AG Helps Save DTE Customers Nearly $13 Million
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Operation Safe Neighborhoods Reaches New Milestone
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 28, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Operation Safe Neighborhoods Reaches New Milestone with More than 250 Illegal Guns Off the Street
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the number of illegal guns taken off the streets as a part of the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program. Since the operation began, law enforcement officials have conducted 2,020 check-ins with felony offenders, leading to 254 illegal guns taken off the street before it could be used to commit a crime. During sweeps, officers have also recovered countless illegal drugs and ammunition.
“Every Michigander deserves to be safe in their neighborhood,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I am proud to announce that Operation Safe Neighborhoods has taken 254 illegal guns off the street before it could be used to commit a future crime. Over the last four years, we have invested over $1 billion in public safety, and we will continue to make record investments, so Michiganders are safe at home, work or school, or running an errand.”
Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a statewide crack down on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of people who cannot legally be in possession of a gun due to prior criminal history.
“We are committed to investing in public safety and safe communities for every Michigander,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “I am encouraged to see the progress happening around the state as we partner with local law enforcement to prevent gun violence and crime by getting guns off our streets. Governor Whitmer and I will continue working with every tool available to us to create communities where every person feels safe, knowing that the state of Michigan is invested in their future.”
Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm, and in the first half of 2022, over 450 Michiganders have lost their lives due to gun violence. The new initiative builds on Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that she launched last summer to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street, and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education, and the justice system.
About Operation Safe Neighborhoods Recently, MDOC parole and probation agents teamed with local law enforcement across the state and have been conducting enhanced compliance checks on probationers and parolees who are legally prohibited from possessing a gun.
There are roughly 32,000 probationers and 8,500 parolees in the state, of which 20 percent have been convicted previously of a gun crime. These individuals are supervised by more than 1,000 MDOC parole and probation agents. The plan the department devised and implemented is aimed at the strategic targeting of high-risk individuals who have weapons possession in their criminal history that could be used to commit further crime.
Governor Whitmer’s $1 Billion Record Breaking Public Safety Investments As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for Governor Whitmer. She has worked closely with local leaders, law enforcement officers, and community organizations to ensure people feel safe in their neighborhoods. Since taking office, she has signed four balanced, bipartisan budgets, each making record investments to help communities fund local law enforcement departments and hire more first responders.
In the balanced, bipartisan budget Governor Whitmer signed in July, she made the largest investment in public safety since taking office: $670,315,000. This investment brings the total funding for first responders and public safety initiatives under the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration to $1,056,267,100.
Last summer, the governor proposed MI Safe Communities, a plan to invest $75 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to reduce crime and keep families safe by getting illegal firearms of the street, tackle the criminal court backlog, expand resources available to law enforcement, and address the root causes of crime by investing in jobs programs, counseling, and education.
Governor Whitmer’s Criminal Justice Investments Governor Whitmer has also worked across the aisle to enact historic criminal justice reform. She signed bipartisan “Clean Slate” legislation to help hundreds of thousands of Michiganders emerge from the criminal justice system with enhanced opportunities for jobs and housing, empowering them to pursue their full potential. She also launched task forces to address pretrial incarceration and juvenile justice and pursued reforms to improve relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve.
In July, Governor Whitmer signed her fourth balanced, bipartisan budget that included funding for Jobs Court, a program that offers non-violent, low-level offenders gainful employment with local partnering small businesses.
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State Emergency Operations Center Activated
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media Contact: December 23, 2022 Lt. Jeff Yonker, MSP/EMHSD 517-719-9767
State Emergency Operations Center Activated LANSING, MICH. Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at 1 p.m. today to respond to the hazardous weather conditions, resulting from the statewide winter storm. Prior to the activation, the State of Michigan had been coordinating with local communities to ensure full staffing of first responders, pre-deployment of utility repair crews, readiness for road crews and availability of warming shelters. The SEOC activation is the next step to make additional state resources available to support local communities, as necessary. As of 4 p.m., there have been no requests from local governments for state resources. “Our top priority right now is keeping Michiganders safe. I am grateful to our first responders, road maintenance crews, utility crews and volunteers at warming centers who are working hard to keep people safe and warm,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “By taking this next step to activate the State Emergency Operations Center, we are making sure that our response is coordinated and that resources are available to impacted communities. We will continue to work with local officials and are prepared to offer the full weight of state resources to respond to the storm.” The blizzard conditions, power outages and dangerous driving are impacting multiple communities throughout the state. Throughout the activation, conditions and needs will be continually assessed and appropriate action will be taken as warranted to protect public health and safety. Due to hazardous road conditions, which can change quickly, Michiganders are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel throughout the remainder of the day, if possible. The SEOC is the emergency operations center for the State of Michigan. It is located in Lansing and overseen by the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). The SEOC coordinates response and recovery efforts of state agencies and assists local governments. The SEOC is staffed by state agency personnel for decision-making and information coordination for disasters and emergencies. |
Additional Assistance to Help Lower Grocery Costs
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Announces Michiganders Getting Additional Assistance in December to Help Lower Grocery Costs for the Holiday Season
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in December to help lower the cost of groceries. The additional assistance will help more than 1.3 million Michiganders in more than 700,000 households keep more of their hard-earned money.
“This extra food assistance will help Michiganders feed their families during the holiday season,” said Governor Whitmer. “I will continue to work with our partners at the federal and state levels so that residents can keep their hard-earned dollars to pay for other critical household expenses.”
In April 2020, some Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance. In May 2021, all eligible households began getting extra monthly benefits. Federal approval is necessary every month.
Eligible clients who receive food assistance are receiving the additional benefits on their Bridge Card between December 17-24. These benefits are loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance provided earlier in the month.
All households eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received more than $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount.
Meijer to Offer Discounts on Produce for SNAP Customers In addition to the extra benefits, Midwest retailer Meijer recently announced that they will begin offering special discounts on fruits and vegetables for its SNAP customers. The incentives apply at all Meijer supercenters, neighborhood markets and Express locations, and will remain in effect for the remainder of the year. The promotional period will provide 10 percent off fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, Meijer will provide coupons to its SNAP customers to take similar discounts off future purchases of qualifying produce.
Below are the maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:
Secured by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow as Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, the federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
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Bills to Expand Affordable Housing, Lower Costs
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Signs Bills to Expand Affordable Housing, Lower Costs 14 bills will tackle kitchen-table issues
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill package that collectively will support the development of more affordable housing units in communities across Michigan.
“Investments in affordable housing lower costs for families and make Michigan communities more attractive, easier places to live,” said Governor Whitmer. “They attract job seekers, spur economic activity, and make it easier to raise a family. I am proud to sign bipartisan bills to expand affordable housing in Michigan and make our state a place where anyone can afford to live, work, and raise a family. I am committed to growing Michigan’s economy, creating good-paying jobs, and building a brighter future for all Michiganders.”
The bills will help alleviate the shortage of affordable housing for Michigan families by creating more affordable housing options, with a particular focus on creating new housing units in cities.
Senate Bill 362 establishes attainable housing districts and provides certain tax exemptions for residential rehabilitation projects. SB 362 was sponsored by Sen. Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, and a copy can be found here.
Senate Bill 364 supports the development and rehabilitation of residential housing and expands incentives for neighborhood enterprise zones. SB 364 was sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, and a copy can be found here.
“We urgently need more housing options in Michigan. Our bipartisan legislation helps homeowners to make affordable upgrades to their existing homes and assists communities to construct new housing at attainable price points,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss. “We are thankful the Governor signed these bills into law so we can retain our valued residents and attract job-seekers to Michigan.”
Senate Bill 422 supports the establishment of residential housing districts in certain local governmental units by providing exemptions from certain taxes for residential facilities and housing. SB 422 was sponsored by Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, and a copy can be found here.
Senate Bill 432 creates a state housing development authority, establishes certain funds to support housing development, land acquisition and development, rehabilitation, and more. This legislation also establishes acceleration and foreclosure procedures, provides tax exemptions, authorizes payments instead of taxes by certain entities, and authorizes the making and purchase of loans, deferred payment loans, and grants. SB 432 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.
Equitable Home Upgrades House Bills 4378 and 4379 ensure individuals who need whole-home generators for the continuous operation of medical equipment are not financially penalized. House Bill 4378 accomplishes this by amending the General Property Tax Act to specify that installing, replacing, or repairing a whole-home generator should be considered normal maintenance for the purpose of determining a property’s true cash value. The bill also extends the current-year policy to allow personal property to be taxed at its ordinary business location for the 2023 tax year to accommodate continued remote work practices. House Bill 4379 modifies the definition of “new construction” under the Michigan Economic Growth Authority Act. House Bills 4378 and 4379 were sponsored by Rep. Alex Garza, D-Taylor, and copies can be found here and here.
Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan The Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has taken a holistic approach to increase housing supply, lower costs, set bold housing goals, and make investments to make homes more comfortable, safe, and energy efficient. Governor Whitmer released Michigan’s first Statewide Housing Plan in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to ensure that every Michigander has access to affordable housing that meets their needs. To tackle the state’s housing crisis, Governor Whitmer laid out the ambitious goal of creating 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units within the next five years. Today’s housing legislation will build on the work Governor Whitmer has started to help more families get into a home that meets their budget.
Expanding Opportunities in Education House Bills 6039 and 6040 expands eligibility for dual enrollment options by allowing students in a fifth year of an early middle college program to participate in college athletics if they have used up their four years of high school eligibility. Early middle college programs provide students with an opportunity to earn college credits or work toward a credential while simultaneously earning their high school diploma. HB 6039 was sponsored by Rep. Pauline Wendzel, R-Watervliet, and a copy can be found here. HB 6040 was sponsored by Rep. Christine Morse, D-Texas Township, and a copy can be found here.
Other Legislation House Bill 4416 creates a new act, the Discharge of Prohibited Restrictive Covenants Act. The bill allows homeowners to record a form with their local register of deeds removing any outdated, discriminatory language in a property deed. HB 4416 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 6358 transfers two state-owned properties from the Department of Corrections to the State Land Bank Authority: Riverside Correctional Facility in Ionia County from Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) to the State Land Bank Authority and the site of the former Michigan State Police laboratory in Kent County from the State Administration Board to Kent County. HB 6358 was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 5248 provides local municipalities, like the City of Roseville, the ability to raise money for police and fire through a special assessment by modifying the definition of “qualified city” in the Police and Fire Protection Act. The bill defines a “qualified city” as either a city with a population of less than 15,500 or a larger city with majority voter approval for the annual amount of the special assessment. HB 5248 was sponsored by Rep. Richard Steenland, D-Roseville, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 6369 ensures Michigan’s on-demand automated vehicle laws remain consistent across local municipalities, keeping the state at the forefront of automated vehicle technology. HB 6369 was sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris, R-Clarkston, and a copy can be found here.
HB 6370 exempts certain types of environmental deed restrictions, which are intended to protect public health and the environment, from automatically being removed from property titles after 40 years. HB 6370 was sponsored by Rep. Roger Hauck, R-Mount Pleasant, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 6377 modifies the distribution funding structure of the County Veteran Service Fund by setting in perpetuity the minimum level of county funding for veteran service operations that is required to qualify to receive funding from the grant program. HB 6377 was sponsored by Rep. Roger Hauck, R-Mount Pleasant, and a copy can be found here.
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Gov. Whitmer Wins Major Economic Deals
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Wins Major Economic Deals, Creating or Retaining 1,846 Jobs, Generating Over $1.2 Billion in Investments
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a wide range of projects, that, in total, will create or retain 1,846 jobs and generate more than $1.2 billion in investment in Michigan.
“Today’s approvals will help us continue to grow our economy and compete for every good-paying job,” said Governor Whitmer. “From Marquette to Monroe, we will expand leadership in future mobility, elevate our growing outdoor recreation industry, create good-paying jobs for Michiganders, and invest in our communities. When we come together to focus on the issues that matter, we can support businesses of all sizes, grow our economy, spur innovation, and move Michigan forward.”
“The projects approved today build on our statewide leadership in advanced and EV manufacturing, bring good jobs to Michigan residents, support vibrant communities, and help increase growth opportunities for businesses ranging from start-ups to established companies, and better prepare our state to compete for business attraction opportunities,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators, and local officials for their continued support for our programs, and we appreciate the hard work of the Michigan Strategic Fund board. Today’s MSF actions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring our work is making an impact no matter where our friends and neighbors reside across Michigan.”
Projects include a transformational investment by Swedish paper producer Billerud in Escanaba; investments in Independence Township, Traverse City, Sterling Heights, and Auburn Hills that will build on Michigan’s leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing; community redevelopment projects in Monroe and Detroit; a new outdoor recreation innovation hub in Marquette; and actions that grow opportunities for Michigan’s small manufacturers and entrepreneurs.
Michigan Strategic Fund approves support for Escanaba Mill transformation; project to retain at least 1,240 jobs in the Upper Peninsula
Billerud U.S. Production Holding LLC is a subsidiary of Billerud, a leading paper and packaging provider headquartered in Sweden. The company has about 5,800 employees worldwide, with more than 1,200 employees in Michigan. Earlier this year, Billerud acquired Ohio-based Verso Corporation, a leading producer of coated paper in North America as part of its global strategy. The acquisition included Verso’s production operations in Escanaba and Quinnesec, Michigan, and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
Billerud U.S. Production is analyzing whether to bring advanced technology and advanced manufacturing capability to its Escanaba operations, a project that is expected to generate a total capital investment of approximately $1 billion and retain at least 1,240 well-paying jobs in the region.
Billerud plans to transform its Escanaba operations to produce a more technologically advanced paper product known as paperboard or cartonboard. This multi-ply product is used as packaging for pharma and healthcare, cosmetics, drinks and others, and will allow the company to compete in a growth market for this product. The company’s investment into cutting-edge technology and advanced manufacturing capability will serve as a model of sustainable industrial development with significantly improved energy efficiency.
The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved a 15-year Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone estimated to be worth $29.4 million in support of the project. In addition, Delta County, Escanaba Township and Wells Township anticipate authorization of a 15-year Renaissance Zone, and the townships anticipate approval of a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project.
As the company partners with its stakeholders on the company’s analysis, Michigan is the leading contender for this project. In addition to retaining well-paying jobs for Michiganders, the company’s investment will create a significantly bigger impact on the state’s overall economy than just the direct jobs being retained. Not only will the investment require that a large number of construction workers be employed for years on this transformation, bringing with them significant investment in the region, but the project will also include investments to improve the infrastructure around the mill.
“We thank the Michigan Strategic Fund board members for their recommendation that Billerud’s Escanaba Mill be designated as a Renaissance Zone. This designation is an important step forward in our plans to transform the mill into a world-class paperboard production facility,” said Billerud North America Deputy President and General Counsel Kevin Kuznicki. “Our pre-feasibility study is underway and expected to be completed in early 2023. We look forward to continuing to partner closely with our employees, unions, and local and state authorities over the next several months to finalize project and incentive details.”
“We are excited to see the Michigan Strategic Fund approve a Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone for Billerud today, and are grateful not only to the Strategic Fund for its support but to Quentin Messer and his team at the MEDC for its hard, thoughtful work to ensure the availability of this tool for Billerud,” said InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante. “With the renaissance zone in place, it will permit Billerud and the state of Michigan to continue to work together to support this project in the Upper Peninsula and we look forward to continuing to be a partner to the company, the state and the community to secure this investment in our region.”
Lear Corporation expanding in Independence Township, Traverse City, Sterling Heights, building on state’s leadership in vehicle electrification
Lear Corporation, founded in Detroit in 1917 and headquartered in Southfield, is a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems. The company employs more than 160,000 people at 235 facilities in 38 countries, including 13 sites and about 3,800 team members in Michigan.
Lear is planning to manufacture highly technical, PACE Award-winning Battery Disconnect Units and other vehicle electrification sub-systems for advanced batteries that will be supplied to automakers. These highly complex components control power transfer from the vehicle’s battery to its electrical systems, allowing EVs to charge faster and driver farther while delivering the higher performance requirements needed to power SUVs and light-duty trucks.
Lear plans to utilize a facility in Independence Township to manufacture these components. In addition, the company plans to expand its current plant in Traverse City to manufacture components related to the EV battery pack and upgrade its Sterling Heights facility in order to increase production of the engineered plastics needed for the new components.
In total, the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $112.5 million and create up to 500 jobs, supported by a $4.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over other competing sites.
The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a 15-year, 100-percent State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $1.9 million in support of the project.
“Lear is proud to select Independence Township as the future home of an all-new production facility, and we thank the Michigan Economic Development Corp. for its support,” said Ray Scott, Lear President and CEO. “The plant is slated to start production in early 2024 and will provide battery disconnect units and other vehicle electrification technologies. As a Michigan-headquartered company, it’s important to make this investment in our backyard as we continue to grow our portfolio of products for electric vehicles.”
The project will bring immediate job growth and contributes to the MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in mobility and vehicle electrification. Lear supports personal growth of its employees by providing significant training and offering career development. The company also employs the Together We Win program, which is designed to improve employee engagement, communication, and productivity through various initiatives.
“Lear Corporation is a longstanding and significant member of our regional manufacturing sector,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “With the support of our community and the MEDC, this expansion will provide significant economic value to our regional economy and is an important next step in growing the segment of our workforce engaged in advanced and high-technology manufacturing.”
Both Traverse City and the Charter Township of Independence have pledged staff time and resources in support of the project. For information on careers with Lear Corporation, visit https://www.lear.com/careers.
“Lear Corporation’s expansion into Independence Township is great news on so many fronts. It’s a boost for Oakland County’s economy and the 500 people who will be hired for those good-paying jobs,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “The Lear facility’s investment in the battery systems that will power electric vehicles also is further proof that Oakland County and the region are prime locations for advanced manufacturing that will help transform the automotive industry, protect the environment and ensure a cleaner and brighter future for generations.”
Safety science leader constructing testing facility in Auburn Hills, creating 61 high-wage jobs
UL LLC is a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., a global leader in applied safety science headquartered in Northbrook, Ill. UL LLC, a part of UL Solutions, serves customers in testing, inspection, and advisory. UL Solutions employs more than 14,000 people worldwide, including approximately 90 Michigan residents.
UL LLC plans to purchase industrial zoned property in the city of Auburn Hills to build a testing facility, where it will focus on the company’s long-term strategy to support battery manufacturers by increasing the safety and reliability of its energy storage products. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $72.7 million and create 61 high-wage jobs, supported by a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant and a $500,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in Indiana and Ohio because of the state’s deep auto manufacturing history.
“Companies like UL Solutions are paving the way for the future. We are honored that UL Solutions has chosen Auburn Hills for their next strategic investment. This new state-of-the-art facility will build on Auburn Hills’ reputation as a leader in the future of mobility and electrification,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin R. McDaniel. “At nearly 130 years in business, we are thrilled to welcome this talented team to Auburn Hills and look forward to working with them on their continued success well into the future.”
UL LLC supports growth of its employees by offering hands-on experience working in the field with experienced, leadership staff, cross-training and promotion from within. The project contributes to the MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in automotive manufacturing and will bring a new facility to Michigan, allowing the company to expand its Michigan presence and become a strong employer in the region.
The city of Auburn Hills anticipates approval of a property tax abatement in support of the project. The MSF also authorized an alternative State Essential Services Assessment exemption and the MEDC approved a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the locally approved abatement.
For information on careers with UL Solutions, visit https://www.ul.com/about/
“Companies up and down the supply chain are developing cutting-edge EV battery and mobility technology in the Detroit Region at a remarkable speed,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “As EV technology gets increasingly complex so will regulations and safety standards. UL Solutions is going to help companies bring innovative battery and EV products to market safely and is a great addition to our world-class automotive and mobility testing grounds.”
New innovation hub in Marquette will focus on growing outdoor recreation, mobility industries
The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a $3 million performance-based grant for Hoponassu OZ, LLC to develop Shop House Park Technology and Innovation Hub, an outdoor recreation and product innovation space situated between Northern Michigan University and the Lake Superior shore in Marquette. The project will include live-work-innovate space that will foster collaboration to grow the outdoor recreation and mobility industries.
The project is intended to solidify Michigan’s leadership position in mobility by connecting the state’s mobility sector to the outdoor recreation industry, drawing companies and teams from across the globe to create, develop, test and refine new technologies and vehicles that support activities like overlanding, off-roading, and van life, along with conventional outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking and paddling. It is also expected to capitalize on private sector funding and capital as well as state and federal grant opportunities, and is expected to consolidate and focus talent in the region.
“David Ollila is a legend in the outdoor recreation industry, and I couldn’t be more excited to see him creating a place where Michigan can leverage the authentic Upper Peninsula outdoor experience while nurturing outdoor entrepreneurs and fostering collaboration with state’s full suite of design, innovation and production expertise,” said Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “This is a critical investment in a program and a place that Michigan needs in order to grab the attention of the national outdoor recreation industry and grow opportunities for the entire state.”
The development team will be led by owner/developer David Ollila. Project advisors include the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, InvestUP, Michigan Technological University, the city of Marquette, MICHauto, 100k Ideas, and private consultant Michael Browne.
“By aligning its natural resources and assets with this economic moment, Michigan has a chance to lead the nation and establish the U.P. and Michigan as the center of excellence in outdoor recreation and mobility innovation,” said Hoponassu OZ, LLC Owner and Developer David Ollila. This is an opportunity to drive stronger connections between our peninsulas and provide the U.P. an asset that contributes to our collective economy In a way we have not done since Ford was operating plants in the U.P.”
The 1284 and 1248 N. Telegraph Rd. project will redevelop a nine-parcel brownfield site that was the former home of the La-Z-Boy headquarters in the city of Monroe. The total site is more than 17 acres and is owned by the city of Monroe, who is acting as developer of the project.
The city began proactively assembling this property for a mixed-use redevelopment in 2019 and has established a Telegraph Road Corridor Improvement Authority TIF district, adopting a development plan to implement a pedestrian-friendly setting and modernized design principles.
Monroe is actively engaged with two developers ready to implement the redevelopment plan that includes a national grocer as an anchor for the commercial space, with an expected total private investment of $60 million and the creation of 45 full-time equivalent jobs. The project will also create 100 jobs during the construction phase.
The City of Monroe Brownfield Redevelopment Authority today received Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $2.7 million in state tax capture for reimbursement of brownfield activities at the site. The city of Monroe has already completed eligible activities totaling $1.3 million and has committed to completing future eligible activity costs totaling $5.4 million.
The city of Monroe is also supporting the project with local tax capture valued at $3.8 million. The project will increase urban density and provide new housing options for Monroe area residents, as well as high-quality commercial space to attract business development. Completion of the project will bring additional investment and stabilization to the neighborhood and return an underutilized property to productive use.
The city of Monroe is engaged with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program.
“On behalf of the city of Monroe, I wish to express our gratitude to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board and the MEDC for their support of this crucial project. This site has a storied past weaved into the history of our community as it served as La-Z-Boy’s world headquarters since the company’s founding,” said city of Monroe Mayor Robert E. Clark. “Just as La-Z-Boy has turned the page to their next chapter in the company’s future with their new headquarters in Monroe, we are excited to witness how this site’s transformational redevelopment is setting a new bar for the future of the Telegraph Road corridor in our region. The success of this endeavor shows what benefit can come when the private sector and government work together for the betterment of the community.”
New mixed-use development will bring new vibrancy, economic activity to North End neighborhood of Detroit
The Beauton LLC will redevelop property into a three-story building in the North End neighborhood in Detroit. When completed, the project will include 29 units of multifamily housing and office space as well as public infrastructure improvements including new sidewalks along Beaubien and Horton Streets. Fifteen of the rental units will be restricted to rents between 50 and 80 percent of area median income.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $7.1 million, supported by a $1.497 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. The project is expected to bring new density to the neighborhood, new foot traffic and increased economic activity for area businesses.
The city of Detroit has approved a 15-year Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement valued at $743,956. Detroit is engaged with MEDC’s RRC program.
“This development will further enhance the North End neighborhood, providing quality housing options and economic vitality for the community,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, executive vice president for Economic Development and Investment Services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “We’re excited to have played a role in the project we anticipate will bring more opportunities and foot traffic to the area.”
Additional Industry 4.0 funding approved The MSF also approved an additional $1.5 million in grant funding to support Industry 4.0 awareness and preparedness and increase technology adoption with six nonprofit organizations being approved by MSF to administer the grant funding across the state. The grant program provides assistance to small manufacturers looking to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and in turn, make transformational change to business, process and culture.
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