For further information, contact the MSU Extension office at:
MSU Extension staff members strive to build better communities by assisting citizens, local governments, and community groups in identifying and addressing community issues. Extension helps community members understand the economic, social, political and environmental impacts of community actions. We promote active, informed and representative citizen participation in community decision making.
Understanding demographic, social and economic trends is essential to understanding community change and development. Community profiles of all Michigan counties are available. Profiles include population trends, age distribution, income, employment, housing, education and other key socio-economic indicators. Data are available in hard copy and electronically. Presentation materials and speakers are also available to communicate to a variety of audiences.
Contact your local MSU Extension office, or visit our county profile web site at www.msue.msu.edu/ countyprofiles/.
To be successful, it is important to explore long and short-term development strategies, and to create a common vision. The Take Charge program guide focuses on community and economic development in small communities. It is used by MSU Extension community development agents to stimulate community involvement, build on existing resources and implement action plans. Take Charge enables local residents, leaders and decision makers to create a shared vision of a successful future.
For further information, contact your county MSU Extension office or the Community Development Area of Expertise Team (see team list on this brochure).
The Small Town Design Initiative (STDI) is a "go to" resource for Michigan's small communities for physical environmental design assistance in community development and land use. MSU Extension, MSU Outreach, the College of Social Science, and the Landscape Architecture Program jointly support the STDI.
Contact Warren Rauhe at 517/353-7880.
Communities facing changes and challenges often find it difficult to identify and address the core issues. Through the MSUE Community Assessment process, an interdisciplinary Extension team travels to a community for an intense workshop of two to three days. Team members interview numerous groups and individuals about local issues and then prepare and present a final report to catalyze local action. CAT liaisons are located in each Michigan region. Visit www.msue.msu.edu/cdnr/commteam.htm to find out how to contact your regional CAT liaison, or call Dave Ivan at 989/224-5240.
Strong leadership and organizational skills are needed to enable non-profit groups to effectively function. MSU Extension offers a variety of opportunities for board development, including interactive workshops, classroom sessions, and customized on-site training. Topics include forming a non-profit corporation, writing or updating bylaws, running effective meetings, group decision making, marketing, fundraising, recruiting board members and strategic planning.
Contact Mona Ellard, at 517/543-2310 or Phil Alexander at 989/731-0272.
Citizen Planner is a six-part certificate program for people interested in working on local land use, planning and zoning. It is recommended for those who serve on or interact with local planning commissions. The program is available through local MSU Extension offices and is offered in cooperation with the Michigan Society of Planning.
Contact Wayne Beyea, Citizen Planner Coordinator, at 517/432-7600. Visit the web site at www.msue.msu.edu/cplanner/
Community health often depends on the health and capability of non-profit and governmental organizations. Strategies for Organizational Success (SOS) is designed to capitalize on an organization's strengths while overcoming weaknesses. SOS can help groups more effectively identify and meet goals. MSU Extension staff members assist community groups with the SOS program.
Contact: Jim Wiesing 231/922-4627 or Janice Hartough, 269/945-1388.