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Project Compass

Helping connect Michigan communities with the people, programs, and information needed to support long-term Internet infrastructure planning.

Helping Rural Communities Navigate Broadband Infrastructure Planning

As major broadband investments continue across the state, many smaller communities still face challenges understanding where infrastructure is being built, what gaps remain, and how to participate in regional planning efforts.

Project Compass helps bridge that gap through community coordination, infrastructure education, mapping and feasibility tools, and regional relationship-building support. These resources are designed to help translate complex infrastructure and funding information into accessible, practical resources that support informed local decision-making.

How Project Compass Helps

Understanding Broadband Infrastructure

Broadband infrastructure planning can be difficult to follow — especially for smaller communities with limited staffing or technical resources. Project Compass helps communities better understand:

Where broadband projects are happening
What connectivity gaps may still remain
Funding programs and impact on residents and businesses
How to participate in regional conversations

Community Education Resources

Supporting Digital Skills and Safety

Project Compass also provides foundational Internet and infrastructure education designed for general audiences, helping simplify technical topics into practical, approachable information. Topics include:

Internet Infrastructure 101
Online safety and cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence literacy
State and federal broadband programs

I was so impressed with the thoughtful level of care put into community outreach efforts. When surveying members of the community, Project Compass was respectful of everyone's time and opinion and made sure to welcome feedback from all ages. When I joined the Project Compass Task Force, I was new to the area, and as a result of this collaboration, I have a thorough understanding of the technology challenges facing the families in our town, and detailed action plans for how to address them. I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it!

Milan Harden, Librarian

Van Buren District Library
Covert Branch

I found serving on the task force to be an invaluable experience. It provided me with deeper insights into the community’s areas of need, the resources available, and the unique capabilities that Compass can offer to address those needs. If you’re not yet familiar with Merit and Project Compass, I encourage you to get involved. They are deeply passionate about supporting our community and actively engage with the local people who have needs. It’s a rewarding way to make a real difference."

Steven W. Blodgett, MBA, CPM, CTC, ACTTP, CPAHA, CHAM, Information Technology Manager

MyMichigan Health

If You Are a Regional or Planning Organization

Supporting Regional Connectivity Planning

Project Compass works with regional agencies, planning organizations, and infrastructure partners to help strengthen coordination and support long-term connectivity planning. Compass Mapping and Feasibility Tools are being developed to help organizations:

  1. Visualize existing and planned infrastructure efforts
  2. Identify remaining connectivity gaps
  3. Support strategic planning conversations
  4. Better understand local community priorities

Project Compass also helps facilitate connections between regional initiatives and smaller rural communities that may otherwise struggle to participate in broader planning discussions. Organizations may include:

  1. Economic Development Corporations (EDCs)
  2. Regional planning organizations
  3. County leadership
  4. Community coalitions
  5. Infrastructure and connectivity partners

If You Are a Community Leader or Resident

Understanding What Broadband Changes Mean for Your Community

Broadband infrastructure planning can be difficult to follow — especially for smaller communities with limited staffing or technical resources. Project Compass helps communities better understand:

  1. What broadband projects may be happening nearby
  2. What funding programs are supporting those efforts
  3. What infrastructure gaps may still exist
  4. How communities can stay informed and connected to regional conversations

Compass also provides foundational Internet and infrastructure education designed for general audiences, helping simplify technical topics into practical, approachable information. Topics may include:

  1. Internet Infrastructure 101
  2. Online safety and cybersecurity
  3. Artificial intelligence literacy
  4. State and federal broadband programs

Education and Resources

Family Cyber Safety Playbook Learn About Online Safety Digital Skills Resources

Contact Merit

We’re Here to Help you Get Connected

Not sure what you’re looking for but know you need to get connected? We can help! Fill out the contact information and write a very brief description to get us started. A Member Engagement Manager will be in touch to guide you to the best solution for your needs.

Working With Compass

Project Compass focuses on supporting participating Michigan communities and strengthening coordination between local and regional infrastructure efforts. Community members, organizations, and regional partners connected to participating areas who are interested in supporting these efforts are encouraged to connect with the Compass team.

Contact: [email protected]

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