The Rural Readiness Program is a multi-pronged approach to building capacity and readiness in Michigan’s rural communities through networked support, funding opportunities, and leadership development.

Michigan’s first-ever report focused on rural issues, the Roadmap to Rural Prosperity, gives a voice to rural communities, fosters a statewide understanding of rural needs and priorities and helps guide local, regional and state leaders in advancing collaborative and collective action to achieve prosperity across rural Michigan.

The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) holds events across the state to connect rural communities and leaders, community organizations, policy makers and other interested parties to identify and meet the needs of rural communities, ultimately preparing all communities across Michigan for economic development and success.

In 2024, we released Michigan’s first statewide rural strategy; created an innovative new capacity-building program to support community plans, partnerships, and projects; hosted statewide events and developed strong partnerships; awarded funds to innovative projects that are resulting in new development and investment; and secured additional funding that allowed us to build our team and provide additional funding to communities.