Targeted economic development drives statewide goals, starting with Michigan’s strengths. The state must support legacy industries and existing companies, providing tools to innovate and lead. By strengthening existing industries and enhancing site readiness for sectors such as aerospace, defense, health care, AI, and emerging fields, Michigan can attract more transformative projects that boost GDP and employment.
Policy Priorities
- Reform the statewide economic development approach to ensure consistency over time, adopting best practices.
- Develop a robust and responsible set of competitive incentives to attract and retain high-wage jobs that drive Michigan’s economy.
- Support transformational projects and investments that create appealing environments for both talent and employers.
- Advocate for policies that prepare Michigan citizens for the tech-focused 21st-century economy
2026 Legislative Goals
- Protect long-standing economic development commitments, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credits.
- Re-establish a payroll tax credit for high-dollar job creation and retention.
- Expand transformational brownfield plan incentives, increase funding for the Strategic Site Readiness program, and increase the R&D tax credit.
- Support Michigan’s innovation fund, incubators, and the creation of “anchor tenants” or innovation zones to build dense areas of high-tech activity.
- Continue to build out data centers, high-performance computing facilities, and prepare Michigan’s workforce to utilize these resources and attract the next generation of technology- and environment-focused industries that need to be co-located with such assets.
“It’s not just about infrastructure. It’s about protecting our supply chains and keeping our economy competitive. Investments in new technology and personnel that keep this [Detroit-Canada] border running efficiently are investments in Michigan’s future.”
– U.S. Rep Lisa McClain (R-MI 9)