People walking on sidewalk in urban area.

The Economic Growth Institute, in collaboration with Michigan Clean Cities, has released a report sharing insights from a series of community listening sessions. These sessions, an initiative of the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project (MiVTTP), gathered valuable input from 104 participants representing 11 diverse communities in lower central and southeast Michigan, highlighting the collective voice of the region as it prepares for electric vehicles.

Central to the report are eight themes that emerged across communities of various sizes and resources. The discussions underscored the critical need for strategic investments in EV infrastructure, the importance of workforce development and retraining programs, and the urgency of regional collaboration to ensure a cohesive transition. Equity and inclusion also stood out across the report, signaling the imperative to support low-income and diverse residents throughout the shift towards electrification.

The MiVTTP listening sessions report effectively casts light on community members’ perspectives of transitioning to EVs – from improving public understanding and trust through clear, consistent messaging, to addressing funding and capacity challenges that communities face in adopting EV technology. Additionally, it brings forth community readiness and the readiness of emergency services to manage the unique risks associated with EV battery safety.

These conversations have the potential to yield a roadmap for Michigan, highlighting both the optimism and complexity inherent in moving towards an electrified automotive future. These dialogues set up the next phase of MiVTTP engagement: Consensus-driven, community-based strategic planning support for many of the participating communities.

This report serves as a call to action for local governments, policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders aiming to integrate these insights into effective local planning.

Community leaders and organizations interested in discussing the implications of these findings are invited to contact the team at michiganvttp@umich.edu for more information or to arrange a presentation.

View the report

 

June 13, 2024

Contact EGI:
LaTricia Mitchell

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