LANSING, MI—CEDAM, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), is excited to announce our newest capacity building program: the CED Corps. CEDAM will place AmeriCorps members at organizations across the state with a goal of removing barriers to development and increasing collaboration within communities.

CED Corps blends two former CEDAM capacity building programs—our AmeriCorps program and the Community Development (CD) Fellowship. 

Through our partnership with the MCSC, CEDAM is able to leverage AmeriCorps funding and join the statewide network of Michiganders engaged in service, with an emphasis on professional development and incentives for members, including the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and a robust AmeriCorps alumni network. The members’ service activities, however, will have a more narrow focus than in past iterations of the program. Goals will more closely align with those of our former CD Fellowship, engaging in activities that remove barriers to development, strengthen internal systems, and increase collaboration within communities. 

“We are grateful to be able to continue to add capacity to organizations and municipalities across the state,” said Sarah Teater, director of capacity building at CEDAM. “With more partners at the table to support this work, our host site organizations and members will have access to meaningful training opportunities, partners, and resources.” 

Activities that members will work on include: 

• Supporting integration of zoning and development best practices outlined in the Redevelopment Ready Communities Toolkit
• Assessing ​inventory for development potential, such as reviewing available parcels and/or properties
• Supporting rehabilitation of properties in the inventory
• Understanding local incentives and resources for development
• Planning and advancing the creation of additional housing units to meet regional needs