Christopher Miller

Champion of community capital and investment crowdfunding: Miller is a founding board member and chair of the National Coalition for Community Capital and has led efforts to expand investment crowdfunding and community investment funds so local (including non-accredited) investors can participate in building community wealth. nc3now+2

Local economic development and downtown revitalization practitioner: As Adrian’s DDA and economic development coordinator (2009–2020) he led downtown revitalization initiatives, entrepreneur competitions (Upstart Adrian), local investor group formation, and building renovation projects to strengthen the local economy. lenconnect+2

Bridge between academia, practice, and the private sector: As a 2021 Innovation Fellow with MSU’s REI and as PlaneWave Instruments’ Special Projects Consultant, he connects university research, practical economic-development tools, and private-sector resources to implement community investment and place-based projects. reicenter+2

Public advocate and policy entrepreneur: Miller has advocated for state-level policy to expand community investment (including championing Michigan’s MILE exemption and proposed investor tax credits) and publishes and speaks regularly on the role of policy in empowering local investors. crainsgrandrapids+2