This five year initiative includes nineteen state agencies: Departments of Education, Civil Rights, Labor and Economic Growth, Transportation, Environmental Quality, Military and Veterans Affairs, Michigan State Police, Human Services, Community Health, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Education, Natural Resources, Treasury, Management and Budget, Agriculture, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Information Technology, History, Arts and Libraries, and Corrections. The role of the state agencies is to work together in a strategic, collaborative fashion to focus resources in these communities - driven by the local plans and presenting needs.

The model involves the creation of a Partnership Team at the local level that includes state agency representation, local unit of government partners, and other stakeholders including churches, schools, business community, hospitals, community development corporations, human service organizations, and the like. The Partnership Team works on a subcommittee framework, with subcommittees formed around existing plans, top priority activities, and the signature project. Local vision drives the process, and the state representatives aim to build on existing efforts and assets.