CED Corps

CEDAM is seeking ten CED Corps members for the 2026-27 program year to be placed within host organizations in Michigan to effect positive change for residents, gain community development and economic development experience, and lead impactful local projects.

CED Corps members will serve full time in their host organizations during their 11 month term starting October 2026. CED Corps members will work directly with their host organization to implement planning and zoning best practices, increase community engagement, and support cross-collaboration at the local level.

As a CED Corps member, the added capacity you’ll provide your host organization will allow them to achieve the community development goals they’ve set. This work supports the goals outlined by host organizations to improve the lives of the residents they serve for the better!

CED Corps members will complete projects that vary by host organization, but will increase capacity through systems development, resource creation, and volunteer engagement to advance community development in Michigan.

Host organizations will be chosen by September 21st and specific projects will be shared with all member applicants.

• Research examples of key municipal planning documents from other communities that integrate RRC best practices, and help customize it to reflect the unique needs of your host community
• Increase transparency about municipal projects by implementing strategies to communicate with residents
• Initiate and/or strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, including but not limited to business owners, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and school district

• Support efforts to draft or update key municipal planning documents, such as the public participation plan, economic development strategy, or marketing plan
• Support community efforts in developing ways to include residents and their feedback in long-term community planning and visioning

• Talk to residents about the opportunities they see for their community and empower them to get involved
• Support the recruitment and management of volunteers to support community events

CED Corps members will receive training and professional development on topics such as:

• An introduction to community economic development
• Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) best practices
• The development process
• Managing conflict and meeting facilitation
• Resume and networking tips

CED Corps members will also participate in statewide networking:

• Representing CEDAM and the MEDC at statewide conferences and summits
• Attending professional development days together as a cohort
• Participating in a National Day of Service

The appropriate candidate will have a desire for service, strong interest and/or background in community economic development, planning, coalition building and/or community organizing, and communications or a combination of such interests. The appropriate candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual and be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications.

CED Corps members are required to work the standard office hours of their host organizations.

The following skills are required of all members:

No specific background or degree is required of CED Corps members! But a minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations in conjunction with some post secondary education is essential for success.

• Experience facilitating a meeting with people who have more experience than them
• Complete their work without someone reminding them to do it
• Experience overcoming obstacles in work situations in the past
• Experience managing multiple professional relationships
• Comfortable working outside of the typical 9 am - 5 pm to attend community events
• Ability to use or teach oneself new software in a fast-paced role with little oversight

CED Corps members must have their own means of travel within their community. Members will receive a living allowance of $40,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care benefits, child care assistance upon eligibility, and…