Eric Muschler is director of the Asset Building Policy Project at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, which promotes public policy to help working families achieve greater financial security. He has spent the past 14 years advancing the field of community economic development. In 2000 he established and became executive director of the Michigan Individual Development Account Partnership, a project of the Council of Michigan Foundations.

Prior to his work with the Council of Michigan Foundations, Muschler served as director of community economic development at the United Way of Metro Atlanta, where he oversaw new initiatives in asset building, microenterprise, and neighborhood development; and as director of the housing and community development initiative at United Way of America. He has a master's degree in community planning from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor's degree in urban studies from Macalester College in St. Paul. He will join the Foundation's staff on May 1.

McKnight's region and communities program encourages efficient development within the Twin Cities region that creates livable communities and opportunities for all to thrive. The Foundation pursues this goal through grants in support of regional growth management, housing, neighborhood improvement, open space preservation, and transportation. In 2005, an estimated 25 percent of the Foundation's total annual payout went toward grants to support region and communities.

ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION

Founded in 1953 and endowed by William L. McKnight and Maude L. McKnight, The McKnight Foundation has assets of approximately $2 billion and granted about $90 million in 2005. McKnight is an independent private philanthropic organization; the Foundation has no relationship with the 3M Company, although Mr. McKnight was one of 3M's early leaders.

Contact
Tim Hanrahan, Communications Director, 612-333-4220