What's happening: Allegan, a small city in southwestern Michigan, has been chosen as a host site for a Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) fellow. This fellowship brings an emerging community leader to Allegan for 15 months, where he or she will work closely with city officials, local organizations, and residents to support economic development, housing initiatives, and enhance community vitality.
About the fellowship: The CEDAM fellowship program is designed to connect talented individuals with Redevelopment Ready Communities across Michigan, offering them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while addressing critical local challenges. Fellows work on a range of projects, including affordable housing, economic support, and community engagement initiatives. CEDAM is a nonprofit trade association serving the community economic development industry.
What they're saying: "We are thrilled to welcome and support the addition of a CEDAM fellow to Allegan," said Stephanie Calhoun, CEO of the Allegan County Community Foundation. "This fellowship is a unique opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our community while supporting our efforts to address the lack of housing stock in Allegan County.”
What's next: The CEDAM fellow will begin his or her role in January 2025 with a focus on improving housing outcomes, increasing community engagement, and improving financial opportunity and sustainability. Throughout their time in Allegan, the fellow will collaborate with various stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that will foster economic growth and community engagement.
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