Helping Communities Shine

Whether researching and implementing ways to shape a community's economic development plan or partnering to create ways to put people to work, CREC connects researchers and policymakers with:

     • Data training
     • Custom portfolios that aid regional competitiveness

Project Profile

Grand Rapids Workforce Demand Analysis

W.K.Kellogg Foundation
Start Date: May 2015 — End Date: Oct 2015

CREC working in collaboration with the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis provided information and research that will inform the city’s workforce development efforts aimed at leveraging planned public investments in street reconstruction, parks renovations, and river restoration. Working in conjunction with the William K. Kellogg Foundation, this research allowed municipal leaders and community partners to make informed, data-driven public policy decisions about how to engage local resident workers in major projects designed to improve the local economy.  The project also helped the city develop strategies that will ensure that the benefits of these public infrastructure investments extend to Grand Rapids’ disadvantaged communities.

Research & Planning

About the Client

W.K.Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States.

Project Updates

CREC Rejoins Kellogg Foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan
August 17, 2015

Mark White and Randall Arthur traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of a project with the William Keith Kellogg Foundation to evaluate Grand Rapids’ employer and workforce demand.

CREC Travels to Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 12, 2015

Mark White and Randall Arthur traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan to present preliminary findings to stakeholders as a part of an ongoing project with the W.K. Kellog Foundation and the City of Grand Rapids.