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.

2/17/26 - 2/24/26

Smart Executives Are Paying Attention to Rural Opportunity Zones - The permanent extension of Opportunity Zones creates a rare opening for business leaders to shape where federal investment flows - and rural America may hold the strongest opportunities for long-term strategic growth.

Co-Working Is Becoming a Repositioning Tool for Struggling Office Buildings - Predictions about flexible workspace dominating the office market have circulated for the better part of a decade, with some forecasts suggesting co-working could claim 30% or more of total office inventory by 2030.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
South Haven Council hears updated Economic Development Plan - Speaking at this week’s regular council meeting, consultant James Hettinger told members things are a lot different now than they were when the last plan was drafted.

Have a Business Idea for Downtown Lansing? Now’s Your Chance to Voice Your Opinion - “We’re looking at diversifying our businesses and our business mix so that we have those accommodations and features — whether that’s to eat, to be entertained, to go see a show over at Grewal Hall,” said DLI Community Development Director Kate Litwin.

Economic Development Resources
The Permit Puzzle and the Path to Groundbreaking - For example, the developer might secure early grading and utility permits while the full building permit is still under review, allowing site work to begin without delay.

The Economic Impact of BDO Zones - This paper provides a transparent, credible estimate of the average economic impact of
bio-manufacturing plants in BDO Zones.

2/10/26 - 2/16/26

Plastics Firms Remain Focus for Local Economic Development - (article might take a minute to load) Companies focused on bioplastics, additive manufacturing, and advanced material technologies will continue to favor locations near major research hubs, universities, and established manufacturing ecosystems.

Global Metals Manufacturers Expanding Into US Via M&A - Metals are in demand from industries such as automotive, electrical and electronics, spurred in part by a boom in data center construction, Serlin said.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
I&M Looks to Prepare Underutilized Sites for Manufacturing - I&M is calling the initiative their Future Ready Site Accelerator. They’ll work to get underutilized properties connected with the infrastructure needed for development that creates jobs, in this case, electricity.

Economic Development Resources
IEDC Leadership Summit - IEDC’s March 1-3 Leadership Summit will bring together economic development leaders from around the world to advocate for policy priorities and shape the future of our field.

MSU CCED Transforming Tomorrow Together Podcast - The MSU Center for Community and Economic Development is excited to welcome a variety of guests, including students, professionals, community partners, thought leaders, change-makers and researchers who are working on projects that support communities in meaningful ways.

Data Center Development in Michigan: Economic & Fiscal Impact Analysis Report from Anderson Economic Group - Provides Michigan communities with credible information that supports thoughtful discussion and decision-making.

Meet the Buyer Event on February 25th in Frankenmuth - East Michigan APEX Accelerator, Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, and Saginaw Future APEX Accelerator invite you to join us for a dynamic Meet the Buyer event — designed in a fast-paced, speed-dating format to connect small businesses with procurement professionals.

2023 CDBG Disaster Recovery Funding Rounds Are Open - On January 22, 2025, the State of Michigan was awarded $43,570,000 in federal funding to recover from Michigan’s 2024 Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4757-MI). Applications Due May 6th.

Shaping the Opportunity Zone Map to Drive Housing Production That Best Meets Community Need - Governors will be selecting new OZs in July 2026, and local leaders must lay the groundwork now to best position their cities to maximize the likelihood of attracting OZ investment that aligns with their communities’ priorities and needs. Here’s what they should be thinking about.

SBA Export Finance Programs - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) created programs to provide lenders with up to a 90% guaranty on export loans.

2/3/27 - 2/9/26

Bay Future Names Magen Samyn Interim Executive Director - Samyn, who previously served as president of Bay Future, has long been a champion for the community.

2026 Data Center Outlook: What Actually Changes Next - Demand is a given. Power, timelines, and execution are not - and that’s where 2026 decisions are getting made.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Gov. Whitmer Announces 115 New Jobs Coming to Michigan, $13.4 Million Investment Across Two Companies in Muskegon, Washtenaw Counties - Two MEDA members featured.

Economic Development Resources
Michigan Treasury Issues Notice Explaining State’s New R&D Credits - All claimants with tax years beginning in 2025, including calendar- and fiscal-year corporate income tax (CIT) payers and flow-through entities, must submit their tentative claims no later than April 1, 2026.

Michigan Entrepreneur & Investment Guide - Find connections in the Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem by location, sector, and more.

Building Michigan Communities Conference - The BMCC is where industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers come together to shape the future of affordable housing and community development in Michigan.

History Secured: Michigan’s Newest National Register Sites - Communities and property owners benefited from collaborating with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which helped identify and secure support through their own programs like the Resilient Lakeshore Heritage Program as well as outside incentives like the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program.

United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) - Covering more than 40 topics—including education, employment, income, housing, and transportation—the ACS provides crucial insights into the changing needs and conditions of communities.

New Michigan Program Aims to Help Farms Continue by Connecting Buyers with Sellers - MIFarmLink helps match aspiring farmers with those looking to retire and hand their operations over to the next generation.

1/27/26 - 2/2/26

Michigan Awards Volkswagen $4M Grant to Keep 909 Jobs in the State - “Why Michigan? It’s very clear,” he said. “It’s the people there, it’s the technology, it’s the universities, it’s the research centers, the entire ecosystem in Michigan what makes it so attractive for us.”

Gov. Whitmer Releases Michigan’s First-Ever Michigan Maritime Strategy to Protect Great Lakes, Create Jobs, Attract Investment - Michigan ports support approximately 17,000 jobs and contribute $3.3 billion a year to the state economy. Water-based Michigan tourism supports about 45,000 jobs and generates nearly $12 billion a year.

How to Change the Politics Blocking the Housing We Need - Under this model, if a city meets a certain housing production target, its renters would receive “rent relief payments” to provide assistance right away.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Gov. Whitmer Announces 22 New Jobs for Midland - “DuPont/DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC’s investment reflects a clear understanding of what makes our Midland community distinctive—deep technical expertise, a highly capable workforce, and an ecosystem built to support complex, innovation-driven operations,” said Nicole Wilson, vice president of economic development at the Midland Business Alliance.

Economic Development Resources
Governing Podcasts - Driving Change Through Authentic Community Engagement, Overcoming AI Risks, Workforce Challenges in Cybersecurity, and many more.

Michigan Receives Historic Preservation Funds to Support Rural Communities - The Rural Heritage Partnership Program is anticipated to open applications in spring 2026, with full program guidelines available this winter.

Dividing Lines: Changes to the Michigan Land Division Act Expand Development Options - The amendments introduce changes that will allow increased land division flexibility, particularly for suburban development, and are expected to help address housing supply constraints.

1/21/26 - 1/26/26

Why Travelers Are Flocking To Ann Arbor, Michigan For The Next Big Wellness Trend - Travelers increasingly seek to integrate activities that help maintain fitness routines while on vacation.

Why AI Poses a Governance Test for City and County Leaders - Advanced systems are reshaping professional judgment, forcing local governments to rethink accountability, performance management and labor relations.

The Untapped Opportunity to Turn Multifamily Into a Hospitality Business - The market is shifting as residents demand more from their buildings, not just in terms of design or technology, but in how those buildings make them feel.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
Little Ortonville Goes Big for Small Business - “Main Street follows a four-point approach, and the four points are design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality,” Bry says. “It’s those four things working together that start to evolve a district.”

Success Story: Ludus - “Ludus is exactly the kind of company our 10-Year Tech Strategy was built to support—innovative, fast-growing, and choosing to scale in Greater Grand Rapids,” said Jen Wangler, Vice President of Technology at The Right Place.

Berrien County Leaders Look at Collaboration in Housing Workshop - The ideas he highlighted were the use of mixed housing, compact developments and senior living communities.

Economic Development Around the World
How Two Cities are Using Collaborative Planning Strategies to Build Economic Wellbeing and Pursue Housing Solutions - Fayetteville, Ark. (pop. 101,694) and Monroe, La. (pop. 47,241) are two examples of cities that are tackling housing challenges and building economic opportunity using creative, collaborative approaches through their participation in NLC’s Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI).

Economic Development Resources
Return Metrics Explained: IRR’s Importance & Limitations When Evaluating Real Estate Investments - Internal rate of return (IRR) is one of the most misunderstood return metrics in commercial real estate investing.

1/13/26 - 1/20/26

Driving Michigan Forward: Gov. Whitmer Announces New Economic Transition Strategy Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show - The strategy connects three priorities under one unified vision: industry growth and diversification, community resilience, and employee engagement and empowerment.

Michigan’s Public Universities Generate $45B in Annual Economic Activity - Michigan’s public universities generate nearly $45 billion in net new economic activity each year, support more than 129,000 jobs, and contribute over $7 billion in state tax revenue, according to a new independent economic impact study released by the Michigan Association of State Universities.

U.S. Industrial Market Finds Its Footing After Years of Adjustment - After nearly three years of constant recalibration, the U.S. industrial market may finally be settling into a more predictable phase.

New Report Ranks Michigan in Top States for Opportunity - Whether it’s our business-friendly climate or experienced workforce, Michigan is a force to be reckoned with in 2026 and beyond.

6 Michigan Cities Get State Grants for Projects Aimed at Attracting Residents - The six recipient cities are Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant.

MEDA Members Making It Happen
New National Ranking Affirms Michigan’s Workforce Advantage - “This ranking validates the work happening every day in communities across Michigan,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association.

Economic Development Resources
Applications Open for Food Prize Pitch Competition - Food service businesses must be in Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass, or Berrien counties. Food manufacturing or production businesses must be within the State of Michigan.

MEDC's Power Up Utilities Summit - April 8 event hosted by MEDC's Supply Chain Resiliency Team. Includes education and matchmaking opportunities. Application available.

TechEd Podcast: The Rise of State-Backed VC | Michigan’s Bet on Emerging Entrepreneurs - Features MEDC Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Alison Todak, discussing state-backed capital.

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.

Act Now to Secure Your Spot to Go Global - Join Michigan trade missions in 2026: Auto + Aero opportunities with the MEDC.