Genesee County, MI – Numerous stakeholders from Genesee County’s 4th district will convene April 22 at UM-Flint for a Community Mentors Symposium with economic development experts from all over the country. The goal of the symposium, funded by a generous grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, is to spur economic growth in the 4th District and, ultimately, all of Genesee County.
“This is an incredible opportunity to bring together a brain trust of experts to collaborate with our local stakeholders,” said Dr. Beverly Brown, who represents the 4th District of Genesee County, including parts of Mundy Township, Grand Blanc Township, Flint Township and portions of south Flint.
Brown added: “As part of the symposium, we will reflect on existing plans to help to inform our thinking about future implementation. This is an experiment in empowerment for us as community leaders.”
Derek Bradshaw, Director of the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, says the 4th District is poised for the type of economic development that can bridge the talent gap that exists in Genesee County and in many other parts of the state.
“We have a tremendous need to attract young talent to Genesee County,” Bradshaw said. “To do that, we must create the conditions to spur growth by investing in affordable housing, walkability and placemaking. It’s critical that we come together to set the stage for it, and this symposium is a great chance to do that.”
One goal of the symposium is to secure an economic development software tool to assist community partners with strategic design, growth and placemaking strategies. Other topics of discussion will be community beautification, homeownership and creating a framework for future collaboration.
“Ultimately, we hope that the symposium will yield 3-4 action projects that will serve our residents long into the future,” Dr. Brown said. “This is our opportunity to think big, to see what’s possible for our community and, most importantly, create a plan to achieve it.”
James Avery, chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, believes that the outcome of the Symposium will benefit communities across Genesee County.
“Through collaboration and open dialogue between communities, we can create something together that we could never achieve on our own,” Avery said. “We believe that Genesee County is poised to take a huge step forward, and we’re excited about our role in it.”
