LANSING, Mich., Oct. 13, 2021 — Today, state Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township) introduced a bill to create the Office of Rural Development within the Department of Agriculture.
“The truth is, the concerns of rural and urban communities aren’t always the same,” Witwer said. “Our rural communities deserve just as much individual attention as any other community in our state, but they don’t always receive it. These hardworking communities deserve our support. I want to tell rural Michiganders: I hear you, I see you, and I’m working on your behalf.”
The Office of Rural Development would analyze and address the ramifications of population and demographic trends, create policy goals, provide guidance on education, identify energy and communication needs, improve access to existing resources, and assist communities applying for grants, all with an eye toward rural communities.