Empowering Local Ideas. Building Stronger Communities.
We help communities turn good ideas into action through education, research, and innovation.
Who we are
We work alongside small, rural, and under-resourced communities to spark innovative solutions, build capacity, and support locally led change. Whether it’s economic resilience, social equity, or environmental justice, Community Innovation Lab helps turn ideas into impact.
Media & Events
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2025 Small Town & Rural Development Conference
June 9-11, 2025
2025 Small Town & Rural Development Conference
Celebrate 20 Years of Rural Michigan Prosperity at the 2025 Small Town & Rural Development Conference!
Join us at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, MI from June 9-11, 2025. We will be participating in the Consumers Energy "Put Your Town on the Map" Pitch Competition with the Voices of Manistee storytelling project.
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Local 'Voices' project is finalist in Consumers Energy pitch competition
Manistee News Advocate | April 24, 2025
The “Voices of Manistee” storytelling project has been named one of 10 finalists in the Consumers Energy Foundation’s Put Your Town on the Map pitch competition, which will provide a total of $50,000 in grants to three winning proposals…
Contact Us
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