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Office of Rural Development (ORD)
Overview
In January 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer established the Office of Rural Development within MDARD via Executive Directive 2022-01 to focus on the strategic needs of rural Michigan, including economic and workforce development, infrastructure, public health, and environmental sustainability.
The Office of Rural Development has the following responsibilities, among others:
- 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.
- Office of Rural Development 2023 Strategies and Priorities
Latest News
Contact Information
If you’re looking to contact the Office of Rural Development, please email Sarah Lucas at LucasS5@Michigan.gov.
Other Rural Development Resources
MDARD Grant and Funding Opportunities