Groundwork Center was proud to co-host the recent—and first—Federal Listening Session for the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan. Groundwork believes in the importance of federal and state support to increase access to local, affordable, nutritious food, to provide accessible and equitable public transportation, and to transition our grid to reliable, local, clean energy.
While the impact of the convening will be determined in months and years to come, one impact is already apparent: lifelong residents of the U.P. and Northern Lower Michigan saw the federal government show up and hear them out. Results will matter far more than words, but we found it encouraging to see federal staff on the ground here, and we’re committed to follow up with them to hold them to their promise to continue the dialogue and make change happen.
During the meeting, northern Michigan residents emphasized time and time again that they already have solid ideas for solutions to pressing problems. They weren’t looking to the White House to solve problems; the folks in attendance were simply asking federal agencies to help remove the barriers that northern Michigan communities face so families and individuals can live up to their potential and create the thriving, resilient communities we all deserve.
Continued engagement and support from the federal government isn’t guaranteed. We need to continue to work to advance a clean energy economy, promote workforce development, channel funds and resources to our underserved communities, and work to keep dialogue open between federal agencies and rural Michiganders. Let’s continue to build on these relationships to help northern Michiganders unlock their full potential and build strong and climate resilient communities. 
EVENT MEDIA RELEASE BELOW
Linking Up Michigan Convenes Community Stakeholders with Federal Agency Reps to Discuss How Best to Serve the Needs of the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan
Community Leaders meet with Federal Agencies, Including Under-Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Basel Gooden to Share Successes and Address Challenges
Kewadin Casino and Conference Center. Close to 100 local community groups, elected officials, and labor leaders welcomed top-level federal and agency officials to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for two days of meetings to discuss how the federal government can support strong economic growth in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan. The historic combination of bills passed by the Biden-Harris Administration, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act provides rural communities across the nation with billions of dollars to strengthen their economies, create good union jobs, and ensure that funded projects built in the region expand clean energy opportunities.
The two-day meeting, organized by United Today, Stronger Tomorrow; Up North Advocacy, Michigan United; Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities; and Sault Ste. Marie/Pure Michigan, focused on lifting up federally funded programs and projects in the region, addressing challenges in accessing funds, and working together with federal officials to ensure community needs are met. Day one included topics like how federal funding supports clean energy development and energy efficiency programs, as well clean water and transportation. Day two focused on the lack of affordable housing and workforce development and the creation of good jobs, two of the biggest issues affecting communities.
A highlight of the meeting was when USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden participated in a roundtable with local residents. He commented “under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA looks forward to continuing this important work to ensure that all people in rural areas thrive. Whether it’s connecting people in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to their loved ones over the internet, partnering with local governments to build important infrastructure, or making sure people have access to high-paying, quality jobs, USDA Rural Development is a strong partner to the people of rural Michigan.”
Kalvin Carter, Director of the Sault Ste. Marie-based Up North Advocacy shared, “A year ago, I met with other organizers working in rural communities to strategize how to get Washington to pay attention to small towns and rural communities like Sault St. Marie. We know that there was this amazing opportunity with millions of federal funds available for our communities. However, folks living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower often feel under-represented by the government. Our event, Linking UP Michigan, helps to relieve those feelings. Not only are these historic federal investments being made available to rural communities like ours, but federal officials like Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden coming to Sault Ste. Marie shows his and the administration’s commitment to working with our communities.”
Nicholas Jansen, of Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, shared “The three most important resources for an organizer are people, money and time. To see the White House take the time and money to send people to our community to truly listen and engage is something that doesn’t happen in the UP. The fact that it did has been inspiring and motivating. It gives me hope that we can continue to build relationships with federal leadership to have the resources to address the most pressing needs of our communities.”
Audrey Gerard, an organizer with Michigan United who lives in Hancock, Michigan, said “This space offered a chance for members of my community to engage directly with federal officials from Washington DC. The ability to have face-to-face conversations is priceless. Residents from the Western Upper Peninsula had the opportunity to discuss proposals directly with Environmental Protection Agency staff, which could deliver much needed dollars to our community. Such meetings not only benefit the Keweenaw Peninsula but also provide crucial insights to officials in Washington to grasp local realities.”
Linking Up ended with community leaders working together to develop a set of recommendations and actionables for officials to help agencies deliver money to their communities to create good jobs, expand clean energy, and address other issues such as the lack of affordable housing.
Nicholas Jansen, Rural Clean Energy Specialist
nicholas.jansen@groundworkcenter.org
