News and Resources

5/28/25 - 6/2/25

MEDA Member Success
Historic Manistique Bank Building Granted New Life as Residential and Commercial Development

News
Wayne State University and Partners Rebrand Alliance as Research Universities for Michigan to Reflect Growing Impact and Statewide Mission

Economic Development Veteran Tapped to Lead Muskegon Organization

CMS Energy in Jackson Re-organizes Corporate Structure to Support Future Strategy

Economic Development Resources
STEAM AHEAD

From Silicon to Server: Mapping the Data Center Supply Chain

5/20/25 - 5/27/25

MEDA Member Success
Make It in Michigan Success in Northern Michigan

News
The Push to Restore Semiconductor Manufacturing Faces a Labor Crisis − Can the US Train Enough Workers in Time?

Study: Oakland County Economy Faces Challenges, But Growth Expected

Economic Development Resources
USDA Rural Economic Development Grant and Loan Programs

Building a Regional Brand: Kansas City's Marketing Success with Jonathan Knecht

$4M in Grant Awards Will Help Remove Employment Barriers for At-risk Michiganders

5/13/25 - 5/19/25

Office to Anything: More Cities Offer Conversion Incentives

Foundations of Regional Economic Transformation - Brookings Report

MEDA Member Successes
AquaAction To Open New Headquarters In Michigan

Bay County Business Investing More Than $8 Million to Expand

Economic Development Resources
Vacant Land Project Examples - Transform Vacant Lots to Benefit Your Neighborhood

6 Inventory Management Tips in an Uncertain Tariff Landscape - for your client companies

What You Need to Know About NMTCs

5/6/25 - 5/12/25

Marquette County Businesses Selected for MEDC Grant

Breathing New Life Into Old Buildings

Developer Breaks Ground on 16-unit Affordable Housing Project in Shiawassee County

Economic Development Resources
MEDC Educational Webinars

Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

Lansing SEED Academy

Region 5’S Michigan Inclusive Training Technology Equity Network

4/29/25 - 5/5/25

Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan Will Train 5,000 New Infrastructure Workers by January 2030

Michigan Expands Statewide Initiative to Support Adults Returning to College

City of Muskegon’s Innovative Solutions to Housing Affordability Getting National Recognition

Economic Development Resources
6 Myths About Housing Density Debunked

Navigating Tariff Shifts: How U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Help Supply Chains Stay Resilient

$100,000 Grant to Support the Hardtech Accelerator for Diverse Entrepreneurs in Southeast Michigan

4/22/25 - 4/28/25

Want More Housing? States and Cities Must Cut Red Tape.

Facility Deployments in a Dynamic Electric Landscape

Gov. Whitmer Announces Approval for 1,220 Housing Units, Community Vibrancy in Muskegon, Southfield and Ferndale

Economic Development Resources
Make MI Home - Applications Due May 2nd

Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast

4/15/25 - 4/21/25

Why Michigan is the Ideal Place for Clean Energy Jobs

New Oakland County Tech Collaboration Draws Top 5 Tech Companies

Economic Development Resources
2025 Economic Development Week Toolkit

CIRRUS Financing for Certified Green Buildings

Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Requests

How the City of Grand Rapids and the MEDC are Using Permit-Ready Plans to Enhance New Housing Development

4/8/25 - 4/14/25

Marty Fittante Awarded Inaugural Advocate for Economic Advancement

Representative Alabas Farhat Receives Legislative Economic Development Champion Award

Senator Kevin Hertel Receives Legislative Economic Development Champion Award

Michigan Turns to AI to Spruce up its Workforce Development Efforts

NMC, Traverse Connect Partner To Make Northern Michigan A Drone Hub

Economic Development Resources
KeyBank Foundation Launches Grant Program for Community Development Financial Institutions

New Report on Michigan's Childcare Industry from the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics

39th Annual Corporate & 21st Annual Consultants Surveys: What Business Leaders and Consultants Are Saying About Site Selection

West Michigan Rural Small Business Resource Fair to Empower Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

Just For Fun
10 Best Michigan-Made Movies

4/1/25 - 4/7/25

Michigan’s Tech Scene: Gaming Industry Growth

Housing in the Time of DOGE: Where Do We Go from Here?

Economic Development Resources
MI Sites Kick Off Virtual Meeting

MI Sites Bootcamp

LEO Housing Access for Justice-Involved Individuals

T-Mobile Hometown Grants

3/25/25 - 3/31/25

Old Buildings, New Ideas: Michiganders Fight Housing Shortage with Innovation

Keeping Michigan Competitive: The Critical Work of the US Department of Education

Regulating AI Without Stifling Innovation

Domestic Manufacturing, Onshoring in the Age of Tariffs and Trade Wars

Economic Development Resources
Complimentary 4/16 Webinar: Building Thriving Communities - A Virtual Summit on Economic Mobility

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans

3/18/25 - 3/24/25

Is It Time to Start Planning for Quantum Data Centers?

First-Ever Statewide Workforce Plan Makes Impact Across Michigan One Year After Launch

Kettering University Awarded $1.6M for Semiconductor Curricula

Celebrating MEDA Member Success
Gov. Whitmer Announces 210 New Jobs in Oakland, Eaton, Muskegon Counties

Michigan Manufacturer Plans $16M Expansion Instead of Relocating to Indiana

Economic Development Resources
Innovative Housing Programs Producing Impactful Results for Michigan

Great Lakes Energy People Fund

3/11/25 - 3/17/25

Lacking a Playbook for Dealing with Economic Decline, Leaders of Smaller Cities Opt for Pragmatism, Flexibility

Small Business Hubs Elevate Startups and Entrepreneurs Around the State

Wiley: Battery Storage is Key to U.S. Energy Dominance

Why I Started a Business in Michigan, and You Should, Too

Economic Development Resources
Earned Sick Time Act FAQ from LEO

EGLE Brownfield Stakeholder Workshops

3/4/25 - 3/10/25

U.S. Tariff Outlook: Key Signals to Watch in 2025

Michigan Lawmakers Consider More Subsidies, Incentives for Nuclear Power

Michigan Technological University joins Michigan’s University Research Corridor

Economic Development Resources
MIHI Infrastructure and Digital Inclusion Funding Opportunities

EGLE Grid Resiliency Program Matching Grants

History Organizations Offered Grants to Exhibit Michigan History as Part of U.S. Semiquincentennial

Lakeshore Advantage Emerging Worker Survey Report

2/25/25 - 3/3/25

Apple Commits $500 Billion to U.S. Expansion, Michigan Set to Benefit

New Report to Track Growing Economic Development Trends Among Michigan’s Tribal Communities

Southwest Michigan Chamber Puts a Focus on Community Growth Alliances for Economic Development

Economic Development Resources
How Smaller Manufacturers Can Leverage Reshoring Opportunities for Growth

Unlocking Potential: How Employers Can Benefit From CareerSpring’s Diverse Talent Pool

State Trade and Economy Fact Sheets from the International Trade Administration

Sale on Site Selection Consultant Database from Place Marketing Group

2/18/25 - 2/24/25

Housing Assistance Is Facing Cuts. State and Local Agencies Are Preparing.

'A Bold Vision' for Four Northern Michigan Counties

Gov. Whitmer Announces MOU to Officially Recognize Economic Partnership between Michigan and the UAE, Paving the Way for Job Creation in Michigan

Unlock Efficiency and Performance in Data Centers

MEDA Member Success Stories
DIMOR Group Plans New Junkers Factory in Battle Creek, Michigan

Economic Development Resources
Next Cycle Michigan Accepting Applications for 2025 Round

New Mobility Fund Applications Now Live

2/11/25 - 2/17/25

Aster Brands Plans Little Traverse Township, Michigan, Headquarters Operations

Flash Steelworks Expands St. Clair County, Michigan, Operations

Economic Development Resources
Ideas for Marketing Your Community: Pure Michigan Predicts Surge in ‘Slow Travel’ Experiences in 2025

Agriculture and Rural Businesses Energy Incentive Program

Economic Development Legislation In the News
Whitmer Unveils $3B Road Funding Plan

Legislation to Expand Production of Electric Distribution Transformers

Michigan Lawmakers Strike Deal on Wages and Tips — but Not Sick Leave, Yet

2/4/25 - 2/10/25

What a Century-Old Planned Community Can Teach Us About Growth

Michigan Growth Office 2024 Impact Report

State Budget Office FY26 Executive Budget Recommendations

Economic Development Resources
MSHDA Consolidated Plan Survey

MI Solar for All Virtual Listening Session: Geographic Distribution and Equitable Deployment and Prioritization in Program Design and Project Selection

University of Michigan to Receive $10M to Boost Startup Innovation

1/28/25 - 2/3/25

How Michigan Engineered a Lightning-Fast Turnaround in its Talent Pool

Envergia Plans Detroit, Michigan, Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Operations

$316M Housing Project to Transform Skyline of Michigan’s Capital City

A New Chapter for Oakland County’s Growth: Dom Holmes Takes Charge

Economic Development Resources
MSHDA MI Neighborhood Program

Communities Prepare for Match on Main Grants
Match on Main Website

1/22/25 - 1/27/25

Kati Mora Named President of Middle Michigan Development Corporation

How New Administration’s Priorities Will Impact State, Local Government

Michigan's Roadmap to a Sustainable World

Trump Tariffs 2.0: Complexities, Perils, and Opportunities

MEC to Begin Construction of 600+ Miles of New Fiber Internet Infrastructure in Rural Michigan

The Heavy Toll AI and the Internet Take on Electricity

Economic Development Resources
Deadline Extended: Competitive Funding Opportunities with ECIC's Child Care Innovation Fund to February 6th

Designing Beyond the Assembly Line

Northwest Michigan Small Business Support Grants

1/14/25 - 1/21/25

Governor Whitmer to Deliver State of the State Address on February 26th

Are Michigan Population Woes Improving? Moving Data Offers Signs of Hope

Analysts Project Modest 2025 Economic Growth in Michigan, While State and School Revenues Are Up

Michigan Tax Revenue Up, but Economic Unknowns Loom

Halfway Point: Statewide Housing Plan Timeline

Cross-sector Partnerships Key to Prosperity in Downtown Howell

Economic Development Resources
BDO Zone Federal Funding Opportunities

Economic Development Administration Grant Directory

1/7/25 - 1/13/25

Michigan's Hemlock Semiconductor Receives $325M from Federal CHIPS Act

New Housing, Economic Growth Sites Among Significant Bay County Developments in 2025 (mentions several grants and tools used)

Economic Development Resources
Project for Public Spaces’ Community Placemaking Grants

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunities for County Fairs and Expositions

Space Innovation Hubs

Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds

Conversations on Community Benefits and Equitable Development

12/31/24 - 1/6/25

Swiss-Based Forming USA Plans Kalamazoo County, Michigan, Manufacturing Operations

19 Developments in Washtenaw County to Watch in 2025

Adrian, Tecumseh Earn Top Marks in Economic Development, Entrepreneurial Growth Study

Economic Development Resources
Old National Bank Foundation - Grants for Some Small Business, Affordable Housing, and Workforce Development Initiatives

SWM Chamber Receives Grant for New Foundation, Program to Attract Residents

$80 Million USDA Grant to Support Planned Osceola County Potash Facility

12/24/24 - 12/30/24

Economic Development Leaders Look to Continue Ongoing Momentum in 2025

Michigan Economy to Grow Steadily in 2025 According to Comerica Bank

Economic Development Resources
Navigating Federal Incentives to Achieve Sustainability Ambitions

Legislature Gives Entrepreneurs Xmas Gift $66 Million For Michigan Innovation Fund

Downtown Escanaba to Get Housing Boost via Build MI Community Grant

BEAD Pre-Registration Deadline Coming Very Soon

12/17/24 - 12/23/24

Michigan Mobility Jobs Grow as Traditional Auto Employment Falls

U.S. Economic Development Administration Reauthorized by Congress for First Time in 20 Years

An American Railroad Town’s Manufacturing Renaissance

Economic Development Resources
Michigan Unveils New Elective Pay Resources to Help Communities Bring Home Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits

State Board Recommends Recreation Efforts in UP for Gants (Highlights Resources Used)

Michigan Receives $1.9 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Project DIAMOnD

12/10/24 - 12/16/24

Rhode Island Could Create a 'Public Developer' to Address Housing Crisis

USDA Invests $8.2 Million to Strengthen Rural Michigan Infrastructure

Economic Development Resources
Childcare Innovation Fund - Two Learning Opps Regarding Upcoming Competitive Funding Opps: Family Child Care Networks Webinar on 12/18 - Regional Child Care Coalition Webinar on 1/15

Battle Creek Workforce Initiatives Provide Residents with Access to Good-Paying Jobs, Meaningful Careers (Has List of Programs Used)

Rende Progress Capital Offers Opportunities to 'Excluded Entrepreneurs'

New Training Course Seeks to ‘Build a Small Army’ of Emerging Developers of Color

12/3/24 - 12/9/24

Dowagiac: Cooking Up a New Vision

LIFT to Open Advanced Metallic Production and Processing Center in Detroit in 2025

Economic Development Resources
Broadband Internet Still Lags in Rural Michigan; New Program Links 30k Homes

LEO Issues RFP for $9 Million in Funding

MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program

Women’s Business Center Launches New Business Plan Certification Program

11/26/24 - 12/2/24

2 Detroit RenCen Towers Could be Torn Down as Part of New Plan

Gov. Whitmer Strengthens Economic Ties with Spain to Boost Foreign Investment and Job Creation in Michigan

Detroit Among 50 Best Places to Visit in 2025

Michigan Leads the Nation in Clean Energy Investments for the Second Year in a Row

11/19/24 - 11/25/24

EVs Aren't Going Away. Here's How Michigan is Preparing its Workforce.

USDA Invests in AI, Funding a Pilot Program for Michigan

Historic Long-vacant Higginbotham School to be Transformed Into Affordable Housing, Community Space - Funding Sources that Made it Happen

Economic Development Resources
MSU REI 2025 Call for Co-Learning Projects Projects on Resiliency Planning, Financial Resiliency, Circular Economies, or 21st Century Communications Infrastructure

Match on Main Applications Due January 20th

11/12/24 - 11/18/24

West Michigan Works! Honored by White House for Expanding Apprenticeships

MiSTEM Advisory Council Releases FY 26 Recommendations

Economic Development Resources
Michigan Zoning Atlas

West Michigan Child Care Action Plan

Empowering Communities Through Real Estate Education

11/5/24 - 11/11/24

Young Adults Fuel the Revival of Rural, Small Towns

Will There Be a Rustbelt Defense Complex? Struggling midwestern cities may have a future in military manufacturing.

This Michigan Village Plans to Transform a Vacant Lot into a Downtown Destination

State Transportation Commission Approves Final 2025-2029 Five-Year Transportation Program

FRA to Fund Rail Infrastructure Work from Pinconning to Alpena

Economic Development Resources
Applications Now Being Accepted for the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program - Nov. 13th Webinar

10/29/24 - 11/4/24

Microsoft Has Bought at Least 2 Big Parcels in Michigan Amid Data Center Push

Vacant Since 1993, Auto Plant Will Transform Into Housing With State Funding

4 Steps Dearborn, MI Took to Invest in Economic Development and Public Health Through Green Schoolyards

Economic Development Resources
Solving the Housing Puzzle

Michigan CDFI Coalition: $186.9 Million In Federal Funding Awarded To 9 Institutions

Michigan’s Growth Office Awards Over $660K to Support the Creation of Five Regional Talent Retention and Attraction Programs

10/22/24 - 10/28/24

Microsoft Has Bought at Least 2 Big Parcels in Michigan Amid Data Center Push

Vacant Since 1993, Auto Plant Will Transform Into Housing With State Funding

4 Steps Dearborn, MI Took to Invest in Economic Development and Public Health Through Green Schoolyards

Economic Development Resources
Solving the Housing Puzzle

Michigan CDFI Coalition: $186.9 Million In Federal Funding Awarded To 9 Institutions

Michigan’s Growth Office Awards Over $660K to Support the Creation of Five Regional Talent Retention and Attraction Programs

10/15/24 - 10/21/24

China’s Dizzying EV Rise is an Awesome Opportunity but a Big Bind for U.S. Auto Suppliers

Tourism Spending Continues to Climb as Pure Michigan Campaign to Mark 20 Years

Economic Development Resources
Hacking Michigan’s Housing Potential

Lean & Green Michigan's PACE Partner Training Video Kick Off Webinar

Site Selection Playbook 2024: Ensuring Compliance and Maximizing Incentive Benefits

Horticulture Fund Grant to Support Michigan’s Nursery and Ornamental Horticulture Businesses

10/8/24 - 10/14/24

New Statewide Poll from the Detroit Chamber: Voters’ Reluctance to Embrace the Economy of the Future Putting Michigan’s Competitiveness, Top Industry at Risk

Tyler Rossmaessler Named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ ‘40 Under 40’

Berrien Talent Collaborative Gets $500,000 in State Funding

University Research Corridor Creates Collaboration to Grow R&D in Michigan

Economic Development Resources
MIOSHA Announces $500,000 in Grant Funding Available to Michigan Small Businesses for Enhanced Worker Protections

Regional Economic Innovation Call for Projects

10/1/24 - 10/7/24

Fact-checking the Michigan economy: Prices up. So are wages. What’s true?

Two Automotive Companies Invest Nearly $500 Million in Michigan

Out-of-state Investors See 'Grit' in Michigan’s Tech Ecosystem

Economic Development Resources
Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program - 2024 Application Window Opening Soon

Filling the Gaps in Michigan’s Black Tech Talent Pipeline

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Announces $1.2 Million in Export Assistance Funds Available for Michigan’s Small Businesses

9/24/24 - 9/30/24

U.S. Department of the Treasury Awards Over $9 Million to Michigan to Help Small Auto Manufacturers and Suppliers Grow and Hire

University of Michigan Team Heads State Maritime Strategy Development

Saab to Build Plant in Grayling

‘Cat and Mouse’: Keeping Up With the Evolution of AI

Economic Development Resources
Underserved, Value Added, and Regional Food Systems Grants

Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Still Available to Michigan Companies - Oct. 15 Filing Deadline

9/17/24 - 9/23/24

Michigan Climbs to Highest-Ever Ranking in Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business

Coca-Cola Bottler Plots New Warehouse, 643 Jobs in Lyon Township

Permitted Power Capacity Foreshadows Health of Regional Economies

Design Project Will be Southfield's First 3D Printed Concrete Home

Update on Michigan Infrastructure Office Progress and Future

Economic Development Resources
Going Pro Talent Fund Educational/Video PowerPoint

9/10/24 - 9/16/24

Michigan Gets $22.2 Million to Advance Michigan-Backed Clean Hydrogen Hub

Broadband Connection Under Lake Michigan Intended to Improve Internet Throughout the State

MEDC Promotes Wolgamott to Lead Pure Michigan Tourism Campaign

Economic Development Resources
National Small Business Week Awards

Understanding AI’s Place in Capital Construction

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program

9/4/24 - 9/9/24

Grand Rapids Organization Targets Unused, Underutilized Kent County Spaces for Housing

Electric Vehicles: Funding Infrastructure to Achieve 50% by 2030

Michigan Lands $18M to Help Auto Manufacturers Shift to Electric

MSU Explores Creating Mixed-Use Site With Arena and Hotel to Stay Competitive in Big Ten

Economic Development Resources
The Eastern Michigan Small Business Hub Program 2024 Small Business Grant Program

PitchMI Competition - Entries Due Sept. 16th

Rural Readiness Grant Program - Letters of Intent Due October 7th

8/26/24 - 9/3/24

Kent County Could Add 70,000 Housing Units Along Underused Commercial Corridors, Study Finds

Coworking and Startup Culture Spark Success in Michigan State University Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Mini Fridge Maker Announces $21.4M Expansion in Michigan

Economic Development Resources
New Housing Forward Toolkit Brings Housing Market Information to One's Fingertips

Leveraging Apprenticeships to Enhance Your Team

Employers to Inspire the Next Generation of Manufacturers

SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Working Capital Pilot Now Accepting Applications at Participating SBA Lenders

8/13/24 to 8/19/24

Michigan's 3-Part Plan to Attract More People

Michigan Has 6 of the 9 Most Adorable Great Lakes Small Towns Says Ranking

Economic Development Resources
Upward Mobility Framework

8/6/24 to 8/12/24

Rural Counties are Making a Comeback

Commongrounds Uses Co-op Model to Serve Missing Needs of the Community

Battle Creek Kellogg Facility to Receive Boost in Infrastructure, Productivity

Economic Development Resources
Nondisclosure Agreements Best Practices When Negotiating Incentives

Mexico Trade Mission Seeks Michigan Businesses

7/30/24 to 8/5/24

Two New Orgs Launched to Drive Southwest Michigan Talent and Development

Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Face of AI Advancement

Economic Development Resources
New Opportunity for Michiganders to Help Create Michigan’s First-Ever Statewide Community and Worker Economic Transition Plan

Big Win for Michigan: $129.1 Million Federal Investment into Renewables Ready Communities Will Lower Costs, Create Jobs, and Protect Air and Water

7/23/24 to 7/29/24

Michigan Brings Home $35.7 Million from Inflation Reduction Act to Support Michigan’s Clean Energy Future and High-paying, In-demand Jobs

Grand Rapids Has Fewer Empty Offices than Rest of Country

Gordie Howe Bridge Connects With 1 Year of Construction Left to Go

Economic Development Resources
Apply for the Make MI Home Pilot Program!

USDA Rural Development Broadband Technical Assistance Program

7/16/24 to 7/22/24

LEAP Creates New Hub Supporting Small Businesses

America's Startup Boom is Still Going Strong. Here's What it Means for the Economy.

Economic Development Resources
Advancing Equity in Land Reuse: A Practical Guide to Engaging and Activating Community Voices

What Residents in Targeted Investment Areas Think About Their Neighborhoods

How Place-Based Policies Can Help American Workers Thrive

7/9/24 to 7/15/24

All We Do is Win: CNBC Moves Michigan Up to No. 9 in Top States for Business

'The Electric City': Downtown Sturgis Ready for the Spotlight in Latest Placemaking Campaign

Economic Development Resources
Michigan to Create $60M Innovation Fund to Launch Startups

Governing Magazine Research Papers

7/2/24 to 7/8/24

Housing Squeezes Bustling Traverse City. Are Rehabbed Warehouses an Answer?

4 Issues to Watch as U.S. Auto Industry Changes Affect Michigan

Economic Development Resources
Driving Effective Digitalization Strategies Starts at the Top

Next Funding Round for Tech Hubs

6/25/24 to 7/1/24

From Transit Deserts to Two Million rides: Four Years of Microtransit in Jersey City

Nearly $400M for Megasite, Solar Factory, Mine Gets Signoff from House Panel

One City’s Downtown Plan: Empty Office Space That Is Too Cheap to Pass Up

Economic Development Resources
Let's Grow Michigan Report Released

6/18/24 to 6/24/24

Rural America’s Post-Pandemic Job Recovery Varies by Industry and Region

3 Southeast Michigan Housing Projects Receive Brownfield Funding

Economic Development Resources
$10 Million Investment Announced to Help Michigan Lead Future of Automotive Semiconductor Tech

6/11/24 to 6/17/24

Michigan Committee Approves $4.5B for Transit and Development

$2 Million Waterfront Plaza planned for Benton Harbor

Economic Development Resources
Once-in-a-Decade Funding Tour Coming to MI

Site Selection Consultant Database

Report: Compensation Growth in Michigan Remains Strong