When it comes to discussing the state of today's economy in Michigan, some people might think the word prosperity doesn't apply. But according to the Michigan State Land Policy Institute, it's time for people to start thinking about the concept more often, examining what they can do to create prosperous change in their communities.

The institute is introducing an innovative program to the public called the Michigan Prosperity Initiative, which is offering 100 free training programs at more than 50 locations statewide geared toward understanding Michigan's economy, including how regional strategies can help bring prosperity back to communities. St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, and Newberry will be among the training sites.

Offered April 19 through June 16, the initiative will offer three separate levels of training programs to the public: New Economy 101, a two-hour program outlining how the state's economic circumstances developed; New Economy 201, a four-hour program describing Michigan's critical assets in detail and placebased economic strategies, and New Economy 301, a six-hour program addressing detailed economic analyses and how community leaders can implement strategic growth plans.

The program's goal is to start a public dialogue across the state that spurs people to think about what they can do personally to invest in their communities, said Mark Wyckoff from the Land Policy Institute.

“We want them to talk to people about issues and determine what it really means for them, how it suggests they ought to do things differently, and let them begin a public dialogue,” he said.

While some people tend to think of Michigan's economy as a whole, Mr. Wyckoff said that it's important to understand that every region in the state has different assets. As a consequence, each region should have an economic strategy in place that is tailored to take advantage of its positive attributes.

To illustrate, northern Michigan has a wealth of natural resources that are critical to its tourism industry. The program's 201 and 301 courses focus on developing place-based strategies around these assets to make communities more attractive. The institute's research shows that the quality of a place determines its attractiveness for new residents in general, and knowledge workers in particular, who play a vital role in creating new jobs.

“If we're talking about the U.P. in particular, you need to talk about the towns that serve as regional centers, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace,” Mr. Wyckoff said. “The things that we find that are working are not very expensive: trail systems, bike paths, converting rail lines to trials, and green infrastructure that connects right into the town. Sidewalks in cities are incredibly important.”

Mackinac County has the highest rate of unemployment in Michigan, coupled with the highest rate of population loss, which makes its situation especially challenging, Mr. Wyckoff said.

“All things considered, [Mackinac County] is going to have special challenges in trying to attract new populations,” he said. “You continue to gain new residents, but they're almost all retirees. The change is going to come when the public focuses on improving the quality of the place.

“Real change, however, can only occur when people shift their attitudes and make a conscious decision to take action,” Mr. Wyckoff said. The training programs end by presenting a list of 13 potential actions people can take in their communities, as well as 13 attitude barriers that could get in the way.

“Maybe the first place we should start is with ourselves,” he said. “Maybe we have to be more positive and open-minded. Why should we be wedded to the status quo?”

Free registration for the training programs is available on the institute's Web site, www.landpolicy. msu.edu. The New Economy 101 program will be offered in Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday, April 21, in Newberry Friday, April 23, and in St. Ignace Thursday, April 29. The 201 and 301 programs will be in Sault Ste. Marie May 3 and June 4, respectively.

Partners in the initiative are Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Association of Regions, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, and the Michigan Association of Planning.