Working together to achieve transformational change for Northwest Lower Michigan

Made up of over 40 business, governmental, and nonprofit partners, the Northwest Michigan Community Development Coalition collaborates to share information, align and leverage resources, and coordinate advocacy actions to drive positive economic, societal, and environmental improvements for our rural communities.

Our Shared Vision

By 2030, we will have created a more sustainable regional community by leveraging the collective power of cross-sector collaboration.

When we are successful, we will:

    • See a larger share of state and federal resources flowing into our region.
    • Foster deeper, productive connections with elected leaders and decision-makers to understand how they connect their work to projects and resources in their respective districts.
    • Witness meaningful improvements on the shared outcomes prioritized in the Regional Community Scorecard, which supports progress toward a more thriving regional community.

ECONOMIC Spotlight: Early college programs are thriving

Dual enrollment and early college programs at NMC are booming, with 544 local high school students enrolled—a 13% increase—driven by stronger partnerships, better outreach, and opportunities for accelerated degrees and workforce readiness. ... (More)

SOCIAL Spotlight: $400K to support our region's priorities

Rotary Charities awarded $400,000 to ten regional nonprofits to expand housing, protect natural assets, enhance libraries, support veterans, and strengthen arts and culture—advancing access, opportunity, and belonging across five northern Michigan co ... (More)

ENVIRONMENTAL Spotlight: FishPass construction underway

FishPass completes a 20-year restoration of the Boardman River, replacing Union Street Dam with a barrier that blocks invasive species while selectively passing native fish, restoring connectivity to Lake Michigan. ... (More)