Summary Background
Preface & Acknowledgements
This Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, referred to as the “CEDS”, is the result of the community of Northwest Lower Michigan convening to define and improve the regional economic conditions that affect communities in their local economic development efforts. The process undertaken for the development of the CEDS is that of seeking collaborative open communication amongst the region’s Economic Development Organizations and economic development stakeholders. The business community, employers, employees, elected & appointed officials and the public at large are afforded the opportunity to provide comment on the plan and process through a required thirty day public review period upon completion of the draft document.
The CEDS process was initiated in late 2024 with the development of a scope of work within the Networks Northwest Community Development Department. The scope of work outlined a process to build upon the 2021 CEDS document and process. Networks Northwest recruited a CEDS Task Force composed of representatives from a multitude of employment sectors. The Task Force reviewed the previous CEDS document, undertook a SWOT Analysis Survey, and reviewed strategy statements.
Community Development Staff duties were process facilitation, meeting preparation and timeline management, research and information gathering, document preparation, and review and approval proceedings for the completed CEDS.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Region’s Economic Development Organizations, as well as organizations and elected officials who served on the CEDS Task Force for the betterment of our region’s economic development.
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy should align and support the Vision and Mission of the supporting agencies. Networks Northwest has been a convener of discussions involving economic development within our region for over four decades. The Vision and the Mission of the organization seek to support our region’s communities through collaboration.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to build stronger communities and enhance the quality of life in Northwest Michigan by providing a regional framework for effective collaboration among integrated service networks and by directly providing services related to talent, business, and community development.
VISION FOR NORTHWEST MICHIGAN: THRIVING, SUSTAINABLE, AND INCLUSIVE
In the best-case scenario for Northwest Michigan in the next five to ten years, the region envisions a thriving and diverse economy with stable or rising wages and increased job opportunities that attract and retain young people and college graduates. Affordable, attainable, and attractive housing, along with accessible childcare options, are available. The region prioritizes placemaking, creating vibrant, healthy communities with ample arts and cultural opportunities, a range of industries, and growing economic opportunities for all, fostering inclusivity and diversity (more diverse than just young families and old, focusing on talented and skilled individuals over only college-educated).
Natural resources are protected and enhanced, with ample green spaces and well-maintained air and water quality. Infrastructure is improved, including better roads, expanded non-motorized trails, and increased public transportation options. Governments collaborate and share services for greater efficiency, with the three legs of the stool (government, business, non-profits) sharing for efficiency. Education opportunities are competitive, and training programs are available for high-skilled labor and technology positions. Growth is carefully planned to balance economic development with environmental protection and infrastructure needs.
The region becomes a desirable place to raise a family and enjoy retirement, with a mix of young families and older residents. This scenario also includes civic participation, defining small town character as connection with people over space, creating opportunities to support connections, working with communities to develop quality of development and design standards (which are subjective but save costs and streamline processes), sustainable and technologically innovative development that shifts to a better look, and preserving agriculture lands. Federal, State, and local funding resources are needed to make this happen, childcare is addressed as a barrier to economic development, and elder care allows for aging in place. Better, safer roads for the transportation network are present, with transportation options including public-private partnerships, not just public, encompassing roads, trails, transit, and a complete network.
This document was prepared with funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Address inquiries regarding this publication to:
Networks Northwest Community Development Department
PO Box 506
Travers City, MI 49685
(231) 929-5000
www.NetworksNorthwest.org
SOURCES
ALL APPENDICES PREPARED BY NETWORKS NORTHWEST WITH DATA FROM: US CENSUS BUREAU, BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, MICHIGAN REGIONAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS PROJECT, AND ESRI BUSINESS ANALYST