Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Unveil Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity
- DEGC
- 39 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Lansing, MI — Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM), a coalition of the state’s premier regional economic development organizations, today announced a unified list of 10 priorities designed to position Michigan for long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity.
Representing regions that comprise 79% of the state’s population and 84% of its gross domestic product, EDLM brings together leaders with over 225 years of combined experience in economic development. The coalition is committed to advancing strategies that will drive business investment, talent development, community revitalization, and innovation across the state.
“Michigan’s economic future demands consistency and a commitment that keeps us competitive for decades to come. EDLM’s framework provides our communities with the resources to transform potential into lasting prosperity,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “We can’t coast on yesterday’s victories when competitor states are accelerating their efforts to attract the businesses and talent that drive sustainable growth. This strategic approach ensures Michigan doesn’t just compete in tomorrow’s economy—we lead it.”
The Top 10 Economic Development Priorities outlined by EDLM include targeted investments and policy reforms across four key categories:
Business Attraction and Retention
Maintain Business Development Program at $100 million to stay competitive for job-creating investments.
Adopt a performance-based, accountable withholding tax incentive to support impactful project attraction and expansion.
Community Development
Renew and fund the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program at $50 million to support vibrant, place-based development.
Renew and fund the Community Revitalization Program (CRP) at $50 million to reinvest in communities across Michigan.
Modernize locally driven programs:
SmartZone: Extend expiring TIF agreements by 15 years, with potential for additional extensions based on local approval.
Transformational Brownfield Program: Simplify program access and remove funding caps to unlock more redevelopment opportunities.
Fund the Regional Strategic Site Readiness Program at $50 million annually to accelerate development of competitive, investment-ready sites.
Talent
Maintain the Going PRO Talent Fund, emphasizing growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
Establish a $10 million Regional Talent Attraction and Retention Fund to support locally tailored workforce initiatives.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Double the state’s R&D Tax Credit to $200 million to encourage more private-sector innovation.
Recommit to regionally led Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programming at $100 million, restoring funding to 2012 levels (currently $15.7 million).
“EDLM's legislative priorities reflect the need to keep Michigan competitive with sustainable, long-term economic development strategies,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president & CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “As economic developers, we know that stability and consistency are key factors to a company’s expansion decision. These tools will give regions across the state the edge they need to win key investments, attract and retain talent, and build stronger communities, now and in the future.”
EDLM members urge state policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders across Michigan to support and champion these initiatives as part of a collaborative strategy to secure Michigan’s future economic success.
About EDLM
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) is a coalition of Michigan’s leading regional economic development organizations, working together to create a more competitive and prosperous future for the state. EDLM regions are among the most active and productive in Michigan, representing the majority of the state’s economy and population.
