Networks Northwest

10/27/2026

⏰ FINAL CALL: The Boyne City Strategic Plan survey closes Sunday, November 8!

We want to make sure your voice is heard. Whether it’s housing, local parks, downtown development, or city services, your feedback directly guides local strategies, priorities, and future projects.

It only takes a few minutes to share your input!

👉 Take the survey: bit.ly/BoyneCityStrategy

ℹ️ Learn more about the process: nwm.org/boynecity

Thank you for taking the time to invest in our community! 🏙️🌲

10/26/2026

Community Engagement in Action!

We meet people where they are—out in the communities we serve. Through conversations and voluntary five-minute surveys at local events and festivals, we listen, build trust, and gather feedback to help shape ideas and programs that reflect each community’s unique needs.

Your Voice. Your Community. Real Impact.

Take a look at our recent community engagement efforts in Boyne City and the Oden communities!

10/26/2026

🤝 From Silos to Synergy: Building a Stronger Infrastructure Future

Thank you to the Michigan Infrastructure Council for inviting Networks Northwest Regional Director of Community Development, Rob Carson, to speak during the IIC26 RICH Panel Session at the Integrated Infrastructure Conference!

Rob was joined by Bob Goodwin, Tiffany Sanders, Erin Kuhn and Jerry Wuorenmaa at this biennial conference, held September 23–24 at the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College in Livonia.

The conference brought together infrastructure leaders and asset owners from across Michigan to share insights, strengthen collaboration and explore how integrated asset management can support the future of Michigan’s infrastructure systems.

At Networks Northwest, we value opportunities to collaborate with partners across the state to build stronger communities and enhance the quality of life in Northwest Michigan.

Michigan Infrastructure Office

10/26/2026

💧 HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MICHIGAN’S INFRASTRUCTURE! 🛣️

From drinking water and electricity to roads, bridges and internet service, infrastructure impacts our everyday lives. But when something goes wrong, do you know where to find answers?

The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is developing a Citizens Guide to Infrastructure Systems to help Michigan residents better understand the systems they rely on every day. And they want to hear from YOU! 🗣️

📋 Take the citizen survey before October 31! Share your questions, concerns and experiences to help shape this new resource for residents across Michigan.

⏱️ 11 questions | Approximately 10 minutes

👉 Take the survey: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ce25a218a30c470f9dcf95ae2521fb2b

Your input matters! Help make infrastructure information more accessible to everyone.

Michigan Infrastructure Office

10/14/2026

🏙️ BOYNE AREA SENIOR CITIZENS: YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Help shape the future of Boyne City! 🗣️ Join Networks Northwest Community Development staff to share your thoughts and provide input on the city’s strategic plan.

📅 Wednesday, October 28
⏰ 1:30–4 p.m.
📍 Boyne Area Senior Center
411 E. Division Street, Boyne City, MI

Our team will be there to help senior citizens complete online surveys, participate in interactive poster activities, and answer questions about the planning process.

Your feedback will remain anonymous and help inform strategies that guide Boyne City’s decisions over the next 10 years. Every voice helps build a stronger community!

🔗 Learn more: nwm.org/boynecity

10/12/2026

🏙️ CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT!

Last Friday, members of our Networks Northwest Community Development team joined leaders from across the state for the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) 2026 Economic Development In Your Place Fall Conference in Traverse City! 🍂

Our CEO, Janie McNabb, moderated the MEDC Outlook panel, featuring Matt McCauley and Michelle Parkkonen. The discussion explored upcoming developments at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the tools and resources available to help communities plan for 2027 and move local projects forward.

Janie was joined by members of our Community Development team, connecting with fellow professionals, sharing ideas and gaining valuable insights to support the communities we serve.

At Networks Northwest, we're proud to participate in conversations that strengthen partnerships, encourage economic growth and help build stronger, more vibrant communities throughout Northwest Michigan. 🤝

10/07/2026

Congratulations to our very own, LeAnne Bush! LeAnne is one of our JMG Specialists serving Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center. Thank you LeAnne for all that you do for our students.

🌟 Meet Our October Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist of the Month: LeAnne Bush! 🌟

We're proud to recognize LeAnne Bush, a JMG Specialist with Networks Northwest, for nearly a decade of dedication to helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and find their path forward.

LeAnne is motivated by seeing young people find their niche and become successful in their career path. She meets youth where they are, helping them navigate challenges, build communication and leadership skills, and connect with the people and opportunities that can help them move forward.

For LeAnne, some of the most rewarding moments come from seeing young people grow into confident, independent leaders. The relationships she builds often last well beyond graduation, with former students continuing to reach out for advice or stopping to say hello in their communities.

Through her compassion, encouragement, and commitment to helping young people succeed, LeAnne continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the youth she serves.

👉 Read LeAnne's full story and learn more about the impact she's making: https://bit.ly/3W7lbps

10/07/2026

🏘️ COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH: HOW COMMUNITY PLANNERS SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

A downtown? A Community Planner might see unlimited potential.

An empty lot? They might see opportunity.

A road? They might see a transportation network connecting people, places and possibilities.

That’s just how Community Planners see the world. 👀

They look beyond what exists today to imagine what could be tomorrow—using community input, local priorities and thoughtful planning to help shape stronger communities across Northwest Michigan.

🎨 About these images: These are artist’s renderings based upon community input for desired land uses in various communities across the region, as featured in their master plans.

Want to see how Networks Northwest Community Development is helping communities turn vision into action?

👉 Learn more at nwm.org/community