Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration has announced the formation of Michigan’s Growth Office, a new initiative aimed at addressing the state’s persistent population stagnation. This office will spearhead efforts to attract and retain residents in a state that has faced decades of sluggish growth. However, it will operate with the same four-person staff that has been managing these issues within the Michigan Department of Economic Development (MEDC) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Housed within the MEDC, the Michigan Growth Office is set to implement the recommendations of the now-defunct Grow Michigan Together Council. This council, which Whitmer introduced with great enthusiasm at the 2023 Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, aimed to chart a new course for Michigan’s population growth. Despite its dissolution, the council left behind an 85-page report brimming with recommendations, including education reform, enhanced public transportation, and community investments.

Michigan’s struggle is real. With a population of 10 million, the state ranks as the 10th most populous in the country, yet it stands 49th in growth since 1990. This lag has resulted in job shortages, challenges in attracting new businesses, an aging population, and various financial and quality-of-life issues. Critics have been vocal, pointing out the ambitious yet vague goals set by the council, such as making Michigan a top-ten state for population growth by 2050, without concrete cost estimates or actionable plans.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the office’s role in leveraging bipartisan recommendations to drive population growth. “Michigan is focused on growing our state’s population and economy by retaining current residents and attracting new Michiganders,” she stated, underscoring the importance of telling Michigan’s story to a wider audience.

Hillary Doe, who will lead the new office, acknowledged the significant challenge ahead. “It will take all of us linking arms and leaning in with sharp elbows to reverse Michigan’s population trends,” Doe remarked. She emphasized that strategic investments in the growth blueprint’s priorities are essential for building momentum statewide.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some members of the disbanded population commission expressed disappointment, questioning the effectiveness of rebranding an existing effort without expanding the team or resources. Critics argue that the state needs more than a new nameplate on an old door to tackle such a deep-rooted issue.

One must wonder: How is this trickling down and aiming toward Black population growth and opportunities? As we all know, the tech and business scene has been bolstering with the Black community leading the way. How will this upward trajectory continue? How can we attract Black young professionals to steady the growth and retention of young Black professionals?

The state officials highlight various allocations in the 2024-25 budget as part of their growth strategy. This includes $45.5 million to support talent and growth efforts at the MEDC and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, $84 million for business innovation, $30 million to bolster the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, $100 million for affordable housing construction, and $75 million for public transit improvements.

This is a pivotal moment for Michigan. The new Growth Office, while operating with a limited team, must rise to the occasion and effectively utilize the funds and strategies at its disposal. The goal is clear: to reverse the downward trend and position Michigan as a thriving state where people want to live, work, and build their futures. The road ahead is challenging, but with determined leadership and community support, there is hope for a revitalized Michigan.

The question remains: How will these efforts specifically benefit the Black community? How will they ensure that the booming tech and business sectors continue to uplift Black entrepreneurs and professionals? As the state charts its course for growth, it must also focus on inclusive strategies that recognize and bolster the contributions of the Black community, ensuring that opportunities for prosperity are equitably shared.

About Post Author

Ebony JJ Curry, Senior Reporter

Ebony JJ is a master journalist who has an extensive background in all areas of journalism with an emphasis on impactful stories highlighting the advancement of the Black community through politics, economic development, community, and social justice. She serves as senior reporter and can be reached via email: ecurry@michronicle.com
Keep in touch via IG: @thatssoebony_