ASSESS
EGI offers a range of tools to help communities and governments gather information about their strengths, challenges, and performance. This information can be used to make better decisions, develop effective programs, and allocate resources more efficiently. EGI provides tools to help gather information to assess your community or region’s strengths, challenges, and performance to inform decision-making, program development, and resource allocation. We work with public sector clients and their regional partners to assess strengths to help you determine your organization’s state of readiness. We provide expertise to evaluate the practicality, opportunities (and threats), and resources needed for a proposed project through an objective assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of an existing or proposed opportunity.
Current Projects
MiVTTP: Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project
The Economic Growth Institute (EGI) at the University of Michigan, in collaboration with Michigan Clean Cities (MICC), has initiated the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project (MiVTTP). This project aims to gather insights through engaging listening sessions on supporting local workforces and economies during the auto industry’s shift to electric vehicles. These insights will inform strategic plans to empower communities, particularly underserved ones, to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate industry transitions effectively. MiVTTP emphasizes inclusive growth and equity-centered engagement processes. The project’s outcomes include hosting local listening sessions, developing consensus-driven action plans, offering workforce training and technical assistance models, and raising awareness to aid communities in addressing challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to electric vehicles. Learn more.
EVTIP: Electric Vehicle Transformation Impact Program
Michigan’s manufacturing landscape is undergoing significant changes with the emergence of electric and autonomous vehicles, potentially leading to facility closures and community impacts. To address these challenges, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) initiated the Electric Vehicle Transformation Impact Program (EVTIP) through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME). In collaboration with state agencies and facilitated by the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan, a strategic framework was developed using the Allovance Method in spring 2023. This framework guided stakeholders in identifying priorities and objectives, resulting in action-based initiatives aimed at fostering resilience and sustainable development. EVTIP demonstrates Michigan’s proactive approach to managing the transition to EV manufacturing while prioritizing community engagement and support. Additionally, EVTIP provides direct assistance to communities affected by the closure of internal combustion engine (ICE) employers due to EVs, as evidenced by its real-time application in aiding Romeo’s response to the closure of a Ford Motor Company ICE plant. Ongoing planning assistance from the EGI team to Romeo further informs the practical implementation of the framework in real-world scenarios.
Palisades Economic Recovery Initiative
Through the Palisades Economic Recovery Initiative (PERI), EGI spearheads economic revitalization in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties post-Palisades Nuclear Power Plant closure. Over the past two years, EGI collaborated with Kinexus Group/Market Van Buren, Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and local entities like Van Buren County and Covert Township to gather and analyze data. This partnership laid the groundwork for informed decision-making in regional economic and community development.