- County Executives David Coulter, Warren Evans, and Mark Hackel will share the stage with Jason Colthorp on Friday, Oct. 30, in Ferndale.
- The discussion will offer an exclusive look inside the three counties’ playbooks on infrastructure, talent pipelines, housing, and economic attraction.
- Business leaders will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the county executives
Economic growth does not stop at county lines. When companies look to expand or attract talent in Southeast Michigan, they look at the health of the entire region, not just one municipality. That is why I will be in the room next week for The County Executives: Driving the Region Forward event, and why you should be there too.
On Friday, Oct. 30, at The Seven in Ferndale, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel will sit down with Channel 4 anchor and reporter Jason Colthorp. Getting the “Big Three” county leaders on the same stage is always valuable, but this conversation is about more than routine updates. It offers an exclusive look under the hood of metro Detroit’s three core counties and provides a clear blueprint for how employers can collaborate with local government to keep the region competitive.
The timing could not be better. With Michigan voters electing a new governor just days after this forum, Southeast Michigan needs a unified voice in Lansing. Regardless of which party takes the governor’s office, the Detroit Region has urgent needs around road and bridge funding, flood mitigation, housing production, and public safety. Hearing where the Executives stand will help Chamber members align their advocacy heading into a new administration.
The conversation will also tackle the day-to-day issues that keep employers up at night, starting with talent. Closing the skills gap requires connecting high school trade programs directly with community colleges and union apprenticeships. Beyond the workforce pipeline, the executives are expected to dig into international investment, advanced manufacturing, defense assets, transit, and sustainability. Whether it is strengthening the mobility supply chain or expanding affordable housing and mental health services to support working families, each county is pulling levers that directly impact the bottom line of local businesses.
Progress in Southeast Michigan happens fastest when the private sector and county leadership row in the same direction. Being in the room next Friday is the best way to hear directly from the leaders shaping the local economy and find out how your organization can help drive the region forward.
Registration for The County Executives: Driving the Region Forward is still available for Detroit Regional Chamber members and future members.