1. How will the state pay for these priorities?
 

It is easy to claim the state has enough money and that legislators should simply decide how to allocate it toward their preferred priorities. In reality, Michigan already spends more than $600 million annually on current initiatives. EDLM believes the Top Ten priorities represent a more effective use of these existing resources—potentially reducing overall spending—while creating a consistent, accountable, and focused statewide strategy.

 

Most of the plan’s funding would come through a withholding tax credit and a research and development credit. Both are tied to actual company activity, meaning they take effect only when businesses generate new economic activity, which, in turn, brings additional revenue to the state.

 

2. Why are these priorities important, and why now?

Michigan too often treats economic development reactively—springing into action only when a major project is announced or lost, or when the promise of a new investment appears. This reactive approach leaves opportunities on the table. The EDLM Top Ten list is designed to shift Michigan into an aggressive, forward-looking stance—supporting the growth of in-state companies while competing for larger, high-impact projects to locate here.

 

Think of it like baseball: Michigan cannot rely solely on occasional home runs. It must rack up singles and doubles, steadily putting runners on base so the big wins become more likely and more frequent.

 

The state now stands at a crossroads. With skepticism about economic development coming from across the political spectrum, this is a moment for proven, accountable strategies that deliver measurable results and position Michigan for long-term success.

 

3. Why do these ten priorities rise above others?

 

The Top Ten list is ambitious yet achievable within the current legislative session. Designed for consistency, it provides a strong foundation on which to build and evolve the state’s economic development infrastructure. Each item was developed to be completed within a reasonable time while positioning the state for long-term success. These priorities reflect bipartisan input: make it accountable, make it transparent, and make it results-driven.

 

4. Why does consistency in these programs and funding streams matter?
 

Consistency gives Michigan a competitive edge. Businesses and investors make long-term decisions based on predictable policies, reliable funding, and stable programs. If incentives or development tools change year to year, companies are less likely to commit major investments—especially when competing states offer certainty.

 

Maintaining consistent funding streams for proven programs like the Business Development Program, Going PRO Talent Fund, and site readiness initiatives signals that Michigan is a dependable partner, reduces risk for employers, and encourages sustained growth across the state.

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5. Who is Michigan competing against for jobs, investment, and onshoring opportunities?

Michigan competes for jobs, talent, and business growth with states nationwide, especially those with aggressive incentive strategies, growing economies, and strong innovation ecosystems. For example:

 

• JobsOhio has generated billions in investment, hundreds of thousands of jobs, and substantial payroll growth since 2011, including $20 billion in capital investment in 2024.
   

• Indiana has signed billions in economic development deals since the 1990s through its EDGE program, a performance-based payroll tax capture tool.
   

• Texas and Virginia integrate their university systems with employer needs, focusing on innovation and tech talent, which improves job placement and wages.
   

• Illinois and Ohio invest more than double what Michigan does in early venture support, even with Michigan’s new Innovation Fund.
   

• Southern states attract manufacturers from Michigan and other Midwest states with low taxes, streamlined permitting, low energy costs, and ready sites.
   

Unlike Michigan, these states employ consistent strategies to recruit and retain businesses, train talent, and create good-paying jobs.

 

6. How will spending on these programs be measured and held accountable?
 

Under Michigan law, current incentive tools and grant programs must meet strict reporting requirements, including:

 

• Verified jobs created versus projected
   

• Actual private investment versus projected
   

• Estimated state return on investment
   

A new payroll tax capture tool would add another layer of accountability. Employers would fund their own incentives through payroll taxes generated from promised jobs. The state would hold these funds until contractual obligations are met, then return them to the employer. If the employer fails to create jobs, they receive no incentive.

 

Resources:

MEDC’s Transparency Portal

State Investment Map by Political Jurisdiction

 

7. What role will local and regional economic development organizations play in implementing these priorities?

 

Local and regional economic development organizations are critical partners because they have the closest ties to their communities. They understand local strengths, challenges, and opportunities, allowing resources to be targeted where they will have the most impact. Empowering regional partners ensures statewide programs are adapted to meet unique local needs while advancing shared goals. This balance between statewide coordination and regional leadership helps drive investment and growth across every part of Michigan.

 

8. What does a holistic, statewide approach to economic development look like in practice?

 

A holistic strategy focuses on people, place, and prosperity. Michigan must align training with employment opportunities, create attractive places to live and work, and address housing shortages across the state. The state must invest in hard infrastructure—roads, utilities, water, wastewater, and telecommunications—and prepare turnkey sites to save businesses time and money when they are ready to grow.

 

Diversifying the economy, with a focus on knowledge-centered jobs, will raise wages and secure Michigan’s economic future. This approach increases state revenue, enabling further investment in its people.