The Review Magazine May / June 2021

MUNITY ALTH DING

This group gifted us with a healthy dose of enthusiasm, eagerly recognizing themselves in the Community Wealth Building model. They cut to the chase with ideas for implementation of best practices in their communities. In our call, we considered the contributing elements of individual and community success. Our members focused on access to education, networks of support, and healthy relationships. We also looked at the elements in people’s lives which compromise success. Barriers mentioned were lack of access to money or resources, racial tensions, miscommunication, division, and apathy. People also generously shared candid feedback on mood and current issues in their municipalities.

Here are other highlights from our conversation:

Transition from Placemaking to Community Wealth Building

Over the past decade, placemaking has been a big deal for the League. Through genuine knowledge of our membership, we have coached our communities to leverage the backstories of their cities and villages to build great local projects. Oftentimes, what worked was never what was pitched first, but success was always tied to authentic representation of a community’s identity. Think about it. What is your favorite place in your Michigan community? Why do you love it? Some people are deeply rooted to a place where they were born and raised. Others may arrive at “home” in a different part of their life. Either way, while you may have deep roots going back generations or have just rolled into town, you are a member of your community now. This matters a lot. You are part of writing the future for your community. You are, right now, sitting at one point on the spectrum of history for your town. Behind you is the backstory. You cannot influence that. Before you is your story— and the stories of your neighbors. Your choices now are intimately tied to the utilization of existing and future assets. Building on that thinking, we explored the role of government in providing, supporting, and promoting the key elements of community life and fostering good human experiences through programs and partnerships. That’s what brought the League to Community Wealth Building—a natural expansion of our past work. While the effects of the pandemic have been felt unevenly across Michigan communities, it has further emphasized the changing needs of our members. We are broadening our lens to encompass the human experience in Michigan communities.

MAY / JUNE 2021

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THE REVIEW