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County approves hosting an AmeriCorps LISC member to support local redevelopment and housing work
Summary
The Board agreed to serve as a host site for a Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) AmeriCorps member; the position is an 11-month, 35-hour-per-week placement with a county match requested and contributions expected from participating municipalities.
The Board approved a request to become a host site for an AmeriCorps member through the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The member would work with local communities on Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) processes and help implement recommendations from the county’s housing target market analysis.
Lisa (staff member) explained the program details: LISC estimated the total cost of a hosted AmeriCorps member at about $42,000 for an 11‑month, 35‑hours/week placement. The county would be asked to provide a local match of $17,000; participating cities or villages would also be asked to contribute to the match. Lisa said the initial plan is to start with three Van Buren County municipalities and then add three more after the first cohort completes the process. The AmeriCorps member would assist communities with RRC certification and with preparing templates and tools that make grant and development processes more accessible.
Commissioners asked about candidate experience, reporting and the split of costs. Lisa said AmeriCorps often places early-career professionals and that the county office would provide direct supervision, weekly check-ins and supplemental training. She said LISC and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) supported the approach and that participating local governments would contribute to the local match; Lisa said she had identified three municipalities that had already expressed interest.
The board approved the host-site request by voice vote. Staff will proceed with the application and notify municipalities about participation and the local contribution required.
