Department Happenings

June 2, 2009 - USDA Rural Development Workshop

Department staff attended a loan and grant workshop hosted by Congresswoman Candice Miller and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Office.

The mission of the USDA Rural Development is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for the people, communities, and non-profit organizations of rural America, by offering assistance through grants and low-interest loans. The intent of the workshop was to shed light on the forty different programs currently offered through the Rural Development Program at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mi/. According to Kevin Smith, Area Director of USDA Rural Development, "During Fiscal Year 2008, the USDA Rural Development provided over $733 million of financial assistance to Michigan via loans, loan guarantees and grants. These loans, loan guarantees and grants were provided in a wide range of programs with a few examples being water and sewer systems, first responder vehicles, energy efficiency improvements for businesses and single family home mortgages”.

The Rural Development Programs are currently available to most of the northernmost rural communities of Macomb County, north of 26-mile road. The eligible communities include Armada Township, Armada Village, Bruce Township, Lenox Township, City of Memphis, Village of New Haven, Ray Township, Richmond Township, City of Richmond, and Washington Township. To view the USDA Rural Development Michigan Property Eligibility Map, click here.

 

USDA Rural Development looks forward to its continued assistance of the rural communities, families and businesses of Macomb County. For more information interested parties may contact the Flint Sub Area Office at 1-888-771-6993.

 

May 21, 2009 - Neighborhood Stabilization Program

The Community Development Services Group is abuzz with a rush of supplemental federal funding opportunities to promote housing, community development, and healthy economic growth.

A number of proposals have been submitted in the last few weeks including the 2009 Community Development Block Grant, 2009 HOME, 2008 Homeless Prevention, 2008 CDBG-Recovery, and the HOME Consortium’s Consolidated Plan for 2009-2013.

Combined with Neighborhood Stabilization Program dollars, these programs will provide nearly $14 million in funds to strengthen Macomb County communities.

 

May 21, 2009 - Manufacturers Diversification Summit

The department recently hosted more than 280 manufacturers at the Mac Ray Event Center in Harrison Township for a day-long workshop on the topic of manufacturer diversification.

The event was part of a joint effort of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and local economic development agencies to provide resources aimed at helping local automotive suppliers to diversify into four growth industries:  Aerospace; Defense and/or Homeland Security; Medical Devices; and Alternative Energy.

The event featured leading experts in each of the targeted industries as well as a host of designated service providers who have been retained to assist companies with the diversification process.  Eligible companies may also be able to access up to $10,000 to assist with transitional costs.

For more information on the program and how other manufacturing firms can participate in the future, please visit: www.michiganadvantage.org/diversification

 

February 26, 2009 - Planning for Agriculture Conference

Department staff attended the “Planning For Agriculture” conference hosted by the Michigan Farm Bureau in Lansing.  The event focused on agriculture and its importance as Michigan’s second largest industry.

Agricultural related business accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state’s overall economic engine.  Presentations included farmland and open space preservation programs, land use planning, the importance of supporting local growers through farm markets and agri-tourism.  Resources garnered is conference will assist the Planning Departments efforts in supporting Macomb’s commitment to preserving farmland and open space endeavors.

 

February 12, 2009 - MHSDA – Specialized Technical Assistance and Revitalization Strategy (STARS) Training

Department staff attended training for the “Specialized Technical Assistance and Revitalization Strategy” (STARS) as provided by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority in early February. The seminar focused on resources and opportunities for downtown's in the State of Michigan. STARS is a new division of MSHDA which has been established to provide technical assistance related to Cool Cities, Main Street Communities, and Blueprints for Michigan Downtowns. The resources obtained from this training will assist the Department in its efforts to support Macomb County’s traditional downtown's.

Downtown Revitalization Workshop

Michigan Main Street Center @ MSHDA Programs

Michigan's Talent - Population & Talent Retention & Attraction

 

February 12, 2009 - University of Michigan Urban Planning Graduate Student Projects

The Department has recently partnered with the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning on a series of graduate student practicum projects throughout Macomb County. Six graduate student groups will be working on the following projects:

• Eastpointe Corridor Improvement Authority
• Mount Clemens Art Incubator
• New Baltimore Downtown Development Authority and Tax Increment Finance Plan Updates
• St Clair Shores Jefferson Beach Marina Redevelopment Plan
• Utica Downtown Development Authority Van Dyke Redevelopment/Streetscape Plan
• Warren Pedestrian Link from City Hall to Warren Community Center

The students will be working alongside the county and each community acting as planning consultants. The services provided by the students will be of no charge to the communities, and at the completion of the student’s academic semester each participating community will have a tangible planning document to assist them with implementation. MCPED is acting as the project coordinator and resource clearinghouse. Check back with us for updates on the projects.