Our Purple State Takes Center Stage

The Mackinac Policy Conference earned recognition as “Michigan’s Center Stage” by bringing together the state’s top leadership and national voices to discuss the biggest statewide economic challenges and opportunities.

Perhaps like no other in 46 years at Mackinac, the 2026 Conference lands with Michigan in the center of the American political universe as one of the few purple states. We are a rare place where general election races remain up for grabs and overly partisan politicians still face repercussions for failing to compromise.

Built around the theme of “A Quest For Common Ground,” the Conference format is redesigned to deliver experiences our attendees seek. As Michigan convenes at Grand Hotel from May 26 to 29, there are many storylines to watch.

Fluctuating trade policies, including tariffs, continue to affect Michigan’s leading industries from advanced manufacturing to automotive to agriculture. With the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge poised to deliver a long-awaited economic boost to our binational region, Michigan needs a consistent policy that promotes trade with Canada and Mexico, leading into critical renegotiations of the USMCA this summer.

From the Governor’s seat to every member of the state legislature and Michigan’s congressional delegation, voters have a referendum on the most prominent elected offices. Candidates would be wise to heed the warnings of voters who, in the Chamber’s latest Glengariff Group polling, are expressing frustration over growing costs, the availability of good jobs, and the desire for compromise. These sentiments suggest the timing of Chamber-endorsed Mike Duggan’s historic independent gubernatorial bid reflects’ voter priorities.

Our February 2026 polling asked voters to rank Michigan on key economic and education metrics. Across the political spectrum, Michiganders believe our state is “average,” when in fact we are ranked in the bottom 10. No state has fallen harder or faster over the past 20 years in areas like job attraction, reading scores, and per capita income. The house is on fire, yet Michiganders are unaware. This Conference should help change that.

Detroit’s successful emergence from bankruptcy and Wayne County’s pivot from insolvency to financial acumen both started with acknowledging the depth of their respective challenges. That requires all of Michigan’s leaders to speak frankly about our problems and where our state stands.

The 250th anniversary celebration of U.S. independence comes amid extreme polarization and division. Success at Mackinac would be showing the rest of the nation that in Michigan, Americans with vastly different views from opposite sides of the political spectrum can come together for civil, productive conversations.

There is no substitute for packing 1,500 of a state’s leaders on an island for four days with no other place to be. Leaning into the common ground theme, this year will include increased connection opportunities to forge connections over games of euchre, pickleball, and golf, or spending time together on Grand Hotel’s porch.

When you see photos of these gatherings, I invite you to look beyond the obvious. They serve as a reminder that relationships drive results, and Michigan needs its leaders to know and be able to work with each other to solve our problems – if we are to succeed in our “Quest for Common Ground.”