Community & Economic Development

The daily lives of Michiganders are shaped by the strength of their communities, including the places we call home and the places we do business. Abundant housing choices and diverse local economies are not built by accident. Instead, they are intentionally created and are often the product of public-private partnerships. By creating walkable neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, developing infrastructure that includes all residents, and leveraging investment with limited resources for maximum impact, Michigan communities can help their residents thrive.

Community Capital 

This publication explores both crowdfunding types: grants and direct local investment.

Creating Better Futures Policy Brief Series

This short policy brief series helps communities plan for current and future conditions, with key information on housing, climate resilience, local economies, and small business support.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding encourages community buy-in—figurative and literal—and can fill critical gaps in access to capital for businesses and projects. The League has championed community crowdfunding as a tool for local placemaking and economic development since 2013.

Local Economies Initiative

These resources are focused on entrepreneurship and small business support systems in southeast Michigan, with the goal of helping municipalities and their communities create more equitable small business ecosystems.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Fact Sheets on Economic Development Incentive programs and tools

Michigan Housing Data Portal 

This resource provides easily accessible housing, demographic, and economic data to trace key local trends, compare these trends to other geographies, and create detailed reports.

Pattern Book Homes for 21st Century Michigan

By taking a cue from historic precedents, cutting down on the cost of design, and offering zoning reform tools to streamline review, this two-volume set of guides and copyright-free construction plans is giving communities the tools to create new homes right where residents want to live.

Predevelopment Best Practices for Site Redevelopment (PDF)

Developed by the League through a partnership with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), these best practices support the growth of vibrant, diverse, and resilient communities by providing economic development services and tools.

Restoring Michigan Communities Building by Building (PDF)

A how-to guide that will assist you in understanding effective methods for battling blight and related issues and equip you to restore and revitalize your community.