successful completion bonus
- Receive a relocation stipend and healthcare benefits
- Have access to CEDAM events and training
- Participate in industry-specific conferences and connect with field experts
Below is information about each host site and details about the fellows’ positions.
Host Site Overview
100K Ideas is part of a coalition advancing Flint’s transition through entrepreneurship, small business support, workforce training, and equitable redevelopment. The coalition envisions Flint as a place where residents drive change, shaping a community defined by opportunity and resilience. This work is especially important in a community that has faced economic and environmental challenges but is now positioning itself as a hub of innovation and creativity.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow may help expand career navigation programs, support small business microgrant efforts, or assist in redevelopment planning that repurposes underutilized spaces into entrepreneurial hubs. They might also contribute to connecting residents with healthcare, skilled trades, and technical training opportunities. The role offers a unique chance to work directly with entrepreneurs and workforce partners, shaping strategies that create inclusive access to careers and business growth.
Coalition Partners
SIPI, Inc. · Greater Flint Health Coalition · City of Flint · University of Michigan–Flint Office of Economic Development · Mott Community College Workforce Development · GST Michigan Works · The Flint & Genesee Group · Community Foundation of Greater Flint
Host Site Overview
Detroit Future City (DFC) leads the Thriving Community Initiative, working to rebuild neighborhoods with high-quality housing, grow workforce pathways in clean energy and construction trades, and advance equitable, climate-resilient economic development. DFC’s efforts are rooted in addressing historic disinvestment, while building a future that combines sustainability with economic mobility. The coalition’s projects are shaping a model for other cities navigating industrial and demographic transitions.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow could support workforce development strategies, help design climate tech curricula for students, or engage residents in community planning. They may also assist in developing small business support funds or advancing zoning and policy reforms that integrate climate resilience. This placement provides the opportunity to bridge policy research with community-based action, directly contributing to neighborhood-level change.
Coalition Partners
Bailey Park NDC · Detroit Public Schools Community District · University of Michigan · Residents · Corporate and Foundation Partners
Host Site Overview
The Downriver Community Conference, which includes River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview, and Trenton, aims to transform their historic industrial riverfront into a thriving, diversified economic corridor. The focus is on workforce pathways, brownfield redevelopment, and environmental justice. With a strong legacy in manufacturing, the region is seeking to balance honoring its history with building a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow may support workforce retraining programs, coordinate redevelopment planning across municipalities, or contribute to marketing and regional competitiveness strategies. They could also help ensure that redevelopment benefits reach residents most impacted by industrial decline. This role offers valuable experience in working across multiple local governments, supporting inclusive development on a regional scale.
Coalition Partners
Cities of River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview, and Trenton · Regional planning partners · Local employers and community organizations
Host Site Overview
Huron County Economic Development Corporation is working toward a more resilient economy by diversifying industries, strengthening workforce pipelines, and building a unified countywide coalition. The county aims to preserve its rural character while preparing for future growth. With strong agricultural and tourism traditions, the challenge is to broaden the economic base so that communities are not vulnerable to a single industry or seasonal patterns.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow could help strengthen business retention and expansion programs, support coalition-building, assist with site readiness projects, or expand workforce training in sectors beyond healthcare. They may also contribute to countywide engagement strategies that unify local initiatives. This placement would allow the fellow to practice collaborative planning while also supporting practical projects that stabilize and grow small rural economies.
Coalition Partners
Huron County Community Foundation · GST Michigan Works · Thumb Community Health Partnership · Huron ISD & Area Technical Center · MSU Extension · Degree Forward · Small Business Development Center · Local governments and county planning bodies
Host Site Overview
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is mobilizing partners to transform its economy through the “Drive Jackson” initiative, a long-term plan focused on housing, workforce development, and economic diversification. The county envisions vibrant neighborhoods and a thriving business ecosystem. This vision is especially significant as Jackson seeks to reverse decades of economic stagnation and position itself as a regional hub for innovation and growth.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow may help align education and training programs with employer needs, assist with housing strategy development, or support community safety and quality-of-life initiatives. They might also contribute to translating long-term strategies into actionable projects. This role provides exposure to strategic planning, grassroots engagement, and practical implementation, making it ideal for fellows interested in large-scale community revitalization.
Coalition Partners
Accelerate Jackson County · Experience Jackson · Michigan Works! Southeast · Jackson College · Jackson Community Foundation · Jackson Area Manufacturers Association · Shop Rat Foundation · Local Governments
Host Site Overview
Lake County Economic Development Alliance is building on its natural and historic assets, including the Idlewild community, trails, lakes, and forests, to foster economic diversification. Leaders are focused on entrepreneurship, housing, tourism, and workforce development. This vision seeks to overcome persistent poverty and transform the county’s reputation into one of resilience, creativity, and opportunity.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow could help establish an entrepreneurial hub, expand workforce training programs, support downtown revitalization, or advance housing development plans. They may also assist with marketing efforts to strengthen Lake County’s tourism economy. Fellows in this role would be able to see firsthand how rural communities use their unique cultural and natural resources as a foundation for inclusive growth.
Coalition Partners
Lake County Economic Development Alliance · Lake County Chamber of Commerce · MI Works West Central · Lake County Housing Coalition · The Right Place · Township leaders and community volunteers
Host Site Overview
The LSCP coalition is working across Marquette and Delta Counties to build a resilient, innovative economy. Priorities include expanding broadband and housing access, supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems, and aligning workforce training with emerging industries. The coalition brings together higher education, business, and local government, offering a regional approach to resilience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow may help develop a joint resiliency plan, support site reuse and redevelopment projects, or strengthen entrepreneurial networks. They could also assist with broadband and housing expansion efforts and cross-county coordination. This placement allows the fellow to experience first-hand how rural and small urban counties work together to implement shared strategies that leverage both cultural heritage and cutting-edge innovation.
Coalition Partners
Delta County Economic Development Alliance · City of Marquette · City of Escanaba · CUPPAD · InvestUP · Northern Michigan University · Innovate Marquette SmartZone · Bay College · Marquette Alger Regional Educational Services Agency
Host Site Overview
Macomb County is preparing for global industry shifts while focusing on workforce readiness, site reuse, and diversification in manufacturing sectors such as defense, aerospace, robotics, medical, agriculture, and automotive. The county is also working to strengthen its blue and green economy while investing in infrastructure and quality of life. This effort ensures that Macomb remains a competitive place to live and work as industries evolve.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow might help advance site reuse strategies, strengthen workforce training and job matching programs, or contribute to countywide planning around resilience and sustainability. They may also support projects tied to Macomb’s environmental assets, ensuring that industrial transitions contribute to both economic growth and ecological health. This placement is well-suited to fellows interested in the intersection of manufacturing, workforce development, and sustainability planning.
Coalition Partners
Macomb County Planning & Economic Development · Macomb County Chamber of Commerce · Northern Macomb Regional Chamber of Commerce · Detroit Regional Partnership · Romeo Community Schools · Village of Romeo · MEDC · Industry and community partners
Host Site Overview
MMDC is leading efforts across Clare, Isabella, and Osceola Counties to expand housing, support small businesses, and revitalize downtowns. The coalition is also working on workforce retraining, economic diversification, and site redevelopment. This approach seeks to ensure that smaller communities in the region remain vibrant, competitive, and attractive places for residents and employers alike.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow may help design regional diversification plans, expand entrepreneurial support in rural areas, assist with site reuse projects, or support local grant programs for business modernization. The role provides a mix of strategy and implementation opportunities, giving fellows a chance to work directly with local leaders, businesses, and schools to strengthen community resilience.
Coalition Partners
Michigan Works! · Mid Michigan College · Central Michigan University · Clare-Gladwin & Gratiot-Isabella RESDs · Mid Michigan Small Business Development Center · Revitalize LLC · Fleis & VandenBrink · Central Michigan Manufacturers Association
Host Site Overview
Southwest Michigan First supports St. Joseph, and Branch Counties in building data-driven growth strategies. Efforts include site readiness, utility mapping, workforce alignment, and regional coordination across municipalities and schools. These efforts are designed to ensure that smaller counties remain competitive for investment while enhancing quality of life for residents.
Fellow Project Focus Areas
A fellow may help create a comprehensive database of development-ready sites, align zoning and land use data across jurisdictions, or support workforce pipeline initiatives. They might also help coordinate housing strategies and explore redevelopment of underutilized properties. This placement provides an opportunity to blend technical skills in planning and data with collaborative work alongside local governments, educators, and employers.
Coalition Partners
City of Coldwater · City of Sturgis · City of Three Rivers · Village of White Pigeon · White Pigeon Township · Village of Constantine · Glen Oaks Community College · Indiana Michigan Power · Michigan Gas Utilities · Michigan Works! Southwest · St. Joseph & Branch Counties · Local townships and municipalities
Point of Contact
Patrick Seick
Community Growth Fellowship Manager
seick@cedamichigan.org