Chamber Efforts

Overview

The ideal Detroit Region is an equal and fair community where all people have the opportunity, resources, and tools needed to achieve their potential, and to lead healthy and fulfilling lives with rewarding work. This leads to a stronger economy and greater community well-being.

To get there, each of us has the responsibility of advancing economic equity within our circles, workplaces, and communities. For years, the Detroit Regional Chamber has led programs and initiatives to make education more equitable for Detroiters, empower neighborhoods and entrepreneurs, advocate for fair and equal legislation and transportation options, and embrace the critical conversations on our stages with national thought leaders and local business, government, and civic leaders.

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Equity Across the Chamber

Education and Talent

The Chamber advances equitable access to education and workforce pathways through its TalentEd portfolio, helping Southeast Michigan residents prepare for high-growth careers while strengthening employer access to diverse, skilled talent.

Convening and Events

Equity is elevated on the Chamber’s most influential stages, including the Mackinac Policy Conference and Detroit Policy Conference, where business, government, and community leaders convene to address barriers, share solutions, and shape a more equitable future.

Research and Data

Data-driven insights guide equitable decision-making. Through initiatives like the Detroit Voices Data Dashboard and research partnerships, the Chamber equips leaders with the information needed to understand disparities and drive targeted action.

Explore TalentEd

Explore Events

View Data Resources

Policy and Advocacy

The Chamber advances policies that expand opportunity and support equitable economic growth — from small business support and workforce participation to housing and innovation-focused legislation.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Supporting diverse and underrepresented businesses is essential to building a more inclusive regional economy. The Chamber works to better understand member diversity and deliver targeted programs and resources to support growth.

Thought Leadership

Through platforms like the ‘A Business Case for Equity’ interview series, the Chamber highlights real-world strategies and insights from leaders advancing equity within their organizations and communities.

View Legislative Priorities

Explore Resources

Watch the Interview Series

Equity in Action

Explore Mackinac Policy Conference Content

Watch ‘A Business Case for Equity’ Interviews

Explore Detroit Policy Conference Content

Initiatives You Don’t Want to Miss

Detroit Voices Data Dashboard

To support more equitable outcomes across the Region, the Detroit Regional Chamber partnered with Gallup to develop the Detroit Voices Data Dashboard. The tool provides neighborhood-level insights into Detroiters’ experiences with jobs, housing, education, and healthcare, helping leaders identify disparities, better understand community needs, and inform action. Explore the dashboard.

A Business Case for Equity Interview Series

In 2025, the Chamber launched A Business Case for Equity video series, featuring regional business leaders who share their insights on equity in the workplace and provide examples of best practices and strategies that have been successful within their organizations. By showcasing real-life examples from successful employers, the series aims to spark meaningful conversations and provide actionable insights for businesses of all sizes.

Peer Report Library

The Detroit Regional Chamber is committed to economic equity and inclusion in the Detroit Region and has compiled publications and data-based reports to help inform businesses and communities about issues and organizations related to racial justice and economic equity. These reports provide accessible data and analysis on topics related to housing, economics, education, and health. Explore the library now.

Economic Equity and Inclusion Legislative Priorities

Recent priority successes include:

Backed efforts to improve workforce participation by reducing the cost of child care, including legislation establishing and expanding the Tri-Share Child Care Programs.
Supported bipartisan efforts to increase housing supply and affordability, including reforms that expand the use of state housing resources and remove barriers to developing a wider range of housing types in communities statewide.
Supported legislation like SB 923-925 that established and coordinated a new Community Development Tax Credit program, partnering with the Michigan Strategic Fund and Michigan State Housing Development Authority to incentivize investment in community revitalization projects and expand economic opportunity in underserved areas across the state.
Supported programs like Going Pro Talent Fund that strengthen talent pipelines by expanding workforce training and credentialing opportunities, with a focus on improving access for historically underrepresented populations and aligning programs with in-demand industries.
Supported policies that cut red tape and reduce administrative and cost burdens on small businesses while maintaining compliance flexibility, helping ensure equitable participation in Michigan’s economy.