What’s happening: The rural communities of Ionia and Marlette have been recognized for their innovative solutions in addressing local mobility gaps, improving residents’ access to jobs, health care, education, and more. Projects within those communities are among six total winners to be selected as part of the state’s $15M Equitable Mobility Challenge, with the six winners sharing in a total of $15 million worth of grant awards.
What it is: Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) launched the $15M Equitable Mobility Challenge in early 2024 as it sought innovative solutions to mobility challenges throughout the state. A total of six winning projects were announced at the inaugural Mobility Conference held in Detroit on Thursday, Oct. 24.
In Ionia: The City of Ionia has received recognition for its Dial-A-Ride program over the years, and
most recently for the addition of two electric vehicles to the city’s shared ride, demand-response public transportation fleet. The City will now look to take its success county-wide, winning the Mobility Challenge on the strength of its plans to launch a microtransit service throughout Ionia County.
And in Marlette: The Marlette Regional Hospital won the Mobility Challenge for its Effectively Connecting Seniors program. The initiative will focus on senior living facilities around the hospital campus, connecting residents to medical appointments and community events by way of golf carts.
Why it’s important: “As we build the future of advanced manufacturing and future mobility, we must ensure every Michigander can access affordable and equitable ways to get around,” reads a statement from Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The Equitable Mobility Challenge is investing $15 million in six winners who are growing Michigan’s economy and innovating new mobility solutions that improve quality of life for Michiganders across our state. Let’s keep standing tall for equitable mobility so every Michigander can build a great life.”
Visit OFME online to learn more about each of the six winning projects.
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