×

Whitmer announces Make it in Michigan strategy

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces the Make it in Michigan strategy on Wednesday. The economic development strategy will continue the state’s momentum to build a brighter future, according to the press release. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Wednesday the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy to keep winning projects, invest in people from pre-kindergarten through post-secondary and revitalize places in every region of the state.

According to the press release, the comprehensive strategy will continue the state’s momentum to build a brighter future by:

≤ Making Michigan a top state for talent with low unemployment, higher labor force participation, more training and upskilling and stronger talent attraction.

≤ Making Michigan more competitive in key sectors like research and development, advanced manufacturing and clean technology such as electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductor chips to ensure long-term economic strength.

≤ Making Michigan an arsenal of innovation where entrepreneurs and newer companies have opportunities and resources to grow and expand.

≤ Making Michigan a state full of attractive, vibrant communities where people want to live, work and grow with investments to build more housing, expand access and lower the cost of child care, connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet, redevelop vacant or blighted properties and bring new life to main streets and downtowns.

The three pillars of Make it in Michigan are projects, people and places.

According to the press release, Whitmer is focused on competing for and winning projects to bring manufacturing and supply chains home. She is also focused on investing in people so they can pursue their potential from pre-K through post-secondary and have their personal freedoms protected. Whitmer also is focused on revitalizing places to make them more attractive to live, work and invest in.

“Every person, business and community should be able to ‘make it in Michigan,'” Whitmer said in a press release. “To grow our economy and build a brighter future, we must continue competing for projects that bring manufacturing and supply chains home, invest in people so they can pursue their potential, and revitalize places to make them more attractive places to live, work and invest. This comprehensive strategy will power strong, equitable growth and build on our economic momentum, as we have added 61,000 jobs year over year and driven unemployment down below 4% for only the third period of time since 1970. Let’s keep getting it done.”

In response to the Make it in Michigan strategy, Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, said the Upper Peninsula has an extraordinary opportunity with this strategy.

“I want to make sure our potential is seen and appreciated as the state works to attract talent and create jobs. We made a historic investment earlier this year through our partnership with Billerud, and we need to keep that momentum going,” Hill said in an email. “I will be working with my House and Senate colleagues to ensure that U.P. voices are heard throughout this process, and we work to draw economic development resources to our communities in need.”

The Mining Journal reached out to Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, for comment but did not get a response before press time.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today