City Connect Detroit: Bio

Laura J. Trudeau, Program Director, leads The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit Program and Community Development Team and has responsibility for several other functions related to the Program Staff.

The Detroit Program, established in 2006, is a comprehensive, long-term and integrated approach to foster the revitalization of Detroit and southeast Michigan. Its five main objectives are to:

• strengthen the vitality of Detroit neighborhoods
• transform the regional economy and expand economic opportunity
• stimulate the ongoing redevelopment of downtown Detroit
• strengthen the region’s arts and culture ecology
• restore a healthy and sustainable environment

From 2001 to 2006, Laura worked in Kresge’s national Capital Challenge and Green Building Programs and its prior Detroit Initiative. A key responsibility since 2002 has been the foundation’s series of major grants to revitalize Detroit’s post-industrial riverfront.

Prior to 2001, Ms. Trudeau was employed by Bank One and its Detroit predecessor, NBD Bank, in Trust, Banking, and Public Affairs. She managed Corporate Philanthropy in Michigan for many years and was named Midwest Region Head of Philanthropy and Community Relations in 1999.

She serves on the boards of the non-profit Eastern Market Corporation, City Connect Detroit, and City Year Detroit, as well as several civic committees: the Local Advisory Committee for Detroit LISC; the Management Committee of the Lower Woodward Housing Fund; and the Investment Committee of Living Cities: the National Community Development Initiative. Her past Board service has included ArtServe Michigan, Gleaners Community Food Bank, the Corporation for Supportive Housing-Michigan, and The Aspen Institute’s Michigan Nonprofit Sector Research Fund.

Ms. Trudeau received a B.S. in Community Development from Central Michigan University.

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