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: New BlueTech Accelerator Drives Startups to Freshwater Research Center

20Fathoms and Gener8tor have launched Northern Michigan’s first BlueTech Accelerator, helping attract freshwater-focused startups to Traverse City’s upcoming Freshwater Research & Innovation Center. ... (More)

SOCIAL Spotlight: Community Foundation Awards Over $300,000 to 21 Organizations

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation awarded $344,090 in Community Funds grants to 21 organizations across the five-county region, focusing on housing, youth, and mental health initiatives. ... (More)

ENVIRONMENTAL Spotlight: Flow and partners launch legal challenge to EGLE Line 5 tunnel permit

Four environmental organizations have petitioned Michigan regulators for a contested case hearing, arguing Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel permit violates state environmental laws and threatens Great Lakes resources. ... (More)