Cities around the United States have been dealing with the significant problem of structural abandonment for decades. Whether due to economic decline, environmental disaster, or social unrest, structural abandonment has far-reaching negative consequences. More than 136 million tons of waste each year is generated in construction-related demolition and renovation projects. The Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development seeks to shift the current linear paradigm of the built environment to a cyclical one, in which a building's end of life is an integral part of the design and planning process. By re-envisioning our structures to maximize resource potential, we can build a more sustainable future for communities around the world.

As of October 2017, The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) a grant to research and design a strategic plan that establishes particle acceleration and talent streams for future economic development efforts in the Greater Lansing region. As such, the MSU CCED team and The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) will provide an in-depth analysis and develop strategic guidance to local private sector leaders, economic development professionals, community planners, educators and other key stakeholders in the region on actions that are likely to increase the region's job creation, retention, and economic benefits from the unique Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) investment.