Welcome to Mission Control, the podcast that delves into the journeys of executive directors and nonprofit leaders dedicated to positively impacting their communities. Hosted by Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist at Introduce Multimedia, this episode features Luke Forrest, the Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM).
Introducing Luke Forrest and CEDAM
Luke Forrest starts the discussion with a light-hearted remark about the complexity of pronouncing CEDAM’s full name—a challenge even for its staff and board members. He then introduces CEDAM as a network that fosters community and economic development across Michigan. The organization focuses on building capacity, changing public policy, and leveraging resources to drive lasting systemic improvements.
“We’re a network of folks dedicated to community and economic development in Michigan. The biggest ways we support our members in their communities are through capacity building, public policy change, and leveraging resources to achieve systemic lasting change in Michigan.”
Exploring the Roots: Luke Forrest’s Journey into Community Development
Luke’s interest in community and economic development stems from a family background rich in public service. Initially working at the federal level in Washington, D.C., he quickly realized that the intellectual stimulation he experienced did not equate to tangible impact. This led him back to Michigan, where he sought to make a difference at the local level.
“I started at the federal policy level right out of college, worked for a member of Congress, and became a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. I just felt like there was something a little empty for me.”
Interestingly, Luke’s entry into urban planning was influenced by his passion for hip-hop culture and a book titled *Bomb the Suburbs* by graffiti writer Upsky. This unconventional path highlights the diverse inspirations that can lead to a career in community development.
“People always ask, what was the first thing you read that got you into urban planning or community development? I came into it through hip-hop music and culture.”
Diving into Local Level Development
Luke’s transition from federal to local governance involved volunteering in city planning commissions, particularly in Ann Arbor and Ferndale, Michigan. These experiences offered him a hands-on understanding of how local decisions can shape entire communities.
“If you want to learn how stuff gets done, serve and volunteer on one of these local government commissions or community bodies.”
During his time as a volunteer, Luke discovered the outdated nature of many urban planning guidelines, often borrowed from early 20th-century models. This experience underscored the importance of collaboration and adaptability in creating effective community development strategies.
From Local to State: Luke’s Involvement with the Michigan Municipal League
After gaining valuable experience at the local level, Luke joined the Michigan Municipal League (MML). There, he worked on critical initiatives like placemaking and Michigan Green Communities. These programs aimed to enhance residents’ quality of life and promote sustainable practices within city governments.
– **Placemaking:** Focused on creating unique, memorable local environments that improve residents’ quality of life.
– **Michigan Green Communities:** Encouraged city governments to adopt sustainable practices, emphasizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation.
Taking the Helm at CEDAM: Leadership through a Crisis
In 2019, Luke assumed the role of Executive Director at CEDAM, a significant responsibility made more challenging by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, CEDAM quickly pivoted to address the looming eviction and foreclosure crises, working with partner organizations to provide critical support and resources.
“In the organization’s 26-year history, I think we’ve only had four executive directors, so it’s a real honor.”
Navigating Black Lives Matter Movements and Policy Changes
The year 2020 also saw the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, prompting CEDAM to reevaluate its programs with a focus on racial equity. This introspection led to a greater emphasis on supporting lower-income communities of color and ensuring equitable outcomes.
“We needed to examine how all the programs we worked with at the state level were thinking about racial equity and outcomes for lower-income communities and people of color.”
Reflecting on Achievements and Progress
Reflecting on the past few years, Luke expresses pride in CEDAM’s expanded support for local nonprofit organizations. The organization has made significant strides in protecting consumers from financial exploitation and advocating for affordable housing and early childhood programs.
“We’ve done an amazing job getting some excellent stuff done to protect consumers from bad actors in the financial space and focusing more attention on affordable housing and early childhood programs.”
Balancing Work and Personal Life: Luke’s Secret to Unwinding
On a personal note, Luke highlights the importance of quality family time. As a father of two teenagers, he enjoys exploring new places and engaging in various activities, from sports to movie nights.
“We do a lot of sports together, watch movies, and have fun outdoors. This weekend, we’re visiting the Niagara Falls region on the Canadian side and Hamilton, Ontario.”
Conclusion
Luke Forrest’s journey from a small town in Northern Michigan to leading CEDAM illustrates a deep commitment to fostering positive, lasting change in communities. His ability to navigate crises and his hands-on approach to community development are inspiring examples. Thank you to Luke Forrest for sharing his story and insights and our readers for joining us. If you know someone whose journey you’d like to hear about, please email us at missioncontrol@intrduce.com. Remember to subscribe to Mission Control on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review.
> “We’re all making this up as we go, and that’s okay. We have to find ways to work together.”
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you in the control center next time!
