WUPPDR

06/18/2026

WUPPDR helped to organize gatherings in Wakefield and Hancock this past Monday to take input for the Statewide Housing Plan. Staff of consultant ICF, working in partnership with Michigan State Housing Development Authority, led the sessions.

Thanks to City of Wakefield, Michigan and in Hancock for hosting!

Be sure to complete the Statewide Housing Plan 2.0 Survey to make YOUR voice heard! https://bit.ly/4oziOGf

06/17/2026

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is pleased to announce development of the next version of Michigan's Statewide Housing Plan, known as SHP 2.0.

MSHDA encourages all Michiganders 18 years of age and older to help shape the future of housing in Michigan by participating in the SHP 2.0 SURVEY, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/353RD8F

This survey asks about housing experiences, challenges, and priorities across the state. Results will be used to inform statewide housing planning and policy development. Thank you for your participation; your voice is important to help shape the future of housing in Michigan.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

06/04/2026

Hope our friends from the west end of the U.P. - and the entire region, for that matter - can join us for this valuable event in Ironwood! (July 21, 5-8p CT / 6-9 ET)

05/01/2026

Short on time and looking for ways to strengthen your leadership skills? The Asset Management (AM) Essentials primer contains the core lessons from the Michigan Infrastructure Council’s asynchronous eLearning course into an easy-to-read guide that fits your schedule.

This free, downloadable resource explains how AM supports effective budgeting, resource planning, and public trust. Whether you’re a mayor, council member, manager, or just have a tight schedule, this primer will help you make impactful leadership decisions for your organization and community.

Download your copy today: https://www.michigan.gov/mic/education-training/amessentials

04/08/2026

Don't forget to bring your hard to recycle items to the Sustainability Demonstration House's 7th annual Waste Reduction Drive!

Where - MTU Student Development Center
When - This Saturday, April 11th from 9 AM to 2 PM

03/17/2026

The 2026-2030 Western U.P. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is available for public review through April 17.

Click/tap here to access it and for info on how to submit comments: www.wuppdr.org/ceds

02/05/2026

New space in landfills cost Western UP residents millions, yet 23% of the trash sent to landfill is recyclable and over 30% is readily compostable.
Reducing or diverting this waste could save money, space, and help keep our region beautiful for generations to come.

We would like to hear your thoughts on what materials management services you currently use, and how we can build better services in your neighborhood.

Help us make a meaningful change by completing our survey and making your voice heard!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

12/19/2025

We are thrilled to share this announcement from the Office of Rural Prosperity of the award of round four Rural Readiness Grants.

WUPPDR will receive funding to work with the L'Anse Area Community Development Corporation on important predevelopment work for conversion of a vacant former nursing home property into high-quality attainable apartments.

Three of the eleven grant awards in this round, including WUPPDR's, are to Western U.P. grantees!

MiSTEM convenes a statewide network of leaders in education, business and local communities to empower the next generation of innovators.

12/16/2025

WUPPDR has issued a request for proposals for a Feasibility Study and Roadmap for Implementation of a Regional GIS-Based Asset Management System. Responses are due January 13.

More information at: www.wuppdr.org/asset-management-1

12/09/2025

Planning for strong local and regional food systems can help communities by boosting the economy, protecting the environment, improving health, and bringing people together. We plan initiatives that support local food production, connect people to the land and water, and improve access to fresh and affordable food.

We maintain Emergency Food Resource lists for each county in the Western U.P.: https://www.wuppdr.org/food-systems

Other work that we either lead or convene includes:
Western U.P. Farm to School
From the Ground Farmers Market Collective
The Portage Lake Seed Library
Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative
Community Garden Support
Small Business / Food Producer Support