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HILLSDALE, Mich. – The city of Hillsdale now has a stronger foundation to build on its forward-looking economic development strategies thanks to Michigan’s Project Rising Tide. Today Hillsdale graduated from that program and welcomed Adrian as a second round Rising Tide community. Gov. Rick Snyder created Project Rising Tide in 2015 to provide technical assistance and resources to communities aspiring to rise so they, together, can build a stronger framework for economic success. “Communities grow and thrive when leaders work together to overcome challenges and collaborate on common goals that move regions forward,” Snyder said. “Hillsdale’s graduation today is a symbol of the hard work leaders put in, but it’s also an opportunity to show how Michigan wins when we all work together to create positive change.”
“This is just the beginning of a bright and prosperous future for Hillsdale,” Talent and Economic Development Department Director Roger Curtis said. “And just like Michigan’s comeback didn’t happen overnight, Hillsdale leaders know they must keep their foot on the gas to continue the positive momentum they’ve built together.” During its time in the program, Hillsdale received technical assistance in creating an economic development strategy and six-year capital improvement plan. It also updated its zoning ordinance, as well as its overall marketing and branding strategy. “Project Rising Tide has opened a number of doors for our community,” Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford said. “The program has done a lot for our city and we’re ready to share our experiences to help Adrian and other communities in our region open more doors to economic prosperity, too.” Since 2015, Hillsdale has seen seven business expansions and renovations, four new businesses, a 17-year low in its unemployment rate, and a $2.1 million investment in upgrading the city’s dated infrastructure. Hillsdale can now share its roadmap and lessons learned along the way with other communities in the region, knowing Michigan is stronger when Michiganders work together. Hillsdale joins Charlotte, River Rouge, Grayling, Paw Paw and Harrison as graduates. As it passes the torch to Adrian, it will move into a mentorship role to assist its neighbor. “Adrian is a community that is always up for a challenge,” Adrian Mayor Chuck Jacobson said. “Project Rising Tide has helped many communities around our state and we’re ready to get to work, leveraging the program’s assistance and experience from our neighbor and friend Hillsdale, to grow our region and state.” Learn more at www.mirisingtide.org.
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Hillsdale sixth community to graduate from state’s Rising Tide program
Rising Tide is led by the Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan and brings additional technical assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Talent Investment Agency.
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