The annual Muskegon Livability Lab is set to return on February 3, 2024, bringing together community members to collaboratively tackle persistent local issues. Organized by Access Health, this event empowers residents, students, and leaders to devise actionable plans aimed at improving their community.
Taking place from 08:30 to 16:00 at Muskegon Community College’s Collegiate Hall, the Livability Lab encourages diverse participation. Individuals from various sectors including elected officials, business owners, and community leaders will form teams to develop 100-day action plans. Past initiatives have included addressing racial disparities in birthing outcomes and enhancing transportation solutions.
“This is truly community,” stated Hillery Ross-Furse, community program manager for Access Health. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the event, highlighting the involvement of both political figures and everyday citizens. “A lot of our community resources, people that work in those fields, they come. That job goes out the window and we’re all working together to build solutions.”
Transportation remains a significant challenge for Muskegon County, a topic that has been a focal point in previous years. The Livability Lab’s transportation team is shifting its strategy this year from advocating for a regional transportation authority to directly engaging employers. The goal is to raise awareness about existing transportation options available for employees, such as carpooling, pre-tax benefits, and services like Wheels to Work and the Enterprise vanpool system.
“Jobs and health care are how people get ahead,” noted Judy Kell, a long-standing member of the transportation team. She stressed that any barriers to employment can have profound effects on the community’s overall well-being.
In addition to addressing transportation, the Livability Lab has led to the establishment of a childcare association, significantly increasing the number of doulas in the area by over 30. This demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing community health resources and services.
As the event approaches, community members are encouraged to register for free online, ensuring that a wide array of voices are included in the discussion. The Muskegon Livability Lab continues to be a vital platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in addressing the needs of the community.
