MSU EDA University Center for

Regional Economic Innovation

E-Update | August 2024

REI is excited to announce the 12th SLFG project award for 2024. The project seeks to take a deeper dive into the Attitudes Toward and Knowledge Gaps about Equity Among Practicing Planners. The project, led by Dr. Carolyn Loh, Wayne State University, is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA), and with additional support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Student-Led Faculty-Guided (SLFG) projects focus on providing assistance to Michigan communities in completing local and regional economic development initiatives. Work is completed by students at colleges and universities throughout the state, under the supervision of experienced faculty. Through these projects, students gain firsthand and practical experience in the application of previously studied theory, and economic development professionals receive technical assistance that might not otherwise be available. 

In Michigan, the Social Equity Committee of the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP), the Michigan State chapter of the American Planning Association, has in recent years conducted research on how local governments are incorporating equity goals into their comprehensive plans.

Most recently, a survey was conducted of professional planners in Michigan in May and June 2024 to identify attitudes toward and knowledge gaps about equity. The quantitative survey data, from 190 respondents, allowed the project team to address many of their original research questions, including: How important a priority is equity to planners? Do planners and the officials they work with have different views about equity? What are the major knowledge gaps around equity among practicing planners in Michigan? And what are the major barriers to implementing equitable planning policies?

Part two of this project relates to the extensive responses received to the open-ended questions on the initial survey. Additional qualitative analysis beyond the original scope of the project will allow for a more thorough investigation of the remaining two research questions: What do planners think equity means? And what types of equity policies have Michigan communities adopted?



This project seeks to contribute to the conversation around what equity means in different contexts in Michigan and how planners can help their communities adopt more equitable policies.

The annual Innovate Michigan! Summit and Michigan Inventors Coalition Expo took place Thursday, August 15th at the Kellogg Conference Center in Lansing. Hundreds of inventors and Summit attendees participated throughout the day by attending various sessions and visiting and casting votes for their favorite invention. 

Summit keynote, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, Majority Whip, Economic and Community Development Chair, discussed housing challenges and potential areas to develop to assist in creating affordable markets, sustainability and emerging markets, Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, and community benefits. In addition the Summit featured 11 sessions, with seven sessions offering Certification Maintenance (CM) credits.

Attendees took time to exchange ideas, learn about various resources, network to build new partnerships, and rate the Ideas to Innovation. These ratings are then taken to REI's consultative panelists, knowledge-based and experienced experts, who help advise the Center. These topical project ideas will inform our 2025 call for proposals that are most likely to create or retain jobs and/or businesses in economically distressed communities and regions of Michigan. Late fall, topical areas will be announced to solicit Co-Learning Plan authors. 

Thank you to all our partners for making this a great Summit! We look forward to growing our partnerships and engaging with communities across Michigan.