Programming Impacts
Additional Areas of Impact:
Natural Resources Business & Entrepreneurship Finance & Homeownership
In 2023...
$1,167,531
in grants and resources were leveraged or generated by communities.
812
certifications were obtained by individuals or businesses allowing for continued or expanded work.
347
jobs were created or retained as a result of MSU Extension community, food & environment programming.
Success Stories
-
Annual state entrepreneurship conference continues to showcase small town charm and success in Cadillac
Published on July 22, 2024
The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference returned in 2024 hosted by the City of Cadillac, welcoming more than 100 participants from across Michigan. -
Empowering local leaders to make science-based decisions that best fit community needs
Published on April 15, 2024
The Michigan Citizen Planner program strengthens communities and ensures they are productive and engaged with the needs of their residents, both current and future. -
Empowering state and community leaders to address critical housing issues
Published on April 15, 2024
MSU Extension educators help stakeholders work collaboratively on complex issues, leading to greater community stability, effective use of limited resources, and future opportunity. -
Leveraging natural resources to foster healthy habits and reduce stress
Published on April 15, 2024
After several months of group study, reading, and research, MSU Extension educators at Tollgate Farm were certified as forest therapy guides. -
First Impressions Tourism assessment assists communities in understanding assets and unique qualities through first time visitor experiences and perspectives
Published on January 19, 2024
Three communities find outside visitors’ perspectives beneficial to strengthening their rural tourism economies and development efforts. -
Helping Michigan homeowners stay in their homes after financial hardships from COVID-19
Published on September 7, 2023
MSU Extension financial and homeownership educators quickly moved to aid over 300 Michigan homeowners across 21 Michigan counties in applying for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund program. -
Empowering Michigan state and local leaders to address housing affordability and equitable access in their own communities
Published on September 7, 2023
MSU Extension educators quickly and collaboratively responded to pressing housing policy needs and developed an extensive attainable housing program tailored to the varying geographies of urban, suburban, and rural communities in Michigan. -
Community partnership results in “Shared Abundance”
Published on July 13, 2023
Northwest Lower Michigan has developed into a thriving food system—the book “Shared Abundance” details the community partnerships that made it happen. -
Michigan Economic Development Corporation and MSU Extension forge partnership to better Michigan communities through fresh sets of eyes
Published on December 2, 2022
First Impressions Tourism (FIT) assessment program assists communities in understanding themselves and unique assets more through visitor experiences. -
MSU Extension tourism educators partner with St. Clair County 4-H Fair Board to pilot visitor assessment tool and drive future development
Published on November 9, 2022
A new visitor assessment tool was piloted for fairs and festivals to capture feedback on the impressions these events give new attendees. -
Building successful communities of every size
Published on August 26, 2022
MSU Extension's Citizen Planner Program is a proven solution providing a unique platform for learning the fundamentals of planning and zoning. -
MSU Extension team recognized as national award winner
Published on August 10, 2021
The MSU Extension Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities team was recognized by the National Association of Community Development Professionals, receiving the “Excellence in Teamwork” award.