Growing Michigan Together and Hilary Doe, the state’s chief growth officer, have released a report that compiles and analyzes feedback from more than 11,000 residents. The report will be used to create a population growth strategy.
The data focuses on the types of challenges communities face. Since August, Doe and her team state they have hosted and attended more than 70 in-person and virtual events, including visiting nine colleges and universities, speaking at 26 conferences, and engaging with more than 3,000 Michiganders in-person.
Even though Michigan is a low-tax state, it has been losing population for years. What’s more, the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have failed to address infrastructure needs, public schools have gotten low marks for academic achievement for years, and the elimination of Right to Work has slowed business attraction.
“To successfully boost the population, we have to take the time to listen to our state’s most valuable resource – Michiganders. Our commitment to building a thriving and inclusive Michigan extends beyond statistics and spreadsheets; it’s about understanding the unique aspirations and concerns of individuals and families from all walks of life,” said Doe.
When asked about the most pressing issues facing their communities, 30 percent said they need improved infrastructure, 13 percent said better career and education opportunities, and 10 percent said more accessible and available housing.
Respondents who indicated infrastructure as an issue specifically mentioned Michigan’s crumbling roads, access to clean drinking water, broadband connectivity, and the need for a more robust transportation system as the main areas of opportunity.
When asked what they love most about living in Michigan, the top responses were the state’s natural beauty, recreation infrastructure like playgrounds, trails and sports fields, as well as the weather and its welcoming communities.
In tandem with the statewide survey, the Growing Michigan Together team conducted a national poll to better understand the motivations behind young people choosing to relocate and what characteristics they look for when choosing a new place to live.
Of the 2,700 respondents from 15 high-growth metropolitan areas across the country, 50 percent of respondents said job or educational opportunities motivated them to relocate, 27 percent said proximity to family, and 13 percent said cost of living.
Approximately 94 percent of respondents were between the ages of 15 – 36. When asked what would prompt respondents to consider relocating, 35 percent indicated that a down payment on a home would be the most influential consideration, further underscoring the importance of housing.
In addition to informing the state’s growth strategy, survey findings will also be taken into consideration by the Growing Michigan Together Council as they prepare to submit final growth-oriented policy recommendations to the governor in December.
Gov. Whitmer established the bipartisan Council in June 2023 — more than four years after she first took office — to generate ideas that attract talent, improve education, modernize infrastructure, and continue Michigan’s economic momentum.
To view the complete report, visit feedback.growingmichigan.org.
To learn more about the Growing Michigan Together Council, visit growingmichigan.org.
