Groundwork Center

Groundwork Center Economy. Environment. Community. Groundwork is optimistic about Michigan’s future.

Our unparalleled natural resources and our deeply rooted agricultural heritage are assets to be enjoyed and protected. We envision a state with a strong and diversified economy that offers opportunities for people from all walks of life: new jobs throughout the state in clean energy and agriculture; towns and cities that are vibrant, exciting centers of community, arts, culture, and commerce; and

more options to get around with a diverse transportation infrastructure that makes it easy to choose walking, biking, public transit, or access to a well-maintained road network. People will move to Michigan, or return home, to enjoy all the state has to offer and to raise the next generations of bright, industrious, and proud Michiganders. Groundwork is committed to realizing this vision through strategically selected campaigns, initiatives, and projects. We focus our work in northwest Michigan because the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, culture of collaboration, and successful track record of joining economic growth and environmental protection make it a proving ground for innovation and possibility. We believe northwest Michigan will play an essential role in leading the state to prosperity.

Check out this cool resource on local food purchasing from our friends at the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems!Throu...
09/04/2026

Check out this cool resource on local food purchasing from our friends at the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems!

Through the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, more than $365 million in funding purchased food from over 13,000 producers, which was aggregated through more than 2,600 vendors and distributed through more than 1,800 organizations. Explore preliminary impacts of this program from June 2022-December 2024. Read the full report here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/local-food-purchase-assistance-impact-report

Join Groundwork for the 2026 Access MI Solar Bike Ride Celebration – Wednesday, September 23rd!We're celebrating another...
09/03/2026

Join Groundwork for the 2026 Access MI Solar Bike Ride Celebration – Wednesday, September 23rd!

We're celebrating another incredible year of bringing solar power to our communities. Teaming up with the amazing folks at Norte, our route will stop by several participants' homes and other clean energy sites in Traverse City.

We'll wrap up the ride with pizza from the Filling Station – on us!

Bring your own bike, or let us know if you need one – Norte is happy to provide one for the evening (please let us know by Sept. 16th if you need a bike).
Please note that route details and the starting location will be provided in a follow-up email.

Register Here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/4QjZch5qu9isc8W8sUU_7w

Join us in congratulating Christina Barkel, Groundwork's Senior Program Specialist, on being named to Traverse City Busi...
09/03/2026

Join us in congratulating Christina Barkel, Groundwork's Senior Program Specialist, on being named to Traverse City Business News' 40under40!
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Christina is helping make fresh, healthy food more accessible across Northwest Michigan. Through her work with the Northwest Food Coalition, Christina has helped advance a goal that once felt far off: ensuring that all 70+ food pantries and meal sites in the coalition have fresh fruits and vegetables available to anyone that walks in their doors. In 2014, just 13% of coalition members said they could do that. Today, they've reached 100%.⁠
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That progress takes collaboration, persistence, and a whole lot of heart. And Christina brings all three to her work every day.⁠
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Groundwork is grateful for the way she elevates the people and communities around her, and we're so proud to have her on the team.⁠
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CONGRATS CHRISTINA!!! Well deserved.

09/02/2026

Housing is a community conversation, and your voice matters.

We've talked about housing challenges facing Leelanau County and the progress happening across our communities. Now, we need to hear from you.

Take a few minutes to complete the housing survey and share what you think our communities need to make sure people can afford to live, work, and build a future here.

Your input can help shape what comes next.

Take the survey: https://leelanau4business.org/survey

You're invited to Groundwork's 3rd Annual Fall Fling!Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us on Saturday, Septemb...
09/01/2026

You're invited to Groundwork's 3rd Annual Fall Fling!

Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us on Saturday, September 26, from 3-6 PM at Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort! RSVP here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/UwUj0-mUUD3zBI09qaRezw

We're bringing the Groundwork community together for a fun, casual afternoon with good food, drinks, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect. Whether you've been part of Groundwork for years or are just getting to know us, we'd love to see you there.

The event is FREE!
RSVP and receive a token for a fresh Stormcloud beverage at the event.
RSVP and be entered into our lucky draw for Groundwork/Stormcloud swag.
Bring a friend and make an afternoon of it!

All we ask is that you please RSVP ahead of time so we can plan for you.

Save the date: September 26 | 3-6 PM | Stormcloud Brewing Company | 303 Main Street, Frankfort, MI

RSVP and enter the lucky draw: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/UwUj0-mUUD3zBI09qaRezw

We can't wait to celebrate the season with you!

What if breakfast could do more than start your day?Join Groundwork for Culinary Medicine Training Session 3: Healthy Br...
08/31/2026

What if breakfast could do more than start your day?

Join Groundwork for Culinary Medicine Training Session 3: Healthy Breakfasts - Energizing Starts to the Day.

This hands-on culinary nutrition session is designed for medical professionals and will explore the research behind healthier breakfast choices, with a focus on vegetables and resistant starches. Participants will also get in the kitchen to create Whole-Food, Plant-Based versions of familiar breakfast foods. More details and registration link here: https://groundworkcenter.org/farms-food-health-trainings-2026/

Plus, the activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Ready to learn something new and put it into practice? Join us in the kitchen!

We need all hands on deck. Line 5 continues to threaten the Great Lakes and communities along its route. This Labor Day,...
08/31/2026

We need all hands on deck. Line 5 continues to threaten the Great Lakes and communities along its route. This Labor Day, join Michigan Climate Action Network and the Three Fires Confederacy for the Mackinac Bridge Walk, peacefully demonstrating against Line 5.

This is Governor Whitmer's last bridge walk. We must remind her of the promise she made to Michigan seven years ago.

Shut down Line 5!

08/27/2026

On the steps of the Michigan Capitol, tribal leaders and pipeline experts rallied against the proposed Line 5 tunnel. We were reminded that stopping the Enbridge tunnel isn't about halting progress, it's about survival. The fresh waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are worth more than the profits of a foreign corporation. And, as the saying goes: with Great Lakes comes great responsibility.

Michigan Climate Action Network Flow Water Advocates Anishinaabe Friendship Center

08/26/2026

Housing challenges in Leelanau County didn't happen overnight, and solutions won't either. But there is good news: communities, local leaders, employers, nonprofits, and residents are working together to create more housing options for the people who make Leelanau such a special place to live.

From local housing initiatives to community conversations, and new partnerships, progress is happening. Every step forward helps create a future where workers, families, older adults, and young people can continue to call Leelanau home.

Watch our latest video to learn more about the positive momentum underway, and how you can be part of building a stronger, more resilient community. Learn more here: https://leelanau4business.org/survey

08/20/2026

What happens when the people who live and work in a community can't afford to live there?

Leelanau County is facing a housing crisis, and it affects far more than just the people looking for a place to call home.

High housing costs, limited availability, and a shortage of homes that are affordable for local workers are putting pressure on families, businesses, and the long-term health of the community.

So, what exactly is happening with housing in Leelanau County, and why does it matter?

Watch the video to learn more, and stay tuned as we explore what communities can do and are doing to build a future where everyone has a place to call home.

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414 E Eighth Street , Suite 204
Traverse City, MI
49686

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