MEDA and Economic Development News
Each week, the MEDA staff sifts through several sources for news that is useful to our members, and that highlights the work of our members. MEDA members receive the news before it is posted to this page.
Headlines not only include good news about economic growth in Michigan, but also valuable reports, examples of the creative use of an economic development tool for a project, federal-level program updates, or economic outlooks and trends. MEDA Members in the News articles list the name of a MEDA member and tell about the work that they are doing to grow their community. The Economic Development Around the Word component is meant to give perspectives and ideas based on what is going on in other states or countries.
9/25/23
Flurry of Housing Bills in Lansing Makes Landlords Nervous
Delta College, MEDC Announce $500k Expansion to Help Expand Michigan’s Semiconductor Workforce
Michiganders Under 30 Want Welcoming State
Economic Development Resources
LEO | New Resource Hub to Benefit Michigan Communities via $1M in Federal Grant Awarded to LEO and MML
LEO | $14.6M Available to Help Remove Barriers to Employment for At-Risk Michiganders
Women Empowered to Build (WE Build) Program
9/18/23
2023 Top States for Doing Business Meet the Needs of Site Selectors
Denso Earmarks $67 Billion for Electromobility R&D Investment
Flying High: How Aerospace Propels Michigan’s Economy
Economic Development Resources
Potentially Impacted Michigan Workers and Businesses Offered Support Amid Auto Industry Strike
Michigan Celebrates Small Business Application System
9/11/23
West Michigan Economy Bolstered by Trifecta of Manufacturing, Agriculture and Tourism
MIHI Releases the BEAD Five-Year Action Plan
Michigan Venture Capital Association's 2023 Annual Report
Economic Development Resources
5 Data Visualizations Every Economic Development Website Should Include
Maximizing Employee Retention Credits: A Comprehensive Guide for Small Businesses in Michigan
Become a Preferred Government Vendor Using the GSA Schedule
9/5/23
MEDA Announces New Executive Director, Meghan Swain
Millions in Investments in Bay County with Hundreds of New Jobs Created This Summer
Breweries, Farms, Spas? To Fill Empty Offices, Downtowns Get Creative.
Economic Development Resources
Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook Through 2030
City of Muskegon Giving Out Grants to ‘Empower Homeowners’
EV Impacts to Watch in 2023 and 2024
8/28/23
Meet the Executive Charged With Growing Michigan's Population
Former Branch County EDA Official Wins State Award
Turning a Lumber Yard Into Housing, a Northern Michigan Town Tackles a Crisis
Grant Could Help Secure $171M Hydrogen ‘Factory From the Future’ in Michigan
Michigan Small Businesses Thrive in These Counties
Economic Development Resources
Urban and Community Forestry Grants
8/21/23
Oakland County and Pontiac Partner to Redevelop City’s Downtown via $130M Plan
MI Leaders Want a High-tech Future, a ‘Mega Site’ Could Be Part of That
Economic Development Resources
States Should Use BEAD Funds to Finance Internet Exchange Points
8/14/23
Mount Pleasant-area Manufacturer Adding 80 Jobs with Expansion
Tax Credits Boost More Low-income Housing Projects in Southeast Michigan
Dexter’s Community Development Manager Receives Prestigious State Planning Award
Kent County to Partner with Lender IFF on $58 Million Affordable Housing Fund
Economic Development Resources
Power-Intensive Site Selection
8/7/23
How Michigan is Preparing for an Electric Vehicle Future
MSU Recognized for Economic Development Prowess
Foreign Investments in US Manufacturing are Booming
Economic Development Resources
MiSTEM Advisory Council 2023 Annual Report
Stairway to Success Summit: Vendor Masterclass by Meijer Market Format
Michigan Community Center Grants
7/31/23
Michigan wins 450+ Jobs, $165 Million Investment from LuxWall
Office of Rural Development to Become Office of Rural Prosperity
Economic Development Resources
HUD Announces Research Grant Opportunity and Event Focused on Office-to-Residential Conversions
MEDC Emerging Developer Roadshows
Michigan Nonprofits Can Benefit from ‘Direct Pay’ Clean Energy Incentives
7/24/23
Whitmer Approves Tax Break to Increase Supply of Affordable Housing
Communities Look for Grants to Stretch Dollars
Polaris Creates First-of-its-Kind Electric Off-Road Vehicle Charging Network Partners in Michigan
Economic Development Resources
Office of Rural Development Survey: Rural Michigan Perspectives and Priorities
PMBC Wellness and Beauty Consumer Products Summit
7/18/23
Whitmer Eases Law Meant to Spruce up Downtown Business Districts
New State Budget Welcomes Everyone to Make it in Michigan
New Technology from Marelli in Southfield Could Improve EV Efficiency by 20%
Economic Development Resources
MEDA Encourages Economic Developer Participation in MSHDA Regional Housing Partnerships Meetings Coming Soon – Notify Your Regional Partnership Contact ASAP
MSHDA Investing in Community Housing Program
USDOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program Webinar Schedule and Information
Office of Rural Development Leadership Summits - Staring this Week So Move Quickly
7/10/23
Buick City Brownfield Plan Would Capture $70M for Redevelopment
Unprecedented Broadband Investment Will Connect Future Entrepreneurs with Unlimited Opportunities
How to Spend $81.7B: Michigan Budget Boosts Funds for Roads, Parks, Water
Economic Development Resources
New/Expanded Incentives for Sustainability-Related Investments
What is Manufacturing as a Service?
7/3/23
MEDC Governing Board Extends Deadlines for LG, Magna Projects
Largest Economic Incentive Deals of First Quarter 2023
Economic Development Resources
State Allocates $75M to Create Small Business Support Hubs
2023 Intern Project: Choose the North
The Power of Pure Opportunity: Michigan Economic Development Guide
6/26/23
This Just In: Federal Investments Poised to Transform Michigan
Report: GM an ‘Integral Part’ of Michigan and U.S. Economy
UM's New President Wants to Get Hands-on in Recruiting Companies to Michigan
Economic Development Resources
HUD Makes $2 Million in Funding Available to Small Communities through Main Street Program
Debunking the Top 5 Common SBA 7(a) Loan Myths
DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grants
6/20/23
Gotion to Move Forward on $2.4B Battery Plant Near Big Rapids After National Security Review
First Look: "Shovel-ready" Shortage Gets Bipartisan Legislation
Economic Development Resources
A Look at the Recompete Pilot Program Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know to Get Ready to Apply for Recompete
Talent Action Team Is Michigan’s Answer For Manufacturers’ Workforce Needs
6/13/23
Wages in Michigan See Growth, Driven by Labor Shortage and Inflation
New Partnership to Bring More Attainable Housing to Northern Michigan
Economic Development Resources
Wade Trim Foundation "Investing in Our Communities" Grants - Application Due July 1
Site Selection 2023-2024 Michigan Economic Development Guide
6/5/23
How to Spend $10B: Stimulus Funds Bonuses, Water, Monthly Checks in Michigan
Gov. Whitmer Plans Group to Tackle Michigan’s Population Crisis
Entrepreneurship Score Card Shows Robust Small Business Growth in Michigan
Economic Development Resources
Pitch North
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
Access to Capital & Preparing For Financing For Veteran Owned Businesses
5/30/23
Study: Michigan Boating Industry Drives $10.2B in Economic Activity, 45,000 Jobs
Economic Development Resources
EDA Tech Hubs Informational Webinar (Recording)
USDA Rural Development Community Connect Grants
State Land Bank Predevelopment Loan Program
5/22/23
Consumers Energy Teams up With MEDC and Walbridge to Prepare Shovel-ready Sites
First Binational ‘EV Corridor' Stretches from Kalamazoo to Quebec
State of Michigan Signs MOU to Establish Global Semiconductor Center of Excellence in Michigan
Economic Development Resources
EDA is Now Accepting Applications for the Tech Hubs Program Funding Opportunity
5/15/23
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills for Tax Exemptions for Businesses
Business Leaders Want More than Incentives to Drive Economic Development Strategy
Economic Development Resources
STEM Talent Challenge Funding Opportunity
Cracking the Code on Digital Talent Attraction
VTM Michigan Coming Soon - MEDC Informational Webinar This Week
USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Grant - Applications June 20
5/8/23
Michigan Business Leaders Mildly Hopeful Despite Lagging GDP, Income
Nel to Build Gigafactory in Michigan
Senate Panel Votes to Double Caps on Incentives in Transformational Brownfield Law
Economic Development Resources
MEDC Educational Video Recordings
5/1/23
Grand Valley Looks to Make Grand Rapids a College Town
Hemlock Semiconductor Joins State Partnership to Lower Cost of Child Care for Employees
Northern Michigan Tries to Expand its Tech Startups Alongside Tourism
Economic Development Resources
State Land Bank Authority - Round Two of Blight Elimination Program RFP's Being Accepted
4/24/23
Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Hires Ex-state Sen. Ken Horn
'Opportunity of a Generation' | Gotion Battery Plant Approved Near Big Rapids
Economic Development Resources
Draft Application Live for Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program 2.0 Funding
Office of Rural Development April 26th Virtual Rural Roundtable on Housing Capacity
Urban & Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants
4/17/23
Market Van Buren Helps Cass County Get $100K for Broadband
Economic Developers Work to Build Public Trust in Massive Manufacturing Projects
In Michigan, an Affordable Housing ‘Emergency’ Looms
Economic Development Resources
$4.7 Million Available to Help Michigan Businesses Address Talent Shortages
Michigan’s $10K Incentive Keeps Tech Nerds and Gearheads in State
Main Street Solution Center User Guide
Bridge Lunch Break to Discuss Preparing for Careers in Michigan
4/10/23
MEDC | Michigan’s Robust Semiconductor Industry Grows
This Banking Crisis is Nothing Like 2009. Small Businesses are Contingency Planning Anyway.
MEDC Awards $1.1M to Grassroots Kalamazoo Housing, Daycare Project
Economic Development Resources
MEDC's Revitalization and Placemaking Program Informational Webinar
Michigan Office of Rural Development - Rural Readiness Grants
Michigan Municipal League Offering Fourth Round of Bridge Builders Microgrants
4/3/23
U.P.’s Remote Lifestyle Draws New Talent. Is There Enough Housing for Them?
BorgWarner to Invest $20.6 Million, Create 186 Jobs in Metro Detroit
Economic Development Resources
Opportunity Resource Fund - Promoting Your Business on a Budget
CMF Members Partner with the State to Launch $10 Million Microbusiness Loan Program
MSU Community Engagement Scholars Program
3/27/23
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills to Repeal Right to Work, Restore Prevailing Wage
UL Solutions to Develop Battery Testing Lab in Auburn Hills
New Chief Named for Michigan Agriculture Department
Economic Development Resources
Attracting and Developing Talent with MI STEM Forward - How Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Used the Program to Help a Small Business Find Talent
MDARD Specialty Crop Block Grant
3/20/23
$150K Grant Aimed at Expanding Child Care Access in Upper Thumb
What to Know About Restoration, Possible Expansion of Prevailing Wage Law
Economic Development Resources
Doing Business With the State of Michigan Webinar
Report: New Distribution Centers Raise Tax Revenue for their Communities
3/13/23
Whitmer Signs Tax Cuts, $1.4 Billion for Business Incentives into Law
Michigan Microbusiness Coalition Launches to Support Startups and Small Ventures
Former Wyandotte City Hall to be Renovated into Mixed-use Development
Economic Development Resources
Grants for Build Missing Middle Housing in Michigan
Michigan's Statewide Housing Plan is Finalized. Read it Now.
231 Food & Beverage Pitch Challenge
3/10/23
3/6/23
No Slowdown In Sight for Michigan
‘Wins for the Entire State’: More Big-Name Companies Plant Roots in Michigan
EGLE Releases Draft Materials for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program
Industrial Update: Did the Market Overshoot the Equilibrium?
Economic Development Resources
Supercharge Your Climate and Sustainability Goals
Consumers Energy Put Your Town on the Map Competition
2/27/23
MICHauto’s Glenn Stevens Jr. Appointed to Michigan Travel Commission
Economic Development Resources
Putting Unprecedented Federal Funding for Trails and Active Transportation to Work
Michigan Main Street The Small Deal Survey: What We Learned
Meeting the Challenge of Supply Chain Disruption
CDBG Public Gathering Spaces Initiative
2/21/23
Ford Details $3.5 Billion Electric Vehicle Battery Plant to be Built in Marshall
Ford Chooses U.S. for Federal Incentives. Experts Say It's Just the Beginning.
Port Huron Manufacturer Getting 7-Year Tax Break for $2.6 Million Expansion
Economic Development Resources
MI Connected Future Tour Schedule
U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Public Input on New Tech Hubs Program
USDOT Key Notices of Funding Opportunities
2/13/23
GVSU, Employers form Partnership to Accelerate Talent Creation in Michigan
New Bill Folds Together Tax Cuts, $180 Rebate, $1.8 Billion Earmark for Economic Development
Economic Development Resources
State of the Upper Peninsula Workforce
Making It In Michigan Food Trade Show and Networking Conference
Michigan State Trade Expansion Program (M-STEP)
What in the World? FDI Trends to Watch in 2023
MDARD Announces Value-Added Grant Opportunity
2/6/23
GM to Invest $650 Million in Lithium Mining Company in US
More Details Emerge for $1.5B District Detroit Buildout and Incentives
Economic Development Resources
Megasites: The Proof is in the Outcomes
New IEDC EDRP Report: Strategies to Raise Local Workforce Participation
1/31/23
MEDA Releases 2022 Annual Report
1/30/23
Detroit Scores Tops for Startups but Survey Shows it Needs to Think Bigger to Stay Ahead
GM to Spend $795 Million Prepping Flint and Bay City Plants for V-8s
Whitmer Announces $23 Million in Startup Funding for Child Care Entrepreneurs
Michigan Tries to Lure Tech Workers After Layoffs at Google, Other Giants
Economic Development Resources
PMBC Bridge Street Local Vendor Event Applications Due Feb. 3rd
CEDAM Community Development Fellowship Applications Due March 5th
Dbusiness 30 in their 30s Nominations Being Accepted
1/23/23
Michigan Economic Development Leader Gets New Contract
Mott Foundation Grants $16.5 Million to Support a New YMCA and Mixed-use Space in Downtown Flint
Michigan May See ‘Mild’ Recession in 2023, but it Also Has a $9.2B Surplus
Economic Development Resources
Michigan’s Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan Offers Wealth of Insights
How Are Economic Developers Partnering to Solve Workforce Challenges?
Manufacturing Accelerator Helps Entrepreneurs Bring Ideas into Reality
1/17/23
Michigan Predicted to “Dominate” EV Battery Manufacturing After $2B Investment
What Michigan's Minimum Wage Increase Means for Small Businesses
The Fresh Economic Development Strategy Emerging in the Midwest
Economic Development Resources
State Land Bank Authority Blight Elimination Program – Deadline January 31
The Challenges of Renovating an Existing Facility Into a Food Plant
1/9/23
Lear To Build $112 Million Expansion In SE Michigan, Traverse City EV Components
Lordstown, Ohio Gives Michigan Hint of How EV Battery Plant Changes Economy
Cadillac Offering Downtown Dollars to Stimulate Local Economy
Economic Development Resources
Site Selection Magazine's State of the States Report
SBA Veteran Contracting Assistance Programs
6 Things to Know About How Development Works
12/26/22
It Was a Boom Year for Grand Rapids Development. These 9 Projects are Set to Come Online in 2023.
New Program Gives SE Michigan an Edge in Hot Industrial Real Estate Market
Economic Development Resources
USDA Accepts Applications for Rural Energy for America Program
Guide for Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
FY23 Certified Local Government Program Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
12/19/22
Michigan is a Climate Haven in a Warming World. Will Everyone Move Here?
Another Suburban Office Building Looks to Go Residential
Upper Peninsula Paper Mill May See $1 Billion Manufacturing Investment
Economic Development Resources
MICHAuto Summit - Full Webcast
Governor Whitmer Announces $2 Million Grant to Grow High-Tech Talent Pipeline in Michigan
Supporting Small Businesses and Local Communities - Recorded Webinar
12/14/22
Zachary Morris Elected to Three-year Term on MEDA Board of Directors
12/12/22
SmartZone Grant to Be Used for Outdoor Innovation Center
Toolmakers for Automakers See Wave of New Business Headed Their Way
Acrisure Leader Shares Talent Attraction Insights
Economic Development Resources
Michigan Green Communities Challenge
Let Your Business Opinions be Heard with The Michigan Future Business Index Survey
12/5/22
Ottawa County Approves $32.7M in ARPA Funds for Community Projects
New Investments in Western Upper Peninsula Announced
Oakland County Investing $1M to Aid Development of Affordable Housing
Economic Development Resources
Pure Michigan Trail, Water Trail or Trail Town Applications Due Jan. 15
Rural Business Development Grants - Application Window Ope
11/28/22
Remote Work Creating Challenges for Incentive Agreements and Compliance
Kalamazoo Awarded EGLE Brownfield Funding to Redevelop Two Contaminated Sites
Gov. Whitmer Forms Semiconductor Talent Action Team
Why Venture Capital is Vital to the Economy
U-M Startups Raise $760M During FY22, Added 433 Inventions
Economic Development Resources
SSBCI 2.0 Access to Capital Overview 11/29 Webinar
Michigan CDFIs to Form Coalition, Collaborate on Lending Solutions, Programming
11/21/22
Michigan Pitches New ‘Mega Sites' Near Lansing, Flint to EV and Chip Makers
Gretchen Whitmer Announces Nearly 300 New Jobs in Grand Blanc Township
Upjohn Releases New Report: Bridging Research and Practice to Achieve Community Prosperity
Economic Development Resources
Housing Michigan Coalition Supported Legislation
The Future of Freight: Transforming the Movement of Goods
Shop Local Resources for Small Business Saturday
11/14/22
Economic Development Resources
U.S. Department of Commerce Launches First of its Kind Economic Recovery Corps with $30 Million CARES Act Investment
Headlines
Parents, Students and Businesses Benefit: APS Breaks Barriers, Builds Unique Partnership
Grant, Loan Awarded for Vault Project
MSU Researchers Get $500K NSF Grant to Continue EV Charging Station Work
11/7/22
Five Current Economic Incentive Trends
Shelby Township of Oceana County to Receive $2.2M in Support for Workforce Housing Infrastructure
Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses - Call for Nominations
What New Federal Funding Will Mean for Making Batteries
Economic Development Resources
Michigan Historic Preservation Network Predevelopment Loan Program
Legal Training Services for Exporters
10/31/22
Monitor Township Printer Relies on a Unique Workforce to Build its Business
Proposal Aims to Improve Ferndale Buildings with Help of Resident-led Task Force
Economic Development Resources
A New Playbook Looks To Help Rural Communities Utilize Opportunity Zones
Free Webinar with Michigan High Speed Internet Office on Closing the Digital Divide
MEDA Member News and Views
Kick-off Event for the Flint & Genesee Business Bridge is Underway - Featuring: Tyler Rossmaessler, the Executive Director of Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
UP Colleges Help Train for Manufacturing Careers - Featuring: Amy Berglund, Director of Business Initiatives, InvestUP
VIA Motors Announces New Headquarters and Technical Center - Featuring: Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership
10/24/22
Electric Transmission Upgrades in Michigan to Generate $6B in Economic Benefits
Frankenmuth Kept to Its Chickens During Pandemic. Now, It’s Thriving.
Detroit Nonprofit Kicks off 3D-Printed Home Build Project
Economic Development Resources
Michigan Arts and Culture Council Grant Programs - Deadlines Approaching
BBCetc Receives Grant to Support Underserved Entrepreneurs and Businesses
MEDA Member News and Views
Michigan’s Mobility Future Dependent on Robust EV Charging Network - Featuring: Vicky Rowinski, Director, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
Detroit... the Fashion City? Why Detroit May be the Next Silicon Valley of Apparel Manufacturing - Featuring: Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Economic Development Around the World
Site Readiness, Not Talent, Is Biggest Concern of Expanding Manufacturers
10/17/22
Grand Rapids Airport and Partners Aim to Cultivate Mobility Startups
How the CHIPS and Science Act Will Target Economic Development in Distressed Labor Markets
Michigan Gets $250 Million from Feds to Expand High-speed Internet Access
MEDA Member News and Views
How Ferris State’s Partnership with Chinese Manufacturer Will Help Bring Thousands of Jobs to Region - Featuring: Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction, The Right Place, Inc.
Michigan’s Housing Crisis Has Spread to Alpena. How $100M Can Help. - Featuring: Bob Filka, CEO of the Michigan Association of Home Builders
Economic Development Around the World
The Tech That Tries to Tackle NIMBYs
Economic Development Resources
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) Resource Library
10/11/22
MEDA Member News and Views
New Battery Component Manufacturing Facility in Big Rapids to Create 2,350 Jobs - Featuring: Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction, The Right Place, Inc.
Nexteer Automotive Expands Buena Vista Township, Michigan, Operations - Featuring: JoAnn Crary, President, Saginaw Future, Inc.
Gov. Whitmer Announces 2,000 New Jobs, Investment of $1.6 billion as Michigan-Based Our Next Energy Builds Battery Manufacturing Campus in Wayne County - Featuring: Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership
Lansing Region’s Top Young Professionals Recognized at 10 Over the Next Ten Awards - Featuring: Aurelius Christian, Commercial Development Specialist, Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)
Land Banks Prove Their Power — If Used Correctly - Featuring: Kurt Brauer, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd
Economic Development Resources
Whitmer Announces $21.55 Million Blight Elimination Grant Program to Revitalize Communities, Grow Economy
Most Dynamic Micropolitans Report
10/3/22
State Issues $225 Million Bond to Proposed Evart Potash Mine 12 Years in the Making
Economic Development Resources
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Announces $1.4 Million in Export Assistance Funds Available for Michigan’s Small Businesses
Attracting Remote Workers to Your Community: 3 Must-read Articles
Child Care Innovation Fund Opportunities
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grants and Resources
MEDA Member News and Views
Leaders OK Tax Break for $2.4 Billion EV Battery Plant Near Big Rapids - Featuring: Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.
9/26/22
MDOT Partners with Electreon to Develop Larger Wireless In-road EV Charging System
U-M to Create $5.3M Advanced Mobility Supply Chain Transformation Center
Economic Development Resources
The State of Site Selection 2022
Pattern Book Homes for 21st Century Michigan
Missing Middle Housing Grant Program
USDA Awards $2.1 Million in Funding to Michigan for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
