Livability Lab 6.0 Kickoff is February 3, 2026!

Registration is now live for Livability Lab 6.0

COMMUNITY INFORMED, COMMUNITY-LED

Countdown to Livability Lab 6.0

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The Livability Lab is a Muskegon County community initiative where residents, local organizations, and partners work together to turn everyday challenges into small, practical community solutions that create real change. It is a space to share ideas, build teams, and take action on what matters most in Muskegon County.

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What does Livability mean?

It's the sum of things that add up to quality of life

This image symbolizes this concept.

The people represent the variety of residents, employees, employers, businesses, nonprofits and leaders in Muskegon County coming together to build a stronger, healthier community.

The puzzle pieces are what we call Livability Elements. They show how key factors like education, jobs, healthcare, and safety and are all connected and impact our wellbeing.

Livability Elements were identified by the community as the top 5 priorities.

5 Livability Elements

Safety & Security

Residents have the ability to feel safe and secure at all times

Economic Opportunity

Residents are prosperous and financially stable

Social Connection

Residents' relationships demonstrate belonging, trust and responsibility

Health

Residents experience holistic health and wellbeing

Education

Residents have the knowledge and skills to thrive

Community Action Teams

At every Livability Lab kickoff event, attendees choose a Community Action Team to join, based on the issues they are most passionate about. Teams choose a project related to of one of the 5 Livability Elements, and take 100 days to make an impact.

After 100 days, we host a Livability Lab Celebration Event that showcases and recognizes the work of the Community Action Teams.

Livability Lab 5.0 Team

How YOU Birth Doulas

Livability Lab Success Story

The How YOU Birth Doula initiative was born out of Livability Lab 3.0, where a Community Action Team had the goal of improving birth outcomes in populations of color through coordinated doula access and culturally competent care.

Since 2021, the How YOU Birth Doula initiative has supported 40 births across 4 counties and has:

4 dedicated birth doulas
8 post-partum doulas
18 cross-trained doulas

Through grants, ongoing funding efforts, and community partnerships, they are leveraging Medicaid coverage to expand doula services to reduce health disparities, particularly for women of color.

Learn more at How YOU Birth Doulas