This Economic Development Week is an opportunity to recognize the role economic growth plays in improving quality of life and attracting opportunities for our neighbors across all 11 counties of the Detroit Region.
Quality of life means something different to everyone. But, across the board, there are a few commonalities: good jobs close to home; strong schools; and opportunities for the next generation to build a life in their community.
More than anything else, a growing economy makes all of these possible.
Breaking the stigma with smarter, community-informed development
Today, the Detroit Region’s population is growing at less than one percent per year, well below the national rate, and workforce participation is declining. If we don’t change this trajectory, our region faces a concerning future. When regions stop growing, tax bases shrink and the services, schools and infrastructure that rely on those tax bases suffer. Ultimately, young people leave for areas with more opportunities and businesses struggle to find the talent they need.
Economic development can be a difficult, politicized topic. In Michigan, like many places, growth comes with complicated connotations. Communities have been caught off guard by projects they didn’t ask for or want, and they’ve seen promises fall short.
These are real, valid frustrations. However, we cannot let past issues hold back the future of our region. The answer isn’t no growth. It’s smarter growth and development that happens with communities rather than to them.
Smart growth that is intentional, community-informed and built on genuine partnership between governments, businesses and residents is more than investment dollars and job numbers. It strengthens the tax base that funds schools, roads, parks and public safety. It creates accessible career pathways so families can build their futures here. It gives communities the resources to become the kinds of places where people want to live, work and stay.
What does smart growth look like?
At the Detroit Regional Partnership, this principle drives our work. Last year, we helped attract more than $343 million in investment and nearly 3,000 new jobs to Southeast Michigan, including more than 900 pathway jobs that do not require a college degree but offer accessible, well-paying work that lets families build their futures here.
AJG Aerospace is one example, bringing 125 jobs and a $33 million investment to Oakland County. Projects like this draw on Southeast Michigan’s deep manufacturing roots and engineering talent, and they strengthen the regional economy all 11 counties share.
We believe that successful economic development only happens when communities are prepared to shape the growth that comes their way. That is why DRP has also built two programs focused on preparing our region:
- The Verified Industrial Properties (VIP) program certifies industrial sites in advance, so communities can say yes quickly and confidently when a major manufacturer is on a tight timeline. More than 90 sites are already certified.
- The Industrial Development Toolkit, launching this summer, is a first-of-its-kind resource that helps communities understand what modern manufacturing looks like, decide whether industrial development fits their goals and plan for it proactively. It reflects a simple conviction that communities deserve the tools to grow on their own terms.
A shared vision worth following
The Detroit Region has a wealth of resources to compete globally. We have world-class talent, strong infrastructure, an unmatched industrial heritage and the geography to reach markets around the world. What we need now is alignment around a long-term regional economic vision that gives partners, investors and communities a roadmap.
This Economic Development Week is a reminder that this work is not about deals or data points alone. It is about creating opportunities for communities and residents to thrive.
That work depends on partners who invest in it. Every certified site, every community resource and every job brought to the region is made possible by those who back the Detroit Regional Partnership. If you believe Southeast Michigan can compete and win, join us.
Visit www.detroitregionalpartnership.com to become a DRP investor and help build the region we deserve.
