Business Leaders for Michigan, a group of top CEOs, released a new strategy on November 17, 2025, to boost the state’s economy through better education, business growth, and talent retention. The plan, called Michigan in a New Era, aims to help Michigan compete in a fast changing world with tech advances, population shifts, and global challenges.
Key Challenges Facing Michigan’s Economy
Michigan faces tough hurdles in staying competitive. Recent data shows the state lags in income growth, professional job creation, and student performance. For example, fourth grade reading scores and chronic absenteeism rates put Michigan behind many other states.
Leaders point to rapid changes like artificial intelligence and inflation as reasons for action. Without a steady plan, progress stalls with each election cycle. The group stresses the need for consistent efforts that last beyond political changes.
This comes at a time when national groups like the Business Roundtable call for stronger U.S. investments in research, infrastructure, and workforce skills. Michigan’s plan aligns with these ideas by focusing on local strengths.
Focus on Education Reforms
Education sits at the heart of the strategy. The plan urges the governor to lead a unified push with educators, parents, and lawmakers. Clear priorities and shared accountability can drive lasting changes.
One big goal is getting every third grader reading proficiently. The group backs the Every Child READS framework from Launch Michigan. This includes the right curriculum, teacher training, assessments, and data systems.
Chronic absenteeism affects one in four students. To fix this, the plan suggests a statewide early warning system and home visits. It also calls for a Michigan Education Guarantee to ensure graduates are ready for jobs or college.
Expanding career and technical education is another key. Reforms to funding would reward dual enrollment and apprenticeships. These steps aim to prepare students for high paying roles in professional services and STEM fields.
Half of Michigan jobs paying over $60,000 yearly are in managerial or non STEM professional roles needing a bachelor’s degree. The other half cover blue collar, STEM, and similar positions.
Strategies for Business Growth and Innovation
To spark entrepreneurship, the plan proposes faster approvals for low risk projects. A one stop permitting portal would cut red tape. Reducing licensing rules and increasing reciprocity with other states could help too.
Harmonizing construction standards across communities is recommended. Expanding by right developments that skip extra approvals would speed up building. Communities that simplify processes get rewards under the plan.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp needs reforms for a unified vision. Leveraging regional strengths and securing multiyear funding would provide stability. This resists economic swings and political shifts.
Here are some proposed business reforms:
- Fast track reviews for simple projects
- Online portal for all permits
- Fewer occupational licenses
- Uniform building codes statewide
- Incentives for efficient local governments
These changes draw from successful models in other states. They aim to make Michigan more attractive for startups and expansions.
Talent Retention and Attraction Efforts
Keeping and drawing talent is crucial. The plan links students with local employers through programs. Targeted marketing campaigns highlight Michigan’s appeal to alumni and newcomers.
Actions from other states and Michigan cities offer ideas to scale up. For instance, some regions use consortiums for retention programs. Over $660,000 in grants recently supported five such efforts across the state.
Michigan struggles to hold onto tech talent. A 2023 report noted ways to bolster the industry amid retention issues. The new plan builds on this by promoting innovation and opportunity.
Demographic shifts add urgency. An aging population and out migration call for fresh approaches. Tailored outreach can bring back former residents and attract skilled workers.
| Area | Current Issue | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Low reading scores | Every Child READS framework |
| Business | Slow permitting | One stop portal |
| Talent | High out migration | Marketing to alumni |
| Economy | Inconsistent funding | Multiyear budgets |
This table shows core parts of the plan. It ties issues to direct fixes for better results.
Broader Impacts and National Context
The strategy seeks to make Michigan a top 10 state for jobs and economy. It emphasizes working together across parties. Leaders say consistency unlocks potential.
This echoes national trends. Recent reports stress AI frameworks and supply chain security. Michigan can lead by building on its manufacturing roots and natural resources.
Other coalitions, like Economic Development Leaders for Michigan, released top 10 priorities in August 2025. These focus on business attraction, innovation, and community growth. They align with the new plan.
Mississippi’s school improvements offer lessons. Unified support and reading reforms lifted their rankings. Michigan could see similar gains with steady effort.
Path Forward for Michigan
Experts see promise in the plan. It addresses root causes while offering practical steps. Success depends on buy in from leaders and communities.
As 2026 elections near, education and economy will be hot topics. This blueprint provides a roadmap beyond politics.
What do you think about these ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to help shape Michigan’s future.
