LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A statewide coalition of economic development organizations has released a list of “Top 10 Priorities” designed to strengthen Michigan’s long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity.
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM), representing nine regional groups that account for 79% of the state’s population and 84% of its GDP, say their plan addresses the need for stability in Michigan’s economic strategy.
Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP, said the priorities reflect concerns heard from employers across the state, from large cities to the Upper Peninsula.
“One of the foundations we’re really trying to get to is consistency to hopefully take the politics out of it and allow continuity moving forward,” Fittante said.
The Top 10 list includes renewing funding for community revitalization and placemaking programs, maintaining the $100 million Business Development Program, expanding workforce initiatives like the Going PRO Talent Fund, and doubling the state’s R&D tax credit to $200 million.
As lawmakers work to finalize the state budget, House Republicans just annoucing their $75.8 billion plan on Tuesday, business leaders introduced the list to outline the programs and resources essential to the state’s continued economic growth.
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:
o SmartZone: Extend expiring TIF agreements by 15 years, with potential for additional extensions based on local approval.
o 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).
Fittante pointed to U.P. examples such as the revitalization of the Ore Dock in Marquette and site readiness work in Manistique as proof of the direct impact these tools can have on communities.
EDLM leaders are urging state lawmakers to adopt the proposals as part of a comprehensive, bipartisan plan for Michigan’s economic future.
