​​​​​​​"EDLM’s Top Ten reflects what we regularly hear from employers in the U.P. – they need skilled workers, practical business development tool, access to capital to compete, and tools to help with community revitalization projects.  These are smart, targeted priorities that reflect opportunities for growth for the State, including the Upper Peninsula.  And it is that reality that is the strength of the Top Ten list – it has broad application for the state.  So, whether you're in Detroit or Delta County, these policies can help communities attract jobs and scale startups. It’s a chance to move from patchwork wins to statewide progress, and that’s exactly what Michigan needs." 

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- Marty Fittante, CEO, Invest UP

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“Michigan’s economic future demands consistency and a commitment that keeps us competitive for decades to come. EDLM’s framework provides our communities with the resources to transform potential into lasting prosperity,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “We can’t coast on yesterday’s victories when competitor states are accelerating their efforts to attract the businesses and talent that drive sustainable growth. This strategic approach ensures Michigan doesn’t just compete in tomorrow’s economy—we lead it.”

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- Kevin Johnson, President & CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corp

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"EDLM's legislative priorities reflect the need to keep Michigan competitive with sustainable, long-term economic development strategies,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, President & CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. "As economic developers, we know that stability and consistency are key factors to a company’s expansion decision. These tools will give regions across the state the edge they need to win key investments, attract and retain talent, and build stronger communities, now and in the future."

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- Maureen Donohue Krauss, President & CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

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“Ann Arbor’s growth as a hub for innovation and talent is the result of intentional collaboration and investment,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “To sustain this momentum, Michigan must prioritize robust funding for innovation and entrepreneurship programs. These resources fuel startup growth, attract private investment, and ensure regions like ours remain competitive in the global economy.”

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- Paul Krutko, President & CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK

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​“If Michigan is serious about long-term economic stability, we need to continue to invest in order to generate economic returns today and tomorrow. The ten legislative priorities championed by Economic Development Leaders for Michigan represent the high-return tools our state needs to retain and attract the next generation of talent and businesses. A robust, fully funded economic development toolbox doesn’t just help local businesses succeed—it drives good jobs for our residents, strengthens our communities, and grows our state's revenues over time. These are the tools we need to do just that."

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- Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage

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“These unified priorities are designed to equip our regions and communities with the tools they need to compete for—and win—job-creating opportunities,” said Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First. “They reflect our shared focus on supporting and retaining existing businesses, attracting high-impact investments, revitalizing communities, and growing the talent pipelines that will power Michigan’s future. By aligning around these competitive tools, we can strengthen our economy today and lay the groundwork for long-term opportunity and success.”

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- Jonas Peterson, CEO, Southwest Michigan First

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“At the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, we strongly support EDLM’s Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity, as they align with the work we do every day to help move our community and state forward,” says Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Economic Alliance. “We all need to be working together to make Michigan an attractive place to invest, with policies that are competitive nationwide.”

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- Tyler Rossmaessler, Executive Director, Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

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“A competitive economic development toolbox locally impacts all elements of a community — from small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, to placemaking projects like farmers markets, and to successfully attracting brand-new investment and good jobs. The better funded and more robust our state economic development toolbox and programs are, the more revenue we will generate for the state, supporting the quality services we all want.”

 

- Bob Trezise, President and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).