Grand Traverse Region: Rural Readiness and Resiliency Events

Grand Traverse Region: Rural Readiness and Resiliency

The Grand Traverse Region Rural Readiness & Resiliency Summit is a multi-day event focused on advancing climate resilience across rural communities in Northern Michigan. This collaborative gathering will bring together stakeholders, service providers, and local leaders to explore actionable solutions addressing climate change, food systems, infrastructure, and community preparedness.
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Join us for one or more days of interactive conversations, expert insights, and collaborative solution-sharing focused on building rural resilience across the Grand Traverse region.

September 8–9
Our first two days will feature small group gatherings in Kalkaska County (9/8/25) and Benzie County (9/9/25), designed to foster thoughtful, participatory dialogue. These sessions will explore key issues impacting rural communities, highlight regional efforts to address them, and share available tools and resources.

Participants will:
✔ Engage in conversations grounded in pre-reading materials
✔ Hear from the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force
✔ Listen to a panel discussion on rural readiness and resiliency
✔ Collaboratively identify challenges, solutions, and next steps

These sessions are designed to be highly participatory, and we encourage attendees to come ready to listen, share, and connect with others doing similar work across the region.

September 10
On the third day, we’ll gather for a more formal session in Traverse City from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a networking reception. This “sit-and-get” style event will include:
✔ Presentations from state and regional experts
✔ Updates from local organizations
✔ Insights and approaches from the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force
✔ Interactive learning activities

Whether you're working in local government, community development, nonprofit leadership, or another role supporting rural places, this event will offer valuable insight, connection, and inspiration.
Select which session(s) you would like to attend.*

September 8 - Kalkaska County (Railroad Square Pavilion), Afternoon (Exact Time TBD)September 9 - Benzie County (Grow Benzie), Afternoon (Exact Time TBD)September 10 - Grand Traverse County (Hagerty Center), Afternoon (Exact Time TBD)
A formal event program that includes speakers, timing, and content will be published prior to the event.
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Grand Traverse Region: Rural Readiness and Resiliency

Join us for one or more days of interactive conversations, expert insights, and collaborative solution-sharing focused on building rural resilience across the Grand Traverse region.

A formal event program that includes speakers, timing, and content will be published prior to the event.