Cooperative Extension
Field-based projects and facilitated convenings, in partnership with Michigan communities and organizations, tackle local challenges through constructive dialogue.
Building Infrastructure to Strengthen Dialogue Between U-M and Michigan's Rural Communities
A hub for local leaders in rural communities to gather with U-M faculty, staff and students to build mutual respect and trust, collaborate on projects, and create opportunities for engaged learning. Establishes focus groups with rural local officials and policy experts, engaged-learning projects for rural partners, day-long workshops and a U-M Rural Scholars Network.
Audience: Rural community members, leaders; general public; U-M students, faculty, staff.
Civic Interaction Design: Creating Tools for 21st Century Civics
U-M students will partner with Michigan municipalities to develop innovative tools, systems and services that support community dialogue and collaborative decision-making. By placing interdisciplinary student teams directly into communities, the program will deliver real-world benefits: community residents will gain new, tangible opportunities for constructive dialogue with their local government, and municipalities will receive usable, sustainable information tools and services that improve their capacity to engage with residents and solve identified civic challenges.
Audience: UMSI graduate students and students from other U-M schools; local government staff, public officials, and residents of partner Michigan communities.
Designing Dialogue: A Public Design Cooperative Extension Service
The Public Design Corps through U-M's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning make civic engagement central to architectural practice while expanding public access to design knowledge and strengthening democratic participation across Michigan. The program includes place-based simulations, workshops on nature-based solutions, dialogue events through the Detroit Living Learning Lab, and a symposium centered on housing needs among individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in Michigan.
Audience: Michigan community land trusts; communities across the Southeast Michigan urban–rural continuum; NGOs, foundations and corporations considering nature-based solutions; U-M faculty, staff, students
Michigan Public Health: Community Conversations
Strong public health begins with listening to communities and working together on locally identified needs. This initiative will create opportunities for people — including those who may question or distrust public-health institutions — to express concerns, ask questions, share local knowledge, and help develop practical solutions. By meeting communities where they are, the program aims to strengthen relationships, improve health, and rebuild trust in public health through consistent partnership and service.
Audience: Local health department personnel, local health leaders, and the public.