Michigan

Through its Land Stewardship Initiative, the Michigan Environmental Council has worked to inform citizens, grassroots groups, and policymakers about land use issues and trends and the need for solutions that address the adverse impacts of sprawl. Although this effort has helped set a receptive climate for policy reform, only initial reforms have been enacted, and thus, the Michigan Environmental Council has been increasing its efforts to facilitate connections between land use and other related economic, social, and environmental issues and initiatives. During the next two years, the Michigan Environmental Council will build on this work to incorporate best land use practices and approaches into an array of policies and programs, particularly through its involvement with state work groups and increased outreach to promote regional collaboration, and will reinforce the link between land use policy and economic prosperity.

Established in 1988, the American Arab Heritage Council serves the needs of Arab-Americans and other recent immigrants in Genesee County through programming such as diversity education, interfaith dialogues, and immigration services. This renewal grant will provide support to the grantee for the Immigration Services project. During the grant period, the project will continue to help immigrants navigate the American legal system and become acclimated to life in Genesee County by providing immigration forums, training volunteers to assist with immigration casework, and offering citizenship classes.