Community development
Macomb County is rich in community programs to help improve citizens’ lives and strengthen our neighborhoods. Macomb County is committed to providing a high quality of life for residents, making available a diverse supply of housing options, and providing safe, vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods.
Policy statement
Macomb is one of Michigan’s fastest growing counties. Drawn by an exceptional quality of life, new residents continue to make Macomb their home. Macomb County is committed to building on its reputation as a welcoming community and will undertake programs, activities and services intended to promote social harmony and community participation, as well as increase understanding, awareness and respect for cultural differences.
Strategically utilizing community development resources will strengthen Macomb County’s neighborhoods. Macomb County is responsible for receiving and dispersing federal funds for community development projects in its communities. Macomb can improve its role as the fiduciary for these programs by partnering with local municipalities and networking with private organizations that are directly involved in community development‐centered causes.
Increasing these partnerships can lead to the availability of new resources and create the opportunity to strategically collaborate on community development initiatives. The County currently disperses funds with much lower administrative overhead than other regional community development organizations. This has allowed for a greater percentage of resources to be directed to the community, helping more families in the County. It is extremely important that Macomb County remain efficient at utilizing the resources available for community development.
In addition to utilizing grants and other financial resources, Macomb County is participating in a dynamic initiative called Welcoming Counties and Cities through a collaborative called Welcoming Michigan. Macomb County must recognize the growing value and importance of the proactive role local government has in advocating community as inclusive neighborhoods that value and support diversity.
Continuing to ensure that Macomb remains a welcoming community and providing equality and fairness for all and in the provision of services regardless of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, color, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age will enable that the County to remain an attractive place to call home and secure the county’s future as one of Michigan’s fastest growing counties.
Taking action
- Design community development programs to foster, cultivate and preserve a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Seek out and engage new partners to secure additional community development resources.
- Enhance Macomb County’s reputation as a welcoming community to ensure continued growth in the county.
- Identify at‐risk areas and administer preventative measures to ensure neighborhood stability.