2026 Small Town & Rural Development Conference
The premier statewide event dedicated to empowering Michigan’s rural communities, the Small Town and Rural Development Conference is a collaborative hub where you can connect with fellow leaders, learn from expert speakers, and discover actionable strategies. This conference remains the cornerstone for practitioners and advocates committed to strengthening the heart of our state and building a vibrant future.
2026 Put Your Town on the Map Pitch Competition
Since 2019, the Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition has sought to reward innovative ideas that attract visitors to downtowns, advance housing, education or employment, cultivate community pride, and more. The top 10 pitches will be invited to present their proposal at the 2026 Small Town & Rural Development Conference on June 1.
Congratulations to the 2026 top 10 finalists:
- Albion
- Atlas Township
- Carson City
- Coopersville
- Durand
- Tuscacora Township
- Village of Bellaire
- Village of Brooklyn
- Village of Springport
- Yates Township
Watch them present their pitch before a panel of judges on day 1 of the Small Town and Rural Development Conference.
2025 Put Your Town on the Map Winners
First place: Fowlerville for a large mural to honor a hometown hero, $25,000
Second place: Watson Township to develop & support Seven Generations Park, $15,000
Third Place: The City of Manistee for their Voices of Manistee initiative, $10,000
