The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced on Apr. 1 that three organizations have been awarded a total of $60,000 in grant funding to create and implement transportation programs aimed at improving employee retention, productivity, and access to work.
The initiative is part of the Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program, which is designed to help businesses address workforce transportation challenges using models from the recently released Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook. The goal is to remove transportation barriers that often prevent individuals from securing or maintaining employment.
Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, said, “Getting to work shouldn’t be the hardest part of someone’s job – that’s why we created the Reliable Rides playbook and Incentive Grant program.” Beckhorn also said that “Transportation has been cited as a significant employment barrier. This innovative grant program funding will help Michiganders overcome transportation challenges, giving them the chance to secure and keep good-paying jobs.”
Each recipient—Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church in Flint (in partnership with NorthGate), LM Manufacturing in Detroit, and Manthei Wood Products in Petoskey—will receive $20,000 for custom workforce transportation initiatives. According to Luke Forrest, Director at LEO Community & Worker Economic Transition Office: “The Reliable Rides grant recipients will be developing programs that include strong local partnerships with transportation providers and community organizations. This unique investment will provide real-world support to address transportation challenges faced by Michigan workers, supporting employers who will benefit from a more consistent and reliable workforce.”
Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church plans a shuttle service connecting neighborhoods with major employment areas as well as vanpools and individualized planning for workforce reentrants. Pastor Dr. Rabon L. Turner Sr. said: “We are honored to be part of this vital pilot program – because when people can get to work, families are strengthened, communities are built, and dignity is restored.” LM Manufacturing’s Vehicle Repair and Access Assistance Pilot Program offers financial help for vehicle repairs so employees can maintain reliable transport; CEO Sylvester Hester said: “Reliable transportation is not just a convenience – it’s critical to stability… This grant allows us…to Celebrate our people.” Manthei Wood Products’ expanded vanpooling initiative aims for daily commutes for at least ten employees; Abe Manthei said: “This presents an amazing opportunity for us…”
Jessica Brousseau of the Michigan Workforce Development Board said recent board efforts include launching car repair grants and publishing employer resource guides on overcoming worker mobility issues. She added: “Addressing transportation barriers will require folks across the state to work together…the Board is excited” about employer involvement through Reliable Rides.
According to the official website the Bureau of Labor and Economic Opportunity aims to broaden economic opportunities statewide by providing services such as economic development initiatives,workforce training, housing support,mobility solutions, unemployment assistance,and other workforce-related efforts.
