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Rex LaMore, director of MSU's Center for Community and Economic Development

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — As Michigan attempts to transform its manufacturing-based economy, Michigan State University will create a pioneering economic development center that focuses on new ways of generating businesses and jobs.

The project, funded by a $915,000 grant over five years from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, involves partnering with other colleges, local and regional governments, private businesses and other groups to produce or identify innovative ideas and practices that can be shared.

Rex LaMore will oversee the MSU University Center for Regional Economic Innovation, which is the first university-based center in Michigan to support research in economic development innovation in a collaborative manner. 

LaMore, a veteran economic developer and director of MSU’s Lansing-based Center for Community & Economic Development, or CCED, said many economic development practices have become outdated in what has become a knowledge-based economy.

“Essentially, the economic development profession is still using a 20th-century toolbox,” LaMore said. “What we’re trying to do is produce a 21st-century toolbox that will help it create jobs in our communities.”

LaMore said the center may investigate issues such as what type of economic development tools could be substituted for the widely used tax abatements for businesses.

“If that tool is no longer available to economic development officials in the future, the question then becomes, what tools can local governments and their organizations use to create and attract economic opportunity in their communities?” LaMore said.

In addition, MSU faculty and students will work with local and regional governments to improve and document cutting-edge economic development practices.

The project will have a statewide focus, both urban and rural, and particularly in economically distressed regions. The center will seek opportunities to improve economic development in a variety of industries, such as information technology and the health and energy sectors.  

Through the center, reports will be produced on key topics and innovative practices. Information will be shared with the center’s network of partners via webinars and an annual innovation summit, LaMore said.

The initiative is expected to begin this month. LaMore said he expects to partner with any number of groups, including local economic development organizations and urban mayors.  

Susan Pigg, executive director of the Lansing-based Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, said her agency has worked with the CCED on many projects over the years to improve the economic well-being of communities in mid-Michigan. 

“Our region needs well thought-out, effective approaches to improving our local economy,” Pigg said. “Most recently, the CCED helped us identify opportunities for future economic success in areas like the knowledge economy and bio-based manufacturing. We are thrilled to learn of its recent award from the Department of Commerce.”

The CCED, founded in 1969, is part of MSU’s Office of University Outreach and Engagement.

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Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.