Governor Creates Office of Rural Development

Liz Gullett

Jan 07, 2022

Through Executive Order, Governor Gretchen Whitmer created a new office to focus on all rural matters, provide guidance, and offer insight on investing in thriving rural communities. The new Office of Rural Development will be housed within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and its responsibilities will include:

- Collaborate with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other stakeholders on rural economic development
- Collaborate with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to facilitate rural affordable housing development
- Promote sustainability, environmental preservation, and green energy development
- Address the ramifications of population and demographic trends in rural Michigan
- Analyze and provide guidance on education-related issues affecting rural communities
- Collaborate with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office to facilitate expansion of high-speed internet connections in rural communities; and,
- Coordinate with tribal leaders in this state on issues facing rural Michigan.

To read the full Executive Order, please click here.

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