Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) joined local community members, business leaders and stakeholders to discuss Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s FY25 budget recommendations in Capac, MI. The discussion focused on rural issues and what LEO’s Office of Rural Prosperity is doing to foster strategic and coordinated investments in people and places, with an intentional focus on building the capacity and resources necessary to address complex rural needs.   

"Rural communities play an integral role in Michigan’s economy,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “We are honored to host this roundtable event and bring together local community members, business leaders and stakeholders to discuss the investments being made to ensure rural communities have the funds and resources to solve their most complex issues.” 

In February, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her sixth executive budget recommendation that will lower costs, power economic development and build a brighter future to ensure any person or business can “make it” in Michigan. The proposed budget includes $2.5M Rural Prosperity Grants to enhance regional and statewide coordination of services in rural communities. These grants would be overseen by Office of Rual Prosperity, who joined LEO late last year. 

"Rural communities are facing unprecedented opportunities, but at the same time, they often have issues solving complex challenges like housing shortages and health access, due to the lack of funding or staff resources,” said Sarah Lucas, director of the Office of Rural Prosperity. “The proposed $2.5M investment towards additional grant opportunities for our rural communities puts vital dollars in underserved areas across the state a to ensure residents have the resources they need to respond to the urgent, complex needs in their communities, while also preparing for the important opportunities in front of them.” 

In just a short time, Office of Rural Prosperity has made big strides for rural communities:  

• Created in mid-2022 with only three staff joining in early 2023, they were able to launch the Rural Readiness Grant Program last year that’s now supporting rural innovations in housing, healthcare access, infrastructure and more, and will leverage millions of dollars in investment across the state.   
• Built an extensive network of rural partners and resources, ensured rural needs were a part of new policies and programs across state government and developed a comprehensive statewide strategy – the Roadmap for Rural Prosperity, just released last month, which includes a vision for coordinated action.  

"We are grateful for programs and initiatives like the Rural Readiness Grants and the Roadmap for Rural Prosperity that actively address the issues that rural communities face today,” said Kathy Dickens, executive director of Four County Community Foundation. “With the Rural Readiness Grants, Four County Community Foundation has been able to implement a grant writing internship program that will give communities the knowledge to apply for additional funding opportunities. We are excited to see the potential for more funding that will positively impact our rural communities and their residents.” 

Rural Prosperity programs are a necessary tool to make sure we're investing in underserved areas across the state, giving everyone an equal playing field to address a wide range of needs that lead to positive change for Michigan residents. By investing $2.5M for Rural Prosperity grants and programs the Michigan will be able to build on the road map, lift up more communities and fund projects that will address complex challenges like housing shortages and health access.   

To learn more about Rural Prosperity, their programs and initiatives visit, Michigan.gov/ORP.