Shanna Draheim joined the Michigan Municipal League in August 2016 as the director of policy development. In her role, she oversees special research initiatives and projects related to the strategic goals of the League and collaborates with members and other stakeholders to identify research needs and policy recommendations. Draheim brings significant expertise in community development, urban policy, environmental protection and sustainability, economic development, and clean energy policies.
Prior to joining the League, Draheim was a senior consultant with Public Sector Consultants, where she conducted research and managed projects for the firm and its clients on a wide range of public policy subjects. She also served as the head of Shepherd Advisors’ Community Sustainability practice area for several years, and she worked for more than a decade for state and federal agencies in the environmental space, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation.
Draheim earned a BA from James Madison College at Michigan State University and an MA from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She lives in East Lansing with her husband and three children, where she has held a seat on the City Council since 2015.
Q: Why do you work in community advancement?
Communities are on the front lines of improving quality of life for residents and making Michigan successful. I believe in the importance of creating thriving communities, not only to attract people to Michigan, but also to make life better for the people already living here. The day-to-day decisions local leaders make have a huge impact, and I am passionate about helping them find the right solutions.
Q: What is one thing you wish communities seeking funding knew?
The process can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Groups like the MI Funding Hub team offer tools and coaching to help communities succeed in accessing important funds. There are many grants that match communities’ needs, and local leaders should take advantage of those opportunities.
NOTE: Site search does not include grant search. See Find Funding page for grant searching.