Virtual news conference to launch report on transforming rural Michigan’s economy
The report, titled “A Strategy for Our Farms, Forests, Freshwater and Our Future,” details actionable policy pathways to unlock economic resilience and sustainable resource management for struggling rural communities.
What’s happening: The Nature Conservancy in Michigan and Public Sector Consultants will host a virtual news conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, to launch a groundbreaking new report: “A Strategy for Our Farms, Forests, Freshwater and Our Future.” The briefing will detail actionable policy pathways to unlock economic prosperity for Michigan’s rural communities.
About the virtual conference: Rich Bowman, director of external affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, and Julie Metty Bennett, CEO of Public Sector Consultants, will present a brief overview of the report’s core findings and policy recommendations, followed by a live Q&A session for the media.
About the report: “A Strategy for Our Farms, Forests, Freshwater and Our Future” highlights a critical paradox: Michigan’s rural communities are frequently struggling despite their wealth of natural resources and the ingenuity of their residents. Too often, local farms, forests, and waters are not managed as sustainably or productively as they could be—largely because key economic decisions are made by stakeholders living outside these communities.
Background: To identify barriers to rural growth and develop lasting solutions, the project team conducted comprehensive policy research, including: a survey of more than 1,000 registered Michigan voters; in-depth interviews with subject-matter experts; a comparative analysis of natural resource management and funding mechanisms across Michigan and eight peer states. The resulting framework offers strategic policy solutions designed to increase the economic resilience and productivity of rural Michigan, ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, and preserve vital community values.
To register: Register HERE to receive the Zoom link for this virtual press event.
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