The Village of Romeo, Michigan, partnered with the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute (EGI) for research services, strategic planning, and project implementation support in response to recent economic challenges. With manufacturing as the community’s largest industry by employment and GDP, the closure of a Ford engine plant left Romeo particularly vulnerable to economic disruption.
EGI conducted a comprehensive, consensus-driven community strategic planning engagement with local leaders and stakeholders to develop strategic solutions for economic stability. This facilitation aimed to eliminate bias while promoting local decision-making and cross-functional collaboration. As a result of these sessions, the strategic team decided to focus on a Central Business District (CBD) Business Attraction Strategy, which aims to boost business attraction to the downtown district and local businesses, enhance the aesthetics and signage, and increase overall economic development in the Village of Romeo.
With support from the EGI team, Romeo initiated a strategic collaboration with a consulting firm to advance the CBD Business Attraction Strategy. This project exemplifies how locally driven solutions can drive community development and economic resilience!
This project to support Romeo was made possible through funding from the State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s Electric Vehicle Transformation Impact Project.
