AG Nessel Warns of New Government Imposter Scam
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Major Progress in Reducing Michigan’s Housing Shortage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Major Progress in Reducing Michigan’s Housing Shortage by 50,000 Units, Expanding Access for Michiganders
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan is making progress to tackle the statewide housing shortage. Thanks to state investment, federal resources, and strong private development, Michigan built or rehabilitated 50,000 housing units, significantly reducing the statewide shortage from 190,000 units to 141,000 units. Work to build more housing will continue thanks to record investments from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSDHA) and resources secured in the recently passed balanced state budget.
“Our record investments to build housing have reduced our statewide shortage by 50,000 units, helping tens of thousands more Michiganders have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, with our local and statewide partners, we are making the largest investment to build housing in Michigan history so we can expand supply and drive down costs while creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs along the way. There are more Michiganders working in construction today than any point in the last 22 years. Across the state, pipefitters, carpenters, bricklayers, and roofers are rolling up their sleeves to ‘build, baby, build’ a heck of a lot more housing and ensure every Michigander has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Population and housing unit estimates are updated annually by the U.S. Census Bureau, most recently in May. Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) staff in its Office of Market Research uses the latest Census data to arrive at projections of supply and demand, setting the goal of a 5% vacancy rate to model the conditions of a housing market that’s healthy and balanced.
“This data shows our state is taking steps toward closing the gap and addressing the housing crisis for our neighbors,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA. “That’s exactly why we raised the state’s five-year housing goal by 53% last month, in recognition of the significant progress we’ve made, yet acknowledging that we need to do more.”
Current trends indicate Michigan can expect about 20,000 additional housing units per calendar year between now and the end of 2026. However, MSHDA estimates suggest the state is likely to continue to see those trends increase, assuming the state continues to increase investment in housing production.
“The numbers support our position that the state should continue investing more in housing production, with funds that are as flexible as possible,” added Hovey. “This will allow MSHDA to continue to align our resources with the needs that local and regional leaders bring to us through the continued implementation of the Statewide Housing Plan.”
The Census Bureau’s latest revisions show increases to previous years’ data indicating that more housing was added to Michigan’s market than previously thought.
Governor Whitmer’s Work to Invest in Affordable, Attainable, and Sustainable Housing
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Grants to Secure Future of Advanced Automotive Manufacturing
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Grants to Secure Future of Advanced Automotive Manufacturing in Michigan Funding from Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will retrofit factories, create and support good-paying jobs, bring supply chain home
LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan has received $657 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) to retool existing factories for the transition to electric vehicles (EV), support good-paying manufacturing jobs, and help Michigan build out its EV infrastructure. The funding comes from the Biden-Harris administration’s Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electrified Vehicles program, which provides cost-shared grants for the made-in-America production of efficient hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid, plug-in electric drive, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
“Today’s investment from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will build on Michigan’s economic momentum as we compete to lead the future of advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “These grants will help us retool our existing factories to build electric and hybrid vehicles right here in Michigan. We must be proactive if we are going to keep building the cars and trucks the people rely on in America, and I am proud that Michiganders are ready to roll up their sleeves and get it done. Let’s keep bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to America by doing what we do best—build, baby, build!”
“The next generation of vehicles should be built by American companies and American workers, which is why I’m so happy to see what’s happening today in Lansing at GM’s Grand River Assembly,” said U.S. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. “Today’s announcement is a step towards that goal and will ensure the plant is well-equipped to build new, advanced electric vehicles. Whether or not you drive an EV today, or ever care to, there’s no denying they will be a big part of the vehicles of tomorrow. All you have to do is look at Europe and Mexico and see that China is looking to be *the* manufacturer of this next generation of cars. That’s why it’s essential to our economic and national security that electric vehicles, the batteries and components they run on, and other critical products are made in America. The funding announced today will also protect existing jobs and generate new ones while driving economic growth in the area, so it’s a clear win for Lansing.”
The program aims to support a just transition for workers and communities in the shift to electrified transportation, with particular attention to communities supporting facilities with longer histories in automotive manufacturing.
General Motors Receives $500 Million to Upgrade Lansing Grand River Plant
General Motors will receive $500 million to upgrade its Lansing Grand River Plant to allow for the production of new electrified models and enable the facility to be considered for future EV programs. The investment will preserve 650 jobs while creating 50 new jobs. The continued operation of this facility will also positively impact communities across the region by enabling GM to diversify its contract and vendor network within the state of Michigan.
ZF North America Receives $157 Million to Modernize Marysville Facility
ZF North America, based in Northville, will receive up to $157.7 million to modernize its Marysville facility to allow for the production of electric vehicle components to meet potential future customer orders, strengthening the American EV supply chain and providing robust benefits to the local community. The investment will preserve 536 jobs with the potential to add to these numbers by the end of the decade and support ZF’s commitment to working with local community groups to mitigate impacts on the local environment.
“This critical federal investment will protect jobs and support middle-class families working in the manufacturing industry,” said Susan Corbin, director of Michigan’s Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity. “This funding is not just about maintaining our current workforce; it’s about expanding it. By investing in our clean energy future, we are ensuring that our workforce grows and that Michiganders are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing economy, underscoring our commitment to a sustainable future and a robust, resilient job market for generations to come.”
Michigan has the expertise to be a national leader in the automotive industry’s transition to EVs, and this grant will ensure we can do so in a responsible, accessible and equitable manner that honors our existing business infrastructure and skillsets,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are grateful to the Department of Energy for its vision in creating this opportunity and congratulate the grantees on this accomplishment. While work remains, Team Michigan is excited about how these grants will help implement our ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects along the grantee companies and those throughout their respective supply chains.”
ZF will also receive up to $10 million from a matching grant from the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. Announced in February 2024, the Challenge was developed to help companies leverage unprecedented federal opportunities made available through the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Infrastructure Office challenged companies applying to support workers with fair pay, good benefits, skill development and protect their union rights.
To date, the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund has invested $48.8 million, leveraging $276 million in federal funds, a return on investment of more than 5:1.
“Investments from the Inflation Reduction Act are creating jobs in hard-working counties across Michigan, building the future of sustainable transportation and clean energy,” said Zachary Kolodin, Michigan’s chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “That’s why we are competing to win every dollar through fiscally responsible investments like the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund and Technical Assistance Center. We are grateful to President Biden and our representatives in Washington for making these investments possible and bringing the EV supply chain right home where it belongs – in Michigan.”
A new report from Climate Power shows Michigan continues to be a national leader in clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. The Battery and Advanced Manufacturing challenge complements Michigan’s leadership and marks an exciting step towards a cleaner future.
Bolstered by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Michigan is No. 1 in the nation for IRA projects, which have resulted in more than $25 billion in new investments across the state. This funding, in tandem with Governor Whitmer’s clean energy legislative package and bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.
For more information about the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund and how to apply for funding or technical assistance, please visit www.michigan.gov/whitmer/
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Free School Breakfast, Lunches, for Michigan Students Next Year
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Secures Funding to Guarantee Free School Breakfast, Lunches, for Michigan Students Next Year, Saving Families $850 Each Year
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer announced the newly passed education budget for next school year will continue providing universally-free breakfast and lunch to Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students throughout the school year.
“As a parent, I remember the chaos of weekday mornings when you’re just trying to get your kids out the door and off to school on time,” said Governor Whitmer. “In the budget for next school year, we are reducing that burden on Michigan families by providing free breakfast and lunch for every student throughout the school year and over the summer too. Free school meals save parents $850 per year per kid and valuable time every morning. When students are fed, they can focus better in class. Let’s keep working together to feed our kids and ensure every family has the support they need to thrive.”
“As a dad of three, I know how important it is for my children to be able to focus on learning and growing at school, just like every parent.” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist II. “That’s why Governor Whitmer and I have continued to fight for Michigan’s students, ensuring all 1.4 million of them get free breakfast and lunch during the school year. We’ll continue to fight for Michigan’s students all year long.”
The FY25 budget allocates funding to ensure that free school breakfasts and lunches throughout the school year will continue to be available to students next year. It is projected that Michigan schools will have served 76.3 million breakfasts and 135.6 million lunches to students throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has continued to fight for students, making sure everyone has the support and resources they need to succeed in our schools. By guaranteeing free school breakfast and lunch to students in the FY25 budget, Governor Whitmer is alleviating the financial burden on Michigan’s families and ensuring students can focus on learning.
A Better, More Affordable Education
Governor Whitmer remains a steadfast ally for students and families in Michigan’s school system. Since taking office, she has made strategic and specific investments in Michigan’s education sector, fighting for real results that support students across the state. These accomplishments include:
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Grants for 31 Small Businesses Across Michigan
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Grants for 31 Small Businesses Across Michigan, Creating 76 New Jobs
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support for 31 small businesses across Michigan through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program. The $748,018.82 in grants awarded to small local businesses will create resiliency and strengthen downtowns in communities throughout the state.
“Michigan’s small businesses are the beating hearts of our main streets and downtowns,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s Match on Main grants will create 76 good-paying jobs and provide 31 small businesses across Michigan with the support they need to grow and thrive. Together, we are growing our economy and making communities across Michigan more attractive to live, work, and invest. Let’s keep working together to ensure anyone can ‘make it in Michigan.”
The grants are expected to create 76 full-time jobs and activate 8,835 square feet of vacant and underutilized space, with the projects expected to generate a total private investment of more than $2.7 million. Of the 31 awardees, 22 businesses are located within Geographically Disadvantaged Areas.
The Match on Main program serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses as they seek to launch and grow in core downtown areas and commercial districts by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support an eligible small business through a competitive application process. The FY24 Match on Main application window yielded a total of 113 applicants from 80 communities – the highest participation to date.
In February 2024, the MSF board approved $750,000 in funding to further strengthen Match on Main’s role as a foundational MEDC program, ensuring that Michigan’s small businesses will continue to succeed in the state.
“Match on Main is an important tool for place-based small businesses and communities across Michigan and serves as a catalyst in driving small business investment and growth opportunities,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business Services at MEDC. “Through the Match on Main Program, we’re not just investing in small businesses; we’re revitalizing communities and fostering economic growth one entrepreneur at a time.”
FY24 Match on Main Recipients Of the FY24 Match on Main grantees awarded, eight are new businesses and 23 are existing businesses, including 15 restaurants, nine retail establishments, five service businesses and two other businesses that demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing community infrastructure and boosting local employment.
In Alpena, the city awarded a $25,000 grant to Mangos Express for the creation of a walk-up counter and bar off the back of the building that faces an alleyway. The alleyway is being transformed into a pedestrian-only public gathering space in collaboration with the DDA, City of Alpena, and surrounding businesses.
“Our business will forever be positively impacted by being selected for this grant,” said Hugo Mendez, owner of Mangos Express. “We will be using this award to continue with the re-opening of Mangos Express, which will also provide our community with more job opportunities. Our number one goal is to always give back to our amazing community that has given so much to us.”
In the village of Stevensville, a $22,157.36 grant was awarded to Watermark Brewing Company to support the expansion of its beer garden. The development will transform a pre-existing blight property, enhancing the local downtown corridor and boosting the area’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Match on Main grant,” said Chris Mason, co-founder of Watermark Brewing Company. “This expansion allows us to retain and potentially increase our workforce, ensuring that we continue to play a vital role in Stevensville’s thriving business community. Moreover, it positions Stevensville as a key destination for beer enthusiasts and tourists, further boosting the local economy.”
July 2024 Match on Main grantees
Michigan’s small businesses are a vital part of the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. Helping businesses to open and grow is a key focus of MEDC, and the Match on Main Street program provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts to grow and succeed. Get more information on the Match on Main program.
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