Emily Petz is the Community Development Project Manager and leads a seven-county Regional Housing Partnership (RHP) in SW Michigan. Through the RHP she manages and builds a collaborative engagement with over 250 different organizations to guide regional solutions to housing stability. Emily’s research and work at the W.E Upjohn Institute is primarily concentrated in the fields of economic development, regional planning, workforce development, housing, real estate development, and local government policy.
Emily received a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning with a specialization in Environmental Economics from Michigan State University. Over her ten years with the State, including roles at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Emily successfully guided communities and developers on projects ranging from $1 million to $80 million. This experience enabled her to oversee more than 100 projects, utilizing a diverse array of financing tools from federal and state sources building vital relationships across Michigan. She is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction and is an Economic Development Finance Professional with Grow America.