CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan

CEDAM is thrilled to announce the launch of the Predevelopment Assistance Partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through their Redevelopment Services Team. The Predevelopment Assistance Partnership provides strategic counsel and financial resources to certified Redevelopment Ready Communities to move community development projects forward. Learn more about the partnership and how this initiative removes barriers to development in our latest blog post: https://ow.ly/T7tC50T1yFs

Join CEDAM for our next webinar, The Nonprofit Advocate, on October 21 from 1-2pm.

Advocacy is a critical part of the community economic development field's work. Join us to discuss how nonprofit organizations can advocate for their work and on behalf of their communities. This webinar, led by CEDAM’s policy team Jessica Acmoody and Sharanya Pai, will differentiate between key terms such as education, advocacy, and lobbying; discuss advocacy strategies; and make sure your organization is empowered to build strong relationships with elected officials. Register today: https://ow.ly/e8gc50T1y0y

Are you interested in supporting climate action and exploring a future in Michigan’s growing climate and energy economy? Apply today to be a member of the second MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps cohort!

Members will help us work toward a just and sustainable future for Michigan and be transformed along the way. As an MHC Corps member, you will:
- Provide meaningful capacity support for aligned climate projects in government and nonprofit organizations across the state
- Serve as ambassadors of federal and state resources and be available to support partner organizations’ climate efforts
- Participate in fellowship building and training as well as professional experiences to develop your skills for the long haul

Being a part of the MHC Corps will provide invaluable training and professional experience to help you launch a successful career in this space. We encourage all those who are interested to apply, especially individuals from historically underserved communities and those on the frontline of climate impacts. Individuals must be 18 years old to serve; no degree or formal work experience is required.

The MHC Corps is an equity-centered Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy program in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission. CEDAM serves as the operating partner.

Apply by September 8. Learn more: https://ow.ly/cFmJ50T21lq

Registration is open for CEDAM’s 2024 Regional Events! This year, CEDAM is hosting two centrally-located regional events: one in Ga***rd and the other in Lansing. CEDAM’s regional events provide our members and network at large the opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders, state agency representatives, and the CEDAM team.

From new State housing funding to capacity-building programs, we look forward to sharing resources and initiatives with you that can help advance your work.

Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required in advance. The deadline to register for the Ga***rd event is September 27. The last day to register for the Lansing event is October 8.

We hope to see you at a Regional Event this fall!

Register for Ga***rd: https://app.glueup.com/event/cedam-regional-event-gaylord-117755/
Register for Lansing: https://app.glueup.com/event/cedam-regional-event-lansing-117769/

This spring, Shate'ja Curry, CEDAM's Community Development Fellowship program manager, visited fellow, Olivia Graham, in the City of Laingsburg. Shate’ja also met with the city clerk, Kim Hamilton, deputy treasurer clerk, Cassy Brown, and Dan DeKorte, chief of police. They did a walking tour of downtown, had lunch at a local business, and discussed Olivia’s contributions to the city throughout her time with the fellowship.

"My favorite part [of the fellowship] is being able to have the flexibility to work on a bunch of different projects for the municipality and not having to focus or direct my time only on one thing,” shared Olivia. “I've enjoyed the grant writing aspects and learning more about the specific legislation that helps with some grant programming. Also, I've just really enjoyed general community development programs, working on tasks related to tax abatement, and working with my coworkers, Cassy and Kim!"

Time is running out to apply to host a community development fellow during the next cohort. If you are aware of a community engaged with RRC that would benefit from the added capacity a fellow could bring, we encourage you to share this with them! The application closes August 19. https://ow.ly/h1VX50SWih4

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps members recently traveled to Traverse City to participate in a day of service with SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers (SEEDS)!

SEEDS is a nonprofit focused on implementing local solutions to global issues with an emphasis on regenerating habitats, preventing carbon emissions, and developing talent pipelines for green industries. SEEDS is also the Host Partner for EGLE's MHC Corps member, Nick.

The members’ work supported the microclimate in Historic Barns Park. Splitting into two groups, one group focused on servicing young trees while the other tended SEEDS’ garden. Group One serviced more than 450 young trees by removing and replacing their tree tubes for stormwater mitigation and retention. They also removed invasive plants that were harming younger trees and staked and supported younger trees that outgrew their tubes. Group Two tended SEEDS’ gardens where they removed weeds, mulched, and pruned plants.

Thank you to SEEDS for hosting an educational and impactful day for the MHC Corps members! Days like this provide excellent professional development and network-building opportunities while allowing them the chance to support organizations doing important climate work.

The MHC Corps is an equity-centered EGLE program in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission. CEDAM serves as the operating partner.

Registration for CEDAM’s core Real Estate Development Boot Camp is closing this Friday! This multi-part training program is designed to give you the tools necessary to develop affordable housing in your community. From rising construction costs to new funding sources, our training curriculum is updated annually to provide context around Michigan's current real estate development landscape. We bring in experienced speakers from across the state to discuss practical applications of this work and help you create important connections. This year, Boot Camp will take place in Grand Rapids September 16-20.

Whether you are new to the field or need a refresher on the basics, this training is for you! However, this training curriculum is geared toward helping participants move their community-focused real estate development projects forward. We encourage all participants to bring a potential project (whether it be a potential site or building, or even just an idea) to the training. Those who join the training and do not have a potential project will have the opportunity to collaborate with others who do when we apply our learning through a final project pitch to funders.

Capacity is limited; registrants must commit to being active participants and be available to attend the training in its entirety. Remember, you get a discounted registration price if you’re a CEDAM member. https://ow.ly/CSf850SWfzo

During the first week of August, CEDAM’s AmeriCorps members gathered in Lansing to celebrate their community economic development service achievements. Together, the members totaled more than 35,000 hours of service at more than 18 host site organizations where they contributed their skills and passion this year. From improving food pantry database systems and expanding tutoring services to increasing free tax assistance, CEDAM AmeriCorps members answered the call to build capacity across Michigan. When asked in small groups what was surprising about their experience, one member remarked how quickly the service year has gone. We couldn't agree more. As this cohort ends on August 23, the new members begin the 2024-2025 CEDAM AmeriCorps cohort term on September 9.

Learn more about CEDAM's AmeriCorps: https://ow.ly/roLg50SWaCz

Last week, CEDAM's Community Development fellows gathered in Lansing to present their final presentations. Their final presentations provided overviews of their communities, projects, and accomplishments from throughout their time as a fellow. Reflecting on their hard work and accomplishments over the last 15 months were cause for celebration! As this cohort wraps up their time with the Community Development Fellowship, we know their future is bright. We are so excited to cheer them on as they continue to be community champions in their next endeavors.

CEDAM manages the Community Development Fellowship in partnership with the MEDC MiPlace.

Registration is closing soon for CEDAM’s core Real Estate Development Boot Camp! This multi-part training program is designed to give you the tools necessary to develop affordable housing in your community. From rising construction costs to new funding sources, our training curriculum is updated annually to provide context around Michigan's current real estate development landscape. We bring in experienced speakers from across the state to discuss practical applications of this work and help you create important connections.

Key topics include understanding and utilizing pro formas, zoning, accessing capital, utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and much more. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their real estate development project to a funding panel at the end of the training for valuable feedback. Registration closes August 17.

CEDAM's Core Real Estate Development Boot Camp | CEDAM CEDAM’s core Real Estate Development Boot Camp is a multi-part training program designed to give you the tools needed to develop affordable housing in your community. From rising construction costs to new funding sources, our training curriculum is updated each year to provide context around the c...

Meet Shara Washington! Shara started at CEDAM in June and is the member engagement coordinator. She comes to CEDAM after working in the Michigan Senate in Senator Sarah Anthony's office with a strong administrative background. As the membership engagement coordinator, she will work in tandem with the director of member engagement implementing and executing membership engagement initiatives and ensuring high standards of member satisfaction. Shara is now the main point of contact for membership and event questions. Our communications specialist, Jennifer, interviewed her to get to know her and hear about her experience. You can learn more about Shara and read her interview on our website. https://ow.ly/XPZm50SSWVJ

This past spring, Tyler Pischel (top left), CEDAM's community development fellow in Ga***rd, participated in the Downtown Merchants Association Easter Hop event. The event, where he was the Easter Bunny's security guard, served as crowd control, and helped with social media promotion, was a great opportunity for Tyler to connect with residents and get further involved with the community. The event had a fantastic turnout, and residents had a great time enjoying Ga***rd's lovely downtown.

This is just one of the many ways fellows get involved and immerse themselves in their host community. And fellows do so much more—if you'd like to apply to become a host community in the next Community Development Fellowship cohort, the application is now open! This is a great way for communities and municipalities to expand organizational capacity, increase local collaboration, and remove barriers to development. Fellows have also helped their communities make significant progress on the RRC program, supported efforts to update key planning documents, passed revised zoning ordinances, and more.

The deadline to apply is August 19. https://ow.ly/ikjT50SPBtV

Registration is open for CEDAM’s core Real Estate Development Boot Camp! This multi-part training program is designed to give you the tools necessary to develop affordable housing in your community. From rising construction costs to new funding sources, our training curriculum is updated annually to provide context around Michigan's current real estate development landscape. We bring in experienced speakers from across the state and country to discuss practical applications of this work and help you create important connections. This year, Boot Camp will take place in Grand Rapids September 16-20.

Whether you are new to the field or need a refresher on the basics, this training is for you! However, this training curriculum is geared toward helping participants move their community-focused real estate development projects forward. We encourage all participants to bring a potential project (whether it be a potential site or building, or even just an idea) to the training. Those who join the training and do not have a potential project will have the opportunity to collaborate with those who do when we apply our learning through a final project pitch to funders.

Capacity is limited; registrants must commit to being active participants and be available to attend the training in its entirety. Registration closes August 17.

CEDAM's Core Real Estate Development Boot Camp | CEDAM CEDAM’s core Real Estate Development Boot Camp is a multi-part training program designed to give you the tools needed to develop affordable housing in your community. From rising construction costs to new funding sources, our training curriculum is updated each year to provide context around the c...

Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the $59 billion FY 2024-25 omnibus budget passed by the Michigan Legislature. CEDAM’s Executive Director Luke Forrest had the opportunity to attend the signing.

The budget includes investments for Michigan communities in education, public health and safety, economic development, and infrastructure. More details of the budget's contents can be found here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2024-SB-0747

Read our breakdown and see the highlights most relevant to our field on our website: https://ow.ly/7rHc50SKjjK

Within the last year, CEDAM has gone through tremendous growth. As a result, we’ve increased our capacity to support our programs better. This included the creation of the grants & contracts coordinator position and the hiring of Tara Smalley! Tara has a diverse background in operations and business management. As a non-native Michigander, she is looking forward to getting to know Michigan and becoming a conscientious resident. At CEDAM, she is looking forward to formalizing the systems and processes behind the scenes so we can continue our growth and do so smoothly. Our communications specialist, Jennifer, interviewed Tara to get to know her a little better. Read the interview on our website! https://ow.ly/t4wU50SHvnj

Registration is open for CEDAM’s core Real Estate Development Boot Camp taking place in Grand Rapids September 16 - 20. This is a multi-part training program designed to give you the tools needed to develop affordable housing in your community. From rising construction costs to new funding sources, our training curriculum is updated each year to provide context around the current real estate development landscape in Michigan. We bring in experienced speakers from across the state and country to discuss practical applications of this work and help you create important connections.

Whether you are new to the field or need a refresher on the basics, this training is for you! However, this training curriculum is geared toward helping participants move their community-focused real estate development projects forward. We encourage all participants to bring a potential project (whether it be a potential site or building, or even just an idea) to the training.

Those who join the training and do not have a potential project will have the opportunity to collaborate with those who do when we apply our learning through a final project pitch to funders.

Capacity is limited; registrants must commit to being active participants and be available to attend the training in its entirety. Registration closes August 17. https://ow.ly/oJhl50SHupQ

To hear more about CEDAM and our Real Estate Development Boot Camp, check out this video! https://youtu.be/IVXBDM8JKbA?si=JWnXpX6qSZAN_CHs

Time is running out to submit an application to be a fellow in the initial cohort of the MI Mobility Fellows (MMF) Program!

The MMF Program is a highly selective 15-month fellowship that attracts talent from all over the country to gain real-world experience in transportation planning and mobility innovation. By participating in the MMF Program, fellows will provide meaningful capacity support for host sites, which include transit organizations, government entities, economic development offices, and emerging companies across the state. Additionally, fellows will participate in fellowship building, training, and other professional experiences to develop skills for the long haul.

There are five openings in each track, with openings across the state. Each location has its respective job description and describes specific preferred experiences, but it is not required experience. We strongly encourage you to apply for any position that interests you. The deadline to apply and submit all necessary details is July 22 at 11:59pm. Visit the CEDAM website for more information and to apply. https://ow.ly/zc0H50SBKul

The MMF Program is in partnership with the Detroit Revitalization Fellows, the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and Michigan Central.

Tomorrow is the last day to apply to be an MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps Host Partner for the next cohort! MHC Corps Host Partners will host an MHC Corps member to build capacity at their office to meet their climate goals. Applications are due Friday, July 19 at 11:59pm.

The MHC Corps is an equity-centered program focused on advancing and reaching Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources. Members will serve at Host Partner organizations from November 13, 2024 - October 17, 2025.

The MHC Corps is an AmeriCorps program administered by the Office of Climate and Energy in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in partnership with CEDAM, and supported by the Michigan Community Service Commission.

Apply here: https://ow.ly/Mpv250SBJVh

Our annual QAP & LIHTC Summit is taking place July 30 at the Lansing Community College West Campus. Time is running out to register! Reserve your spot by Monday, July 22.

This Summit is an annual convening of MSHDA, equity investors, developers, and other affordable housing stakeholders. This day-long training is geared toward emerging and experienced developers who have utilized or plan to utilize Low Income Housing Tax Credits to develop housing. At the Summit we’ll discuss application expectations through the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), other MSHDA programs, the status of the equity markets, the construction management climate, and dive deeper into capital stacks through the presentation of two different case studies.

Registration is required to attend. We hope to see you there! https://ow.ly/vwNT50SBJIP

Looking to build capacity at your organization to meet your climate goals? Time is running out to apply to be a MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps Host Partner for the next cohort!

The MHC Corps is an equity-centered program focused on advancing and reaching Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources. Members will serve at Host Partner organizations from November 13, 2024 - October 17, 2025.

The MHC Corps is an AmeriCorps program administered by the Office of Climate and Energy in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in partnership with CEDAM, and supported by the Michigan Community Service Commission.

Applications are due this Friday, July 19 at 11:59pm. Apply here: https://ow.ly/HyKE50SBJgo

Recruiting and hiring are critical activities for any company or organization. At CEDAM, we are committed to attracting talent with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences through expanding recruitment efforts, reaching candidate pool demographic goals, and providing an equitable experience throughout the process.

Since setting more specific goals in 2023, we’ve recruited for ten positions and met or exceeded our goals each time. Across all job postings, 70% of CEDAM’s candidates met at least 75% of the position qualifications—and we want to share how you can implement a successful hiring process yourself!

We invite you to join CEDAM’s associate director & chief talent officer, Rachel Diskin, for the Inclusive Hiring Practicum Series. This comprehensive program will empower Michigan’s community economic development (CED) leaders to attract, retain, and thrive with a diverse workforce. By spending just two hours a week with us, you’ll work with CEDAM staff and a cohort of peers to dive deep into inclusive hiring concepts and explore tools that promote inclusion and increase efficiency. You’ll also take away attainable action steps to improve your hiring processes!

This series is four 2-hour sessions and will take place on August 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 2pm. These sessions are all virtual and registration includes all four sessions. The last day to register is July 30. Apply here:

CEDAM's Inclusive Hiring Practicum | CEDAM As a nonprofit staff member, you know how important it is to be inclusive with your hiring. However, when your time is stretched thin, immediate needs take precedence, and fires need to be put out, it can be difficult to prioritize trying out new hiring practices.CEDAM's four-week, interactive pract...

This spring, Shate'ja Curry, CEDAM's Community Development Fellowship program manager, made a trip to the City of White Cloud and visited Fellow Andrew Stafford and City Manager April Storms. They spent the visit doing a walking tour of downtown, reviewing presentations and projects Andrew completed, meeting a local business owner, and discussing development challenges and housing and population patterns within the city.

The Community Development Fellowship Host Community application is now live! If you know of a Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) or a community engaged with the RRC process that would benefit from a fellow, encourage them to apply. The application closes August 19. Visit our website to learn more: https://ow.ly/IHf950Szco7

Our partners at the National Low Income Housing Coalition have released the 2024 Out of Reach Report- this year’s report illustrates the crippling housing market Michigan renters face.

Between 2019 and 2023, the average home price in the US increased 48% and the typical rent increased 30%. Wages increased by only 11%, not enough to keep up with housing and rental costs. The cost of increasing rent is burdened by our nation’s lowest-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, veterans, and others who pay more than half their income on rent.

Housing affordability continues to be salient as development costs, inflation, wage disparities, and lack of available and affordable rental units contribute to an inaccessible housing market for Michiganders. For one person earning minimum wage ($10.33) to afford a modest, one-bedroom rental in Michigan, they must work 72 hours per week (or have 1.8 full-time jobs). Just 6 years ago, in 2018, a person earning minimum wage would have had to work 57 hours a week (or 1.4 full-time jobs) to afford the same one-bedroom rental.

While we’ve seen more resources allocated to build affordable housing in Michigan through the permanent funding of the MI Housing and Community Development Fund, we know it will take significantly more money and capacity to meet the housing needs of Michiganders. CEDAM is adding capacity to emerging affordable housing developers through trainings like our Real Estate Development Boot Camp. We’re also working with our state agencies to support the implementation of the Statewide Housing Plan, and collaborating with our partners to advance local, state, and federal policy solutions. Learn more about CEDAM's policy advocacy efforts here: https://ow.ly/4BqL50Sz2uR

Read the full Out of Reach Report here: https://nlihc.org/oor

Become a Michigan’s AmeriCorps Ambassador!
Being an effective national service advocate is essential in collective efforts to increase funding for national service programming, as well as remove other barriers to service. The Michigan Community Service Commission is creating a team of individuals to promote and advocate on behalf of national service programs.

Find out more and apply at https://www.research.net/r/XXJLXZX

CEDAM is seeking AmeriCorps members and the deadline to apply is quickly approaching! There are more than 20 positions across Michigan, including northern Michigan, where individuals can serve. There are a variety of roles available, including specialist, outreach, and community coordinator positions.

Our AmeriCorps members build capacity at CEDAM member organizations through roles focused on free tax preparation program expansion, economic inclusion, community development, and affordable housing. Interested in building stronger communities and finding your pathway into the nonprofit sector? AmeriCorps is for you!

Applications close on Monday, July 15 at 5pm. The new cohort starts September 9. To apply and see all the available positions, visit our website: https://ow.ly/JNWg50SyK9t

Join AmeriCorps - CEDAM Applications are now open for 2024-2025 AmeriCorps members. The cohort will run September 9, 2024-August 15, 2025. The application deadline is July 15. See below for a list of available […]

The MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps is seeking Host Partners for the next cohort and the application deadline has been extended! MHC Corps Host Partners will host an MHC Corps member to build capacity at their office to meet their climate goals.

The MHC Corps is an equity-centered program focused on advancing and reaching Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources. The service term for this cohort is November 13, 2024 - October 17, 2025.

The MHC Corps is an AmeriCorps program administered by the Office of Climate and Energy in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in partnership with CEDAM, and supported by the Michigan Community Service Commission.

Applications are now due July 19 at 11:59pm. Apply here: https://ow.ly/Keoj50SxQQf

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We are excited to introduce the five host sites for the Mobility x Society Innovators track in the MI Mobility Fellows (MMF) Program: Bloom; Energy Storage Safety Products International, LLC; OptimizeEV; Snowbotix; and Strut Motors, Inc. Though all of these positions vary with their responsibilities, they all involve leadership roles with an engineering emphasis.

The 15-month program seeks to attract recent graduates (within the past two years) across all degree fields interested in gaining real-world experience in transportation planning and mobility innovation. By participating in the MMF Mobility x Society Innovators track, fellows will support the growth & development of early-stage mobility companies located within the Southeastern Michigan region. Additionally, fellows will participate in fellowship building, training, and other professional experiences to develop skills for the long haul.

We encourage you to visit our website and take a more in-depth look at the host sites and their job descriptions. Applications to join the first MMF cohort close July 22.

CEDAM manages the MMF Program in partnership with the Detroit Revitalization Fellows, the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and Michigan Central. https://ow.ly/7kvS50Sx6Pa

Helping Michigan reach our climate action goals: Michigan Saves hosts MI Healthy Climate Corps member Michigan Saves is proud to be a host site for the inaugural cohort of the MI Healthy Climate Corps. Julia Cunnien joins us as a program coordinator to advance our efforts towards a more equitable transition to a carbon-free Michigan.

CEDAM is overseeing the Transportation x Mobility Planning track as part of the MI Mobility Fellows (MMF) Program. We are thrilled to announce the five host sites where fellows will be placed: City of Detroit, Clinton Transit Authority, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, InvestUp, and Mass Transit–Flint.

We are now recruiting our first cohort of MI Mobility Fellows! We are seeking recent graduates (within the past two years) across all degree fields interested in gaining real-world experience in transportation planning and mobility innovation.

The roles and responsibilities at each of the sites vary, but all play a vital role in transportation planning in those regions. By participating in the 15-month MMF Program, fellows will provide meaningful capacity support for host sites, as well as participate in fellowship building, training, and other professional experiences to develop skills for the long haul.

We encourage you to visit our website and take a more in-depth look at the host sites and their job descriptions. Applications close July 22.

CEDAM manages the MMF Program in partnership with the Detroit Revitalization Fellows, the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and Michigan Central. https://ow.ly/iXHy50SrirX

Michigan Mobility Fellows Program - CEDAM CEDAM is partnering with the Detroit Revitalization Fellows, the State of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and Michigan Central to launch the Michigan (MI) Mobility Fellows Program. The MI Mobility […]