Setting the Stage for Community Development in 2022 and Beyond

MEDC spoke with its Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman to discuss how place-based economic development has changed with the pandemic, which 2021 accomplishments she is most proud of, and her vision and goals for MEDC’s community development efforts in 2022.

Upper Peninsula Communities' Revitalization Creates Aesthetic, Social and Economic Benefits

Houghton and Hancock see success with two MEDC programs

2021 in Review: Rallying toward greater economic prosperity across Michigan

Following the challenges of 2020, we showed that Michigan is equipped to move mountains and become a place of Pure Opportunity in 2021 and beyond.

Michigan’s West Coast: Where innovation meets inspiration

‘Go West’ has long been the mantra of those looking to seek a prosperous future. That traditionally has meant the West Coast of the United States, but the same can be said about the future of business along Michigan’s ‘West Coast.’

Michigan communities finding creative ways to bring residents downtown this summer, boost economic growth

Social districts, summer concert series, outdoor street games just a few of the ways communities are drawing people to their local business districts

Creating Beauty Out of the Rubble

Dreamtroit project takes the former Lincoln factory and reimagines it into a unique, eclectic space that inspires artistic creativity while encouraging recycling and sustainability thanks to the vision of one emerging downtown Detroit community.

A Conversation on Supporting Local and Traveling Safely

Michele Wildman, Senior Vice President of Community Development at MEDC joins Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz and Tom Daldin of the Public Television show Under The Radar Michigan for a conversation about safely experiencing the beauty, arts and culture of Pure Michigan this spring and summer, with suggestions for discovering and supporting local businesses along the way.

Northern Michigan’s Community Helps Businesses Change and Evolve through the Highs and Lows of the Pandemic

In 2020, Northern Michigan saw a record-setting influx of visitors in search of respite from the pandemic. Many Michiganders stayed closer to home, trading trips on planes for in-state destinations like state parks and lakeside towns. Even as the seasons shifted to colder months, an increase in outdoor activities still brought many up north.

Spotlight: Small Business Support Across the Upper Peninsula

Small businesses all across Michigan serve as the lifeblood of their communities. As economic recovery efforts across Michigan gather momentum, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is continuing to find innovative opportunities to collaborate with local partners to bring critical support and growth opportunities to small businesses.

Michigan Winter Strategy Successes

Communities look to capitalize on the uniqueness of Michigan winters through partnerships and resources with the Michigan Main Street program.