News and Resources

Michigan Economic Development News and Resource Updates

Michigan Economic Development Headlines and Updates on Economic Development Resources

Each week, the MEDA staff sifts through several sources for news that is useful to our members, and that highlights the work of our members. MEDA members receive the news before it is posted to this page and receive expanded information on resources in the Info Hub.

Headlines and resources not only include good news about economic growth in Michigan, but also valuable reports, examples of the creative use of an economic development tool for a project, federal-level program updates, or economic outlooks and trends.

1/6/26 - 1/12/26

Lansing Leading the Way for Better Data Centers - The proposed facility would feature a closed-loop water-glycol cooling system to minimize the facility’s water consumption, as well as a novel approach to heat recovery.

Housing Data, Displacement, and the Fight for Stability - Examples of projects that investigate housing issues using a range of methods, including community engagement, resident surveys, and quantitative analysis of parcel data.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Auto Industry: Buckle Up, Buttercup - Does the administration keep it intact with modifications that improve it, have unilateral trade agreements on top of it, or walk away from it? Hopefully it’s the first one,” said MichAuto’s Executive Director and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer, Glenn Stevens Jr.

Southwest Michigan on the Cusp of Adding Significant Housing Projects - A Boom in Housing - Southwest Michigan is on the cusp of adding significant housing projects. Several members, communities, and projects are recognized.

Site Readiness Program Helps Blue Water Area Prepare for Future Industrial Opportunities - A new site readiness program is designed to give a competitive edge in the search for industrial parks, and St. Clair County is already actively seeking industrial investment.

Economic Development Resources
Invest Detroit Secures $55 Million in New Markets Tax Credits From $10 Billion Federal Program - Several Michigan-active community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to receive New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations in this historic round, highlighting the depth of the state’s development finance ecosystem. The article lists all providers.

Unlock Savings: Tax Credits Available to Businesses, Nonprofits for Clean Energy Upgrades - They cover 30% or more of costs connected to solar panels; geothermal heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems; and battery storage.

Northern Michigan Startup Week - Save the dates - April 20 - 24th in Traverse City - and sign up for information. Will feature events designed for entrepreneurs, students, innovators, educators, investors, and startup enthusiasts from Northern Michigan and the broader Great Lakes region.

Building the Bridge Video Series - Office of Rural Prosperity video series highlights conversations with rural leaders across Michigan who are strengthening partnerships and driving positive change.

SBA Mentor-Protégé Program - Program helps small businesses (protégés) partner with more experienced businesses (mentors) to gain capacity and win government contracts. Link goes to informational webinar on 1/14.

12/30/25 - 1/5/26

New Report Makes Recommendations to Ensure State Remains Global Leader in Transportation - The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification (CFME) released its annual report detailing a set of key recommendations to help Michigan remain a global leader in innovative vehicle technology and future mobility solutions.

The Skilled Trades Are Ready for a Digital Future - AI is freeing skilled tradespeople to focus on craftsmanship, safety, and growth as labor pressures intensify.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Eccalon to Establish Headquarters at The Icon Building in Detroit, Creating Up to 800 New Jobs - “Eccalon will be a powerful addition to our community, and their decision to build in Detroit demonstrates their confidence in our future,” says Kevin Johnson.

Economic Development Resources
Most Popular Economic Data Sources - Catalog of data sources on GDP, employment, pricing, corporate profits, industry, trade, census, etc.

Solar Moonshot Program - This program is helping 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across the United States make the switch to clean energy. Grants are typically awarded up to $25,000 with grant amounts dependent on various factors, including the organization’s need for funding.

Last Food Mile Grant - The aim of this grant is to help producers deliver locally grown foods to Michigan institutions, markets and consumers by developing transportation and distribution infrastructure across Michigan.

Economic Development Legislation in the News
Michigan Allocates $77 Million to Clean Thousands of Contaminated Sites - " ... a bill currently in the Michigan Senate that would add additional clean-up standards ... "

12/23/25 - 12/29/25

The Rise of Joint Venture Agreements in New Construction Projects - By fostering collaboration between developers, manufacturers, and suppliers, these partnerships spread risk, enhance project viability, and support long-term growth.

Preparing for the Next USMCA Shake-Up - Looks at various scenarios during and after negotiations.

Two Transformational Brownfield Projects Approved in West Michigan, Here's What to Expect - The project is expected to invest about $795.8 million in the local economy through three new mixed-use towers, according to MEDC, along with supporting more than 1,900 jobs and adding 670 housing units, a luxury hotel, more than 2,500 parking spaces, 68,000 square feet of greenspace, and nearly 38,000 square feet of retail space.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Michigan Allocates $160 Million in Housing Tax Credits for 700-plus Affordable Units, Including Big Rapids - “By leveraging public-private partnerships, we’re not only addressing housing affordability, but we’re also boosting local economies and strengthening communities,” Tony Lentych, chief housing investment officer, said.

Downriver Small Businesses Rev Up With Help from U-M’s Economic Growth Institute - Jazmine Danci and Carmen Wells Quigg both given credit for their work.

Economic Development Resources
From Vacant Lots to Affordable Housing: How Developers Are Using Predevelopment Assistance to Revitalize Ypsi and Beyond - Predevelopment assistance could look like conducting a parking analysis revealing room for more housing, environmental testing, running financials, or engaging residents to ensure redevelopment fits the community’s vision.

Grants Aim to Connect Michigan Farmers with Local Markets - The grant program will award up to $100,000 per project to support efforts that increase the volume and value of Michigan-grown food sold locally.

New Playbook Helps Michigan Employers Further Tackle Transportation Barriers to Strengthen Retention and Productivity - Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) launched the Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook, a new employer-focused resource designed to help businesses build transportation programs that improve employee reliability, retention and productivity.

12/15/25 - 12/22/25

Cushman & Wakefield United States Outlook 2026 - Download this comprehensive economic and real estate report.

Teradyne Plans Wixom, Michigan, Robotics Operations - “Locating this hub in Metro Detroit puts us at the center of U.S. manufacturing and innovation,” Justin Brown, chief commercial officer for the Teradyne Robotics Group, said in a statement.

Lakeshore Advantage Honored as Neighborhood Builder, Boosting Regional Economic Momentum - Bank of America awards Lakeshore Advantage funding and leadership training to strengthen workforce, entrepreneurship, and business growth across the expanding Lakeshore region.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Osceola Small Businesses Receive Technology Grants - 42 small businesses in Clare, Isabella and Osceola counties were selected to receive Technology Improvement Grants, a program designed to help businesses upgrade digital systems, equipment and security.

2025 State of Automobility Report - The latest insights into Michigan’s role in the global automotive landscape, including an analysis of the industry‘s strengths and weaknesses, from MichAuto.

Woodchuck Secures Growth Investment to Accelerate AI-Powered Construction Waste Diversion - Thomas added that Woodchuck’s growth is being propelled by the explosion of data-center and industrial megaprojects, all of which now face aggressive sustainability mandates.

Economic Development Resources
Amex Shop Small Grants Program - Helps small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. Applications open through Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT.

Small Businesses in Eastern Michigan Can Apply for $20K Grants - The program will provide up to $20,000 to eligible businesses in Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac and St. Clair counties, according to a community announcement.

12/8/25 - 12/14/25

The Workforce Bottleneck in America’s Manufacturing Revival - Describes what some educational institutions are doing around the country to prepare the workforce.

The Billions That Modernized Procurement Could Unlock - New AI tools and proven best practices can enhance the work of government purchasing teams. With many seasoned professionals retiring, rebuilding expertise and attracting new talent is critical.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
VIP Launching Industrial Development Toolkit – Empowering Communities with Resources for Industrial Growth - The toolkit will serve as a resource to clarify the site readiness process by tackling common concerns about industrial development and, most importantly, giving everyone a seat at the table.

MichAuto’s Stevens Appointed to Detroit Mayor-Elect Sheffield’s Transition Team - Hats off to Glenn Stevens Jr. for this appointment!

New Leading Rural Michigan Program Strengthens Local Leaders Statewide - Five Members to Participate: Sam Bailey, Kristi Lucas-Zimmerman, Penny Payea, Nikki Radke, Alisha Proctor

Governor Whitmer Announces Northern Michigan Redevelopments, Adding 60 Housing Units to Cadillac, Escanaba, and Marquette - Christopher Germain, his team at Lake Superior Community Partnership, and many key partners land a RAP Grant for a redevelopment project in Marquette. Discusses other sources of funding used.

Economic Development Resources
Innovation Incubator on the Road - Winter 2026 Series - Something to share: 5-session workshop series designed to build knowledge of how to start, grow, or expand a business by exploring the business model canvas, marketing, banking, legal topics, and pitch basics.

MSHDA Request for Third-Party Consultants List - Seeking organizations that can provide grantee assistance to agencies receiving MI Neighborhood Housing Community Development Fund (HCDF) and/or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards.

517-241-0011

News and Resources

Michigan Economic Development News and Resource Updates

1/6/26 - 1/12/26

12/30/25 - 1/5/26

12/23/25 - 12/29/25

12/15/25 - 12/22/25

12/8/25 - 12/14/25

12/2/25 - 12/7/25

11/25/25 - 12/1/25

11/18/25 - 11/24/25

11/11/25 - 11/17/25

11/4/25 - 11/10/25

10/28/25 - 11/3/25

10/21/25 - 10/27/25

10/14/25 - 10/20/25

10/7/25 - 10/13/25

9/30/25 - 10/6/25

9/23/25 - 9/29/25

9/16/25 - 9/22/25

9/9/25 - 9/15/25

9/3/25 - 9/8/25

8/27/25 - 9/2/25

8/19/25 - 8/26/25

8/12/25 - 8/18/15

8/5/25 - 8/11/25

7/29/25 - 8/4/25

7/22/25 - 7/28/25

7/15/25 - 7/21/25

7/8/25 - 7/14/25

7/1/25 - 7/7/25

6/24/25 - 6/30/25

6/17/25 - 6/23/25

6/10/25 - 6/16/25

6/3/25 - 6/9/25

5/28/25 - 6/2/25

5/20/25 - 5/27/25

5/13/25 - 5/19/25

5/6/25 - 5/12/25

4/29/25 - 5/5/25

4/22/25 - 4/28/25

4/15/25 - 4/21/25

4/8/25 - 4/14/25

4/1/25 - 4/7/25

3/25/25 - 3/31/25

3/18/25 - 3/24/25

3/11/25 - 3/17/25

3/4/25 - 3/10/25

2/25/25 - 3/3/25

2/18/25 - 2/24/25

2/11/25 - 2/17/25

2/4/25 - 2/10/25

1/28/25 - 2/3/25

1/22/25 - 1/27/25

1/14/25 - 1/21/25

1/7/25 - 1/13/25

Empowering Members to Drive Positive Economic Growth in Michigan