Southwest Michigan Planning Commission

09/28/2026

Michigan Healthy Climate Fellow - Southwest Michigan Planning Commission- Cohort 4
Benton Harbor, MI - Full-Time - $30,720+ / year
About the Host Partner
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) mission is to promote and support sound regional planning and development through cooperation, technical assistance, and coordination among local governments and communities in Southwest Michigan. SWMPC serves a three-county regional planning organization that assists the 285,000 people. SWMPC addresses issues every day that cross county, township, city, and village lines.
MHC Fellow Role and Responsibilities
• Research EV infrastructure, funding opportunities, policies, and best practices and assist communities with EV readiness and implementation activities.
• Support public transit planning and community engagement in Benton Harbor and Berrien County – collect, organize and analyze transportation and community data.
• Support climate resiliency planning and implementation efforts in Benton Harbor by assisting with mapping, presentations, outreach materials, and public engagement activities.
• Empower the community to access climate resources by planning meetings, educational programs, and/or other activities to consistently share information.
• Participate in MHC Fellows development shared learning and collaboration activities including two MHC Fellow in-person convenings and MHC Fellows monthly virtual trainings (training calendar will be provided).
Apply here

About the site:The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) mission is to promote and support sound regional planning and development through cooperation, technical assistance, and coordination among local governments and communities in Southwest Michigan. SWMPC serves a three-county regiona

09/25/2026

SWMPC staff attended the 2026 Michigan Integrated Infrastructure Conference: From Silos to Synergy: Infrastructure Asset Management in Action.

We’re pleased to share that the Village of Mattawan received the first-ever Water Asset Management Council (WAMC) Organizational Award!

Mattawan is a strong example of sustained, practical asset management in action. The Village has incorporated asset management into its day-to-day operations in ways that support long-term planning, improve decision-making, protect public investment, and strengthen reliable service delivery.

Mattawan’s impact also extends beyond its own system. Public Works Superintendent Tom Anthony has helped advance asset management knowledge throughout the region by sharing Mattawan’s experience with surrounding communities and through his work with the Michigan Rural Water Association.

Congratulations to the Village of Mattawan and its staff for demonstrating how asset management can become more than a planning exercise—it can become a daily practice that improves operations, supports better decisions, and provides a model for peer communities across Michigan.

Interested in learning more about asset management and how it can support your community’s goals? Check out the Asset Management Essentials primer from the Michigan Infrastructure Council:

https://www.michigan.gov/mic/-/media/Project/Websites/mic/AM-Champions/Docs/Asset-Management-Essentials-Primer-DIGITAL.pdf?rev=13b593db7792463a9d61f7bf04752710&hash=E73DF6DF30856DABF7E24AC146D551FF

09/15/2026

Are you passionate about climate action and committed to building a greener future in Michigan?
We’re searching for someone to join us as a MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Fellow to work on various projects at our organization. As a MHC Fellow, you’ll help us address challenges in our region so, together, we can build more resilient places and change lives for the better.
The MHC Fellows position is full-time with bi-weekly pay, health care benefits, professional development opportunities, and more! To apply and learn more about the work you’ll do, visit https://cedamichigan.org/programs/mi-healthy-climate-fellows-program/mhc-fellows-cohort-4/ and click on Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.

09/11/2026

Register for this free webinar!

Help us spread the word and join us on September 14 for a free Septic Smart Week webinar.

09/02/2026

We are so excited about this new park for Benton Charter Township! Glad to partner with all of these great organizations!

09/01/2026

2026 Integrated Infrastructure Conference
Join infrastructure leaders from across Michigan and the nation on September 23–24, 2026 at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center in Livonia for the 2026 Integrated Infrastructure Conference!

Themed From Silos to Synergy: Infrastructure Asset Management in Action, this day and a half event highlights how collaboration across systems and sectors drives smarter investments, stronger partnerships, and more resilient communities.

Check out the Full Agenda here: https://www.michigan.gov/mic/integrated-infrastructure-conference/2026-agenda

Building on the momentum from the inaugural event in 2024, the conference will feature experience driven sessions from asset owners across multiple disciplines—showcasing the transformative power of unified, integrated asset management. Whether you’re new to asset management, a seasoned practitioner, or simply passionate about strengthening infrastructure, the IIC offers valuable insights for everyone.

Registration is now open. Don’t miss your chance to connect with federal, state, and local government professionals; public and private infrastructure owners; elected officials; consultants and engineers; and academic and trade organizations working together to improve our infrastructure networks.

08/27/2026

Join us THIS evening to learn more about Data Centers, the Digital Economy & Local Job Creation!

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Van Buren Conference Center, Red Haven Room, 490 S Paw Paw St, Lawrence, MI 49064

Format: In-person session. This session will be recorded and posted to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission's website.

Dr. Sarah Mills, Professor of Practice, University of Michigan Urban & Regional Planning; Director, UM Center for EmPowering Communities
Dr. Rex LaMore, Director Emeritus, Michigan State University Center for Community Economic Development

Registration is encouraged: https://www.theedaccess.com/southwest-michigan-civic-learning-sessions?fbclid=IwY2xjawT8ZWFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR66hDkRuVoXoo5AqI2rh5ngH7xcOwGOPdV041kHBJp_-oF1CEuM0RkDIiQBKw_aem_6yA4xflC_02G7VT3vtWlnA

Southwest Michigan Civic Learning Sessions Free and open to the public. The Civic Learning Session series is designed to provide balanced, research-informed perspectives on three key focus areas: Data Centers, the Digital Economy & Local Job Creation; Farmland Preservation, Local Ownership & Value-A...

08/24/2026

Join us Thursday evening to learn more about Data Centers, the Digital Economy & Local Job Creation!

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Van Buren Conference Center, Red Haven Room, 490 S Paw Paw St, Lawrence, MI 49064
Format: In-person session. This session will be recorded and posted to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission's website.

Speakers:
Dr. Sarah Mills, Professor of Practice, University of Michigan Urban & Regional Planning; Director, UM Center for EmPowering Communities
Dr. Rex LaMore, Director Emeritus, Michigan State University Center for Community Economic Development

Registration is encouraged:

Southwest Michigan Civic Learning Sessions Free and open to the public. The Civic Learning Session series is designed to provide balanced, research-informed perspectives on three key focus areas: Data Centers, the Digital Economy & Local Job Creation; Farmland Preservation, Local Ownership & Value-A...

07/30/2026

Are you a resident, worker, student, business owner, visitor, or community partner in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren Counties? If so, we want to hear from you!

Survey: https://forms.gle/5tHgp4pKDHgJHS2g9