Originally posted on Economic Growth Institute
The Economic Growth Institute (EGI) at the University of Michigan has launched the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project (MiVTTP), to support local leaders and community members as they respond to vehicle electrification in their communities.
MiVTTP began work in September on this three-year program with the support of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The award is one of 45 projects funded by the DOE across 18 states to address reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. MiVTTP will engage 11 communities across southeast Michigan, from Lansing to downriver, as they work to address existing and potential economic disruptions caused by transitions to electric vehicles and other decarbonization measures.
EGI’s community programs team is collaborating with Michigan Clean Cities (MICC) on this initiative. MICC has for 20 years helped increase the availability and use of clean transportation solutions as Michigan’s U.S. Department of Energy-designated Clean Cities Network coalition.
“Michigan Clean Cities Coalition is proud to be at the table on this project to support equity-centered stakeholder engagement and planning, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of a clean transportation shift,” said Lauren Mixon, Community Engagement Liaison for Michigan Clean Cities. “That means that training, jobs, and a say in community development are available to communities hardest hit by this, and previous economic shifts. Our team has been a part of the U.S. DOE Clean Cities Energy & Environmental Justice Initiative and is bringing the tools and resources of that initiative to this project.”
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor leads one of the 11 participating communities. “The City of Lansing is pleased to join with communities across Michigan to collaborate with UM EGI, Michigan Clean Cities, and other partners in getting out front of workforce opportunities as the automotive industry increases its focus on electric powertrains. Michigan is well positioned to see 56,000 more jobs in electric transportation, according to a report released in May. By leveraging programs to upskill and re-skill workers while doing the planning that this project includes, the Lansing area can be better insulated from future workforce disruption and be more attractive for those seeking these new jobs.”
EGI Managing Director, Ashlee Breitner, is serving as Principal Investigator for the project. “This initiative is part of EGI’s dedication to advancing environmental sustainability, as well as forging a more equitable future for our state. We’re incredibly excited about the transformative potential it holds for Michigan’s underserved communities.”
This DOE supported program is responsive to the Justice 40 Initiative, which ensures equity in the delivery of benefits of federally-funded programs in historically overburdened and/or underserved communities. MiVTTP is also supported by the State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME) and the State of Michigan Department of Treasury.
