Events

Date: October 22, 2026

Location: Peck, Michigan

Download the East Michigan & Thumb Regional Prosperity Summit program

Date: September 9, 2026

Location: Cassopolis, MI 

Download the Southwest Regional Prosperity Summit program

Date: August 11, 2026

Location: Mt. Pleasant, MI

Download the Central Lower Peninsula Regional Prosperity Summit Program

Date: July 21, 2026

View Western Upper Peninsula Regional Prosperity Summit Program.

Date: June 18, 2026

EUP and Straits Regional Prosperity Summit Program

Date: April 20, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Michigan Library and Historical Center, Lansing, MI

Event Summary:

This event will highlight:

• Nationally-recognized rural policy experts and rural research, programs and trends
• How rural communities are making progress toward their goals with Building Blocks of Successful Communities
• Innovative partnerships and regional approaches that are helping communities meet unique local needs
• Practical tools and conversations designed to support communities at different stages of readiness.

If you are a local leader, decision maker or policymaker, we hope you’ll attend!

Download the Rural Futures Summit Program.

Date: Feb. 17, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. – noon

Location: Virtual

Event Summary: Join the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) for our February virtual kickoff as we launch our 2026 efforts. This statewide Zoom webinar will introduce the full 2026 ORP event calendar, highlight key findings from our annual report and share updates on how ORP is strengthening governance and capacity across rural Michigan.

This is an informational webinar designed for community leaders, partners and anyone engaged in rural development. No preparation or participation is required. Simply join, listen and get oriented to what is ahead in 2026.

Date: November 12-13, 2025

Location: North Central Michigan College, Petoskey, Michigan

Event Summary: The Rural Readiness Network Convening is a statewide gathering designed to bring together network participants, community leaders, and resource providers to collaborate on innovative solutions for rural prosperity. This event will serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and strategic planning to address the evolving, complex challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.

View Rural Readiness Network Convening Program

Date: October 17, 2025

Location: Kingston Community Center, 1951 S. Kingston Road, Deford, Michigan 48729

Event Summary:  This event brings together community leaders from across the Thumb for a day-long summit focused on building capacity and utilizing community economic development tools to build a prosperous and resilient future. The day’s agenda builds upon the Thumb Prosperity Summit hosted in Bad Axe in October 2024 and the statewide Rural Futures Summit hosted in Lansing in April and will feature presentations, spotlights, resource panels and networking.

Date: September 8-10, 2025

Location: Grand Traverse Region, Michigan

Event Summary: The Grand Traverse Region Rural Readiness & Resiliency Summit is a multi-day event focused on advancing climate resilience across rural communities in Northern Michigan. This collaborative gathering will bring together stakeholders, service providers, and local leaders to explore actionable solutions addressing climate change, food systems, infrastructure, and community preparedness. The Office of Rural Prosperity is teaming up with Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and Interlochen Public Radio for this event.

Download Grand Traverse Region Rural Readiness & Resiliency Summit Event Program
View the Grand Traverse: Region Rural Readiness and Resiliency event recap

Date: July 22, 2025

Location: NMU Northern Center, Marquette, MI

Event Summary: The Office of Rural Prosperity is hosting a UP Rural Futures Summit in Marquette, MI, drawing from and expanding on content from the statewide summit held in April ‘25. This event will provide rural leaders, community organizations, and policymakers with insights that shape the future of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Topics will include climate adaptation, inclusive economic development, rural infrastructure, and workforce development, with a mix of case studies, resource panels, and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies, hear from experts, and connect with peers working toward a more resilient and prosperous rural Michigan.

Download UP Rural Futures Summit Event Program
View the Upper Peninsula Rural Futures Summit recap

This two-day event is dedicated to exploring the future of rural Michigan and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This convening is designed to bring together key stakeholders from across the state to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on solutions that will shape the future of our rural communities.