< Previous68 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE WHERE TALENT THRIVES hat has been driving a talent migration surge into Michigan? Balance. e state reached a new population high of over . million residents, according to new Vintage population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. is milestone estimate follows years of steep growth experienced between and . Following a slight decline in , Michigan is said to have welcomed more than , new residents. Population trends analyzed by the Weldon Cooper Center’s Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginia additionally show Michigan has gained the fth-largest number of adults aged to in the nation. From to , Michigan’s demographic rose by , adults in this cohort. Each year, new residents are discovering Michigan’s quality of life, low cost of living, a ordable housing, and educational o erings, which have made the state an ideal location to plant roots and grow. Not to mention, the state’s leading industries — encompassing defense and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, EV and mobility, semiconductors, life sciences, clean energy, Michigan invests resources into building its highly skilled pipeline. by ALE XIS ELMORE W M I C H I G A N ’ S T A L E NT P O OLM I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 69 and outdoor products — are providing career opportunities that allow talent to find the balance between a dream job and dream life. “It’s really critical to have a fulfilling nine to five, but it’s just as critical to have a fulfilling five to nine, and we can get both of those in Michigan,” says Hilary Doe, chief growth officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). To keep skilled talent at home, Michigan’s leadership has positioned its communities’ voices at the head of targeted initiatives that aim to carve an innovative path forward. CUSTOM-BUILT SOLUTIONS In 2023, the state became the first in the nation to create a dedicated chief growth officer role as the MEDC unveiled the arrival of Michigan’s Growth Office. Spearheaded by Doe, the Growth Office has begun building upon the foundation set by the Growing Michigan Together Council, whose growth blueprint received a 19-1 vote to place bold recommendations in front of Michigan’s Legislature in 2023. “We have taken an approach that is community first, and a lot of people say that, but not everybody can back it up,” says Doe. “We started with community engagement and to date have talked to 25,000 Michiganders in person. That is what informed those policy recommendations from the Council and our pilots and programs. They’ve all been structured in response to community feedback.” This groundwork received a $45.5 million boost when the Michigan Legislature passed Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget in July 2024, providing fresh funding to the MEDC and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to lock in on talent and growth strategies. Approved budget items aim to bolster three pillars identified by the Growing Michigan Together Council’s blueprint: Establish Michigan as the top Innovation Hub in the Midwest, build a lifelong learning system focused on future- ready skills and competencies, and create thriving communities that are magnets for young talent. Initiatives begin with the creation of a $60 million Innovation Fund, focusing on scaling startups and small businesses throughout Michigan. For Doe, the fund’s establishment is a critical first step in acknowledging the importance of highlighting homegrown companies and preventing capital flight. In addition, the budget includes $24 million to support the exploration of new technology and mobility projects such as drone infrastructure, e-bike incentives, and an inductive charging pilot project. “The Growth Office is working intently on growing median incomes in the state, retaining small businesses, and supporting our entrepreneurs,” notes Doe. “Building our innovation ecosystem in the state is one key way to do that. We have no lack of creators in Michigan. What we don’t want is for them to feel they would ever need to go somewhere else to find the talent or capital they need in order to scale.” FUTURE-READY SKILLS In line with efforts to cultivate an accessible lifelong learning system for Michigan’s youth, the budget ensured that $211 million was dedicated to building an adaptable and competitive talent pipeline. A $30 million investment has increased funding for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. The state’s flagship scholarship program is designed for high school graduates, covering up to $4,820 in tuition costs for an associate degree or skilled certificate at a Michigan community college. The remaining $181 million will be used to aid students in achieving their full academic potential, funding resources such as literacy grants and coaches. “Honestly, it’s been changing the landscape,” says MEDC Director of Talent Solutions Chris Rishko. “Going to school has been a barrier for students, especially as costs keep increasing. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship has been removing that barrier.” Investing in education has been the best way for the state to showcase the capabilities of its future workforce. Doing so has allowed the state to develop resources 70 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE that stay ahead of industry needs to ensure graduates hold the skillsets that enable them to hit the ground running. The MEDC’s Talent Action Team is one asset that has opened doors between industry and education. The Talent Action Team aids Michigan businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development boards in filling open roles and informing evolving skillset requirements. For those eager to explore new career pathways early on, the Michigan STEAM Ahead internship program is available to connect students in the state’s colleges and universities to companies around Michigan to gain first-hand experience. Since first launching the internship program, the Talent Action Team has seen the value of the project skyrocket, naturally increasing interest from Michigan employers looking to access fresh talent. As the program has begun preparations for another summer semester after exceeding goals for winter semester participation, Rishko is confident that all trends are looking up. “Students are always open to and ready for more opportunities to understand what their career landscape can look like so that they can be more informed and make better decisions as they move through their professional journey,” says Rishko. “This removes yet another barrier, allowing students to engage with employers to understand what the day-to-day in a particular industry or role might look like.” MAKE THE MOVE The Michigan Growth Office’s Make MI Home pilot program was launched to place Michigan communities at the front of their own regional talent attraction efforts. This collaborative approach brings together economic development organizations, nonprofits, local governments, and more within the outlined State of Michigan prosperity regions. Proposals required these communities to specify whether their goal was to attract new or retain current residents and target audiences for the program. This can cover specific industries or skill sets and provide grant funding for attraction incentives like relocation support, rental assistance, reverse scholarships, community welcome programs, and outdoor recreation or cultural institution access. “It’s re ally critical to have a fulfilling nine to five, but it’s just as critical to have a fulfilling five to nine, and we can get both of those in Michigan.” — Hilary Doe, chief growth officer, Michigan Economic Development CorporationKlixge Ratphout, Miscelaph, Icn M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 71 In October 2024, the Growth Office announced the first round of over $661,000 in grant funding would be distributed among five consortiums around the state. Recipients include Discover Southwest Michigan ($100,000), Grand Valley State University ($200,000), Middle Michigan Development Corporation ($20,000), Wayne State University entrepreneurship hub TechTown Detroit ($250,000), and West Michigan Works! ($91,250). “As Michigan grapples with the critical challenge of population growth, this investment demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in our region’s potential,” said Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Arthur Havlicek. “With their support, we are ready to launch bold, impactful strategies that will establish a healthy growth cycle in Southwest Michigan and serve as a model for talent attraction efforts throughout the state.”72 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE A breakdown of each selected program shows that these communities are focused on attracting and retaining talent related to STEM-H and skilled trades. Many programs strategically focus on creating accessible pathways for underrepresented populations and international students. Funding will be used in a variety of ways within each community to aid in needs such as housing, mentorship access, job readiness training, scholarships, and more. “It’s a first-of-its-kind program in the country, in that we asked our communities to apply as regional consortiums to let us know what and who they needed to attract and retain locally,” says Doe. “We received overwhelming interest in the program, so we plan to roll out round two within the first half of 2025.” Creating thriving communities is further supported by the FY25 budget as it builds upon more than $1.4 billion the state has put into rehabilitating or constructing nearly 10,000 homes in Michigan. The state’s legislature allocated $100 million toward the construction of more affordable housing, in addition to $75 million dedicated to transit support for road, water, and rail transit services. Synchronicity has found its way from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula down to its Ann Arbor region. For talent looking to maintain the balance between quality of life and a promising career, just know You Can in Michigan. M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 73 hile Michigan’s geographical landscape showcases breathtakingly diverse landforms here to stay, its man-made contributions continue to evolve. To usher in a new era of development potential within Michigan’s communities, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is stepping in with funding opportunities and expertise to support the state’s placemaking e orts. No one quite knows the needs of a town like its residents, which is why local leadership controls the reins while the MEDC assists communities through essential early steps, such as site assessments and pre-development funding. “Community support and local planning are absolutely critical to the success of placemaking projects, and our local leaders are the experts on their towns,” says Michele Wildman, SVP of community planning and development readiness, MEDC. “By enabling projects identi ed by local communities, we help create neighborhoods where talent wants to live and work, businesses want to locate, and travelers want to visit and explore.” HOW IT STARTS e MEDC has developed a wide range of tools, from technical assistance to incentive programs that hit on several economic development opportunities. ese services identify a by ALE XIS ELMORE W Michigan’s NEW ERA P L AC E M A K I N G Michigan communities fi nd support for revitalization and placemaking efforts. Under the watchful eye of the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, walkers enjoy a sun-splashed stroll along the waterfront park. Photo courtesy of MEDC74 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE starting point and the relevant next steps communities can take to address the unique needs of their residents. An array of technical assistance toolkits is available to guide inspiration along the way. Suppose a community were to explore new housing developments. In that case, a partnership between the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, the City of Grand Rapids, and Driven Design, LLC, offers a series of permit-ready housing plans that allow for a streamlined project approval process. Resources such as the resiliency toolkit provide local officials with strategies and ideas to recover from natural disasters. Meanwhile, the developer toolkit supplies technical assistance to real estate entrepreneurs, opening doors to mentorship, pre- development, development, and post- development tools. A widespread approach to attracting new residents and businesses can be taken when applying to become one of Michigan’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC). Developed by public and private sector experts, this toolkit helps communities plan, zone, and implement best practices as they seek to attract new development projects to the region. The Michigan Main Street (MMS) program alternatively focuses on historic preservation of Michigan’s commercial districts and downtowns, working alongside communities as they navigate projects that cater to economic vitality, appealing design, organization, and effective promotion. MMS, which has supported new economic growth for over 20 years, is a key example of community-driven development and placemaking initiatives. Since its launch, the program has resulted in a total economic impact of over $445.6 million and the creation of more than 4,000 jobs across Michigan. To continue promoting such exploration, the state established incentive programs that allocate targeted funding for innovative homegrown projects. These initiatives include the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, Build MI Community Grant, Match on Main, the Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP), Community Development Block Grant, Brownfield Programs, and Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP). Popular programs like the RAP, The old Depot in downtown Ypsilanti has become a popular spot for dining and shopping Photo courtesy of MEDCM I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 75 MCRP, and PSCP provide creative freedom to reimagine aging facilities, introduce housing opportunities, give life to new public spaces, and enable residents to contribute to local development initiatives. “Whether it’s a historic building, an old school, or a vacant shopping mall, projects of this nature require a lot of creativity and persistence to pull off,” says Wildman. “They also have some of the most remarkable and transformational results.” WHY IT WORKS Made available through the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), the MCRP is an incentive program that provides funding for structural renovation and redevelopment of brownfield and historic preservation sites that no longer serve their former purpose. Depending on an area’s population, the program will cover between 25% and 50% of the project’s eligible investment, up to $10 million. Selected MCRP projects showcase sustainable development and often cultivate vibrancy that attracts density to previously vacant parts of town. This results in creating pathways to become a walkable community, incorporating mixed-use developments, drawing in new private investment, and creating local jobs. “We have seen Michiganders find homes in the newly created housing units that now fill the hallways of their former neighborhood school and in long- time vacant downtown buildings that are being reactivated into vibrant and catalytic investments,” says Wildman. “At the MEDC, our tools help enable these projects that would not be possible but for an investment from the state.” In the case of downtown Kalamazoo, the MSF approved a more than $4.8 million MCRP performance-based loan toward PlazaCorp’s $32.7 million conversion of its former commercial facility. The developer plans to transform the building into a mixed-use site that will support restaurant space and 82 new residential units. Once complete, this project will be a key asset in driving residential density to the downtown district. “Bringing 82 residential units to market in the heart of our downtown community at a time when residential projects are needed will positively impact the lives of many,” said Trisha Kidd, project management director at PlazaCorp, in 2024 when the project was announced. “We envision the redevelopment of this building as a catalyst for increased foot traffic, which will support the continued development of a walkable community enjoyed by downtown residents and businesses alike.” MSF funding has additionally proved vital to the RAP program, in which communities use grant funding toward place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, or public space improvements. Four RAP-awarded projects are underway in downtown Flint, thanks in part to $10.25 million in funding approved by the MSF. In this case, the Flint and Genesee Chamber Foundation will use the sum to support the relocation of the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department building and Flint Children’s Museum, redevelopment of Flint’s historic Marian Hall into mixed- use housing and retail space, and building improvements to the Masonic Temple and the Greater Flint Arts Council site. About two hours northwest in Grayling, five years of project planning “We envision the redevelopment of this building as a catalyst for increased foot traffic, which will support the continued development of a walkable community enjoyed by downtown residents and businesses alike. ” — Michele Wildman, SVP of community planning and development readiness, MEDC76 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE have come to fruition with the aid of a $6.5 million RAP award for the construction of Sawmill Lofts. The mixed-use building will span 39,000 sq. ft., standing five stories high and featuring 40 new apartments and 4,076 sq. ft. of retail space downtown. Whether it be a lush dog park, restoring a historic theater, establishing a year-round farmers market, riverfront restorations, or shaping a new chapter for a downtown alley, the PSCP program positions residents at the center of community- focused projects. The MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and crowdfunding platform Patronicity partnered on PSCP to engage residents in contributing to the success of these projects, therefore increasing civic engagement and awareness of exciting initiatives. PSCP then provides matching grants of up to $50,000 to set projects in motion. Projects that incentivize universal design and meet ADA parameters are eligible for up to an additional $25,000 in matching funds. “There is great diversity in the types of projects supported under PSCP. From recreational facilities like sports courts and accessible baseball fields to public arts projects and community centers,” says Wildman. “The common theme is that residents of communities, both large and small, want public spaces to gather, enjoy cultural experiences, and make memories with their family, friends, and neighbors.” The program was the first of its kind in the nation when it launched in 2014. To date, the MEDC has distributed over $13 million in matching grants, while more than $15 million in crowdfunding has been raised across 389 projects. As communities around the state work to enhance quality of life for residents and businesses operating in their region, Michigan’s leadership looks to ensure there’s plenty of room to grow. An inventory of shovel-ready sites has been vital to promoting investment, placing the MEDC and MSF’s Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) at the top of local leadership’s radar. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced $87.5 million in SSRP grants in January 2024, selecting 18 projects across Michigan. In May 2024, the Flint and Genesee Group Foundation received an additional $250 million, on top of the initial $9.2 million, to support land acquisition and infrastructure development activities at the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County. The almost 1,000-acre site will aim to captivate investment from critical industries like EV, semiconductor, clean technology, and aerospace. “Today’s action is incredibly important and represents a fundamental step toward creating an attractive site for a job-creating project that will change the trajectory of our community now and for generations to come,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance executive director. RIGHT AT HOME Businesses in Michigan are eager to get in on innovative development initiatives in their regions. Ford Motor Company has called the state home for over 120 years, since its founding in Detroit in 1903. With boots still firmly planted on the ground in the city, the company committed $740 million toward the revitalization of Michigan Central Station. The building had remained untouched for over 30 years and has now transformed into the Michigan Central Innovation District. The 30-acre technology and cultural center is now anticipated to create 5,000 jobs and generate $370 million in tax revenue over the next 35 years. The building will support more than 600 innovators, encompassing over 100 companies that will collaborate to advance a more sustainable and equitable future. The district supports a mobility hub, retail space, public parks, and 1.2 million sq. ft. of commercial space. Google and Henry Ford Health are two companies looking to get in on the action. Both will partner with the district to focus on workforce. While Google plans to launch its Code Next program to enable Michigan high school students to learn how to code for free, Henry Ford Health looks to address issues such as healthcare accessibility, community health networks, and workforce development. Throughout Michigan, community- focused projects like these are just tipping points for future prosperity and growth for residents and businesses alike. M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 77 hen Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced two key corporate investment projects in March of 2025, it signaled to the world that Michigan is firing on all cylinders when it comes to business attraction, retention, and expansion. OVD Insurance announced it was acquiring a Grand Rapids building and creating 131 new jobs, while TYC Americas announced it would establish a new facility and create 109 new jobs in Wixom. In each case, the deal exemplifies the Team Michigan strategic approach. Through effective collaboration, communication, and coordination, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) works with its local and regional partners to streamline the entire site selection and business investment process for investors, making it as efficient and seamless as possible. As a result, Michigan is attracting $31 million in new investment and landing 240 W H Y C O M P A N I E S I N V E S T I N M I C H I G A N W Delivering talent and value is a winning combination for the state. by RON S TARNER Investors Want What Michigan Offers OVD is expanding its operations in Grand Rapids by moving into a new 30,000-sq.-ft. headquarters and adding at least 131 new jobs. The expansion is supported by a $1 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Photo courtesy of The Right PlaceNext >