2025 Advocacy in Review: Strengthening Michigan’s Economic Foundation Through Bipartisan Leadership 

The Detroit Regional Chamber concluded a pivotal year in 2025, marked by intense advocacy efforts aimed at protecting the Detroit Region’s business climate and ensuring Michigan remains a competitive destination for investment. From the halls of the State Capitol in Lansing to the national stage in Washington, D.C., the Public Policy and Business Advocacy team maintained a constant presence, championing pro-growth policies and preventing regulations that would stifle economic momentum.

The year opened with a critical focus on regulatory clarity and protecting business assets. As the state prepared for the implementation of the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), the Detroit Regional Chamber successfully negotiated to include key member priorities, securing essential fixes just minutes before the act became effective. To ensure a smooth transition, the Chamber hosted an educational webinar to help the membership navigate these new requirements.

Simultaneously, the Chamber took a firm stand against proposals that would increase the financial burden on employers for infrastructure. This included testifying against a roads package that threatened to eliminate the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) credits, which are vital for long-term economic stability. International trade also took center stage in the first quarter, as the Chamber hosted an economic roundtable with U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Canadian Consul Colin Bird to discuss the potential impact of tariffs on Michigan’s integrated supply chains.

Other key Q1 activities included:

• Forming a national coalition with the Greater Boston Chamber to protect federal research funding.

• Engaging with the Michigan Defense and Aerospace Caucus at the Detroit Arsenal to advocate for the protection of essential defense assets from funding cuts.

• Establishing early connections with newly elected officials and legislative committees to introduce the Chamber’s 2025 legislative priorities.

The second quarter was highlighted by the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, where the Chamber brought together over 90 legislators from both parties to foster bipartisan solutions for the state. A new “Live from MPC” stage allowed 40 legislators to directly address their most pressing legislative issues in front of the business community.

In Lansing, the Chamber intensified its focus on the talent pipeline and industry-specific advocacy. Efforts included advocating for the expansion of dual enrollment programs, which would allow high school students to graduate with college credits at no additional cost. Additionally, MichAuto and its membership were brought to the Capitol to ensure the automotive industry’s voice remained central to policy discussions.

Throughout the spring, the Chamber continued to prevent egregious regulations by providing testimony and letters of opposition to multiple anti-growth bills that threatened to disrupt the region’s economic trajectory.

As state budget negotiations intensified in the third quarter, the Chamber successfully prevented increases to the corporate income tax, tipping fees, and heavy truck fees. This period also saw the Chamber leading a “Decline to Sign” campaign against ballot language proposing a graduated income tax, which would represent a significant shift away from Michigan’s competitive flat tax structure. 

Strategic engagement remained a priority as the Chamber: 

• Led a 16-chamber coalition fly-in to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the protection of federal research funding. 

• Convened the Tax Policy Committee for a high-level meeting with State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks and Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) to discuss fiscal stability. 

• Initiated critical conversations with health systems to address the nursing talent pipeline shortage. 

• Collaborated with the City of Detroit to enact reforms regarding neighborhood truck restrictions, balancing commerce with community needs. 

The final months of 2025 were defined by major legislative victories and proactive defense. In December, the Chamber successfully lobbied the Michigan Senate to pass a transformational brownfield plan cap expansion, a move that will unlock significant urban redevelopment. The Chamber also led the business community in amending SB 700; the original bill would have improperly raised employer unemployment insurance taxes to cover benefits distributed improperly during 2020. 

Additional year-end milestones included: 

• Submitting formal support for the “More Jobs For Michigan” package to incentivize new job creation. 

• Testifying in support of a new data center in Saline Township to bolster the state’s digital infrastructure. 

• Advocating against the “decoupling” of state and federal tax codes during budget finalization to maintain consistency for businesses. 

• Supporting legislation to expand Michigan Reconnect to residents aged 21 and up, broadening access to skilled trades and higher education.