Michigan’s new Office of Rural Development announces its leader

What’s happening: Michigan’s Office of Rural Development was first announced at the beginning of the year, the result of an Executive Directive that Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued on Jan. 4, 2022. Now the nascent office has its leader: Sarah Lucas, Michigan’s first Deputy for Rural Development. Lucas was announced as Deputy on Tuesday, March 15, and is officially set to begin on Monday, April 18.

A little background: The Office of Rural Development operates within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), created to address and advance the needs of rural communities throughout the state. The office will coordinate and facilitate rural development efforts and serve as a point of contact for community leaders on those issues facing rural areas.

Target areas: As it was announced at the time of its creation, the Office of Rural Development will focus on working with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) on issues of economic development and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) on issues of affordable housing. Additional target areas include sustainability, environmental preservation, and green energy efforts; addressing population and demographic trends; education-related issues; expanding access to high-speed internet; and working with Michigan tribal leaders.

"Through inclusive collaboration, we are committed to investing in our rural communities and businesses through job creation, infrastructure and housing expansion, and environmental sustainability" says Gary McDowell, director of MDARD. "Sarah [Lucas] will be laser-focused on reinvigorating Michigan's rural economies and being their partner on the critical issues they are facing."

About Sarah: Lucas has spent the past 20 years in community and economic development in small communities and rural areas in Michigan, most recently as the CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership in Marquette County. She lives with her family in Marquette.

What they’re saying: "Having spent most of her career in small towns and rural areas in northwest Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, Sarah has deep connection and understanding of the challenges facing our rural communities,” McDowell says. “Her 20 plus years of passion and experience will serve Michiganders well."