Deep Dive into
Michigan’s Economic and Community Development Strategy
Deep Dive into
Michigan’s Economic and Community Development Strategy
In early 2023, Senator Mallory McMorrow, Chair of the Senate Economic and Community Development Committee, launched a deep dive into Michigan’s economic strategy and toolkit. Through committee presentations, stakeholder meetings, and colleague conversations, it became clear that Michigan lacked consistency and direction in its economic development efforts.
In late 2023, the Growing Michigan Together Council released a report outlining the state’s population decline and the need for a long-term economic vision. To better understand the report’s findings and implications, the Senate committee heard from Hilary Doe, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Over the following months, Senator McMorrow’s team met with businesses, community members, economic leaders, local governments, educators, startups, and others across Michigan and beyond.
They found that while Michigan is full of innovative people, the state lacks coordination, shared vision, and accessible resources compared to peer states with comprehensive, long-term economic development strategies.
Roundtable Discussions
To gather feedback on Michigan’s economic needs, Senator McMorrow’s team hosted three roundtable discussions across the state between May and September 2024. The discussions in Traverse City, Detroit, and Holland – co-hosted with Senators Damoose (Traverse City), Victory (Holland), and in collaboration with Senator Chang, Representative Hoskins, and others (Detroit), brought together diverse stakeholders to share their perspectives on economic development priorities and metrics for success.
Key themes that emerged include:
- Economic growth metrics should align with business decision-making, not just job creation.
- Statewide economic planning must coordinate with existing local, regional, and departmental strategies.
- Michigan should leverage its unique strengths, such as educational institutions and natural resources.
- Metrics for success in economic development must expand beyond just business growth to include housing, transportation, education, and quality of life.
- Accessing and navigating economic development resources is as important as the resources themselves.
- Retaining and attracting young talent is critical for Michigan’s future.
- Michigan needs a clear, long-term economic vision and strategy, not reactive, short-term approaches.
- Consistent engagement with local communities and stakeholders is essential.
Based on the roundtable feedback and input from members, Senators McMorrow and Damoose are introducing bipartisan legislation to compel the state to create a 10-year economic development strategic plan. The plan would be developed by a board of voting and non-voting members, including state agencies, regional economic development organizations, industry leaders, and national experts.
The goal is for the strategic plan to be completed by September 2025, providing a comprehensive, long-term vision and approach to positioning Michigan for sustained, inclusive economic growth.
Based on the roundtable feedback and input from members, Senators McMorrow and Damoose are introducing bipartisan legislation to compel the state to create a 10-year economic development strategic plan. The plan would be developed by a board of voting and non-voting members, including state agencies, regional economic development organizations, industry leaders, and national experts.
The goal is for the strategic plan to be completed by September 2025, providing a comprehensive, long-term vision and approach to positioning Michigan for sustained, inclusive economic growth.
Summary
Across Michigan, innovative individuals and communities are already looking towards the future, creating and pursuing new opportunities for their businesses and families. It is time for the state to collaborate with these local stakeholders and collectively envision Michigan’s path forward, rather than focusing solely on reviving past economic models or copying incentives or tools from other states without a clear direction or strategic vision unique to Michigan and Michiganders’ prosperity.
The roundtable participants made clear that the people on the ground are ready for change and believe in Michigan’s immense potential. Now, it is up to state policymakers and planners to catch up and align their efforts with the aspirations of local communities.
While stakeholders acknowledged the limitations of what state government can directly solve, they also believe that significant missed opportunities are passing Michigan by due to the lack of collaborative, long-term economic strategies. By developing an expert informed, 10-year economic development strategic plan, the state can align with the approaches of its neighboring competitors and address the clear pitfalls and weaknesses in Michigan’s current toolkit.
The time has come for Michigan to move beyond reflexively trying to revive the past and instead work in true partnership with local innovators to collectively chart a bold, future-focused vision for the state’s economic success, one grounded in the success of our residents. Stakeholders are ready and willing – it is up to state leaders to seize this opportunity.
Next Steps
November/December 2024:
Introduction and passage of legislation to compel the creation of Michigan’s 10-year strategic economic development plan.
Thirty days after the bill takes effect:
The Governor appoints board members.
One year after the appointment of the board:
Board members will develop Michigan’s 10-year strategic economic plan.
Every year after:
No later than September 30 of the year after the plan is developed — and every September 30 after, Michigan’s strategic economic plan must be updated and reviewed.
Next Steps
November/December 2024:
Introduction and passage of legislation to compel the creation of Michigan’s 10-year strategic economic development plan.
Thirty days after the bill takes effect:
The Governor appoints board members.
One year after the appointment of the board:
Board members will develop Michigan’s 10-year strategic economic plan.
Every year after:
No later than September 30 of the year after the plan is developed — and every September 30 after, Michigan’s strategic economic plan must be updated and reviewed.