Executive Directive 2022-1: Creating the Michigan Office of Rural Development

The work of building a healthier, better connected, and more prosperous rural Michigan is underway in numerous places, both within state government and beyond. A dedicated office within state government will help ensure these efforts are as coordinated, focused, and effective as possible. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ("Department") is well positioned to house this critical work.

Acting under sections 1 and 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, I direct the following:

1. Under MCL 16.107, the Department must create the Michigan Office of Rural Development ("Office"). The Office must convene and coordinate departments   and agencies on all rural matters, provide guidance on pressing issues in rural Michigan, and offer insight on how state government can invest in thriving rural communities.

2. The Department must designate a Deputy for Rural Development ("Deputy"), appointed by and reporting to the MDARD Director, to serve as head of the Office. The Deputy must have demonstrated competency in issues facing rural Michiganders. The Deputy will be the state's point of contact for community leaders on urgent rural issues. Additionally, the Deputy will help coordinate state activities impacting rural areas, including but not limited to, economic and workforce development, infrastructure, public health, and environmental sustainability.

3. The Office must do all of the following:

  a.     Collaborate with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other                                   stakeholders on rural economic development.

  b.     Collaborate with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and other                                 stakeholders to facilitate rural affordable housing development.

  c.     Promote sustainability, environmental preservation, and green energy development in                   rural areas.

  d.     Evaluate, analyze, and address the ramifications of population and demographic trends in            rural areas of this state.

  e.     Work with the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, the                               department, and the governor's office to identify existing state and federal policies that                 impact rural areas and create new policy goals.

  f.      Analyze and provide guidance on education-related issues and the effects on rural                          communities, students, schools, and economies.

  g.     Evaluate energy issues facing rural areas of this state and analyze how energy issues are                 impacting the livability, local economies, and opportunities in rural areas of this state.

  h.     Work with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office to facilitate expansion of high-speed               internet connections to individuals and anchor institutions in rural communities.

  i.      Aid rural governments, businesses, individuals, and economic development organizations            in accessing economic and cultural development resources.

  j.      Coordinate with the department's tribal liaison and tribal leaders in this state.

 k.      Implement funding and oversight for rural development grants and assist communities                and organizations in applying for rural development grants.

4. All departments, agencies, committees, commissioners, and officers of this state must give to the Office, or to any member or representative of the Office, any necessary assistance required by the Office, or any member or representative of the Office, in the performance of the duties of the Office so far as is compatible with their duties and consistent with this directive and applicable law. Free access also must be given to any books, records, or documents in their custody relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Office, consistent with applicable law.

This directive is effective immediately.

Thank you for your cooperation in implementing this directive.

Click to view the full PDF of the executive directive.