Combat the threat of Chinese connected vehicles
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Project DIAMOnD Calls for “Infrastructure for Innovation”
Gov. Whitmer Announces Wayne, Oakland, Macomb Commit to Expand Project DIAMOnD and Calls for Statewide Expansion of “Infrastructure for Innovation” Counties will scale up Automation Alley’s unprecedented network of 3D printers, delivering on governor’s vision to build the “Infrastructure for Innovation” businesses need to lower costs, boost output
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer brought leaders from Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties together to announce their commitment to an expansion of Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD, a shared network of 3D printers that small manufacturers in all three counties can use to lower their costs and scale up their businesses, with a goal of eventual statewide expansion. This announcement is part of the governor’s vision to build out the “Infrastructure for Innovation,” shared technology or resources that entrepreneurs and businesses can use to grow in Michigan.
“Today’s commitment by Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties to expand Automation Alley’s Project DIAMOnD will help us grow our economy, lower costs for small businesses, and build out the ‘Infrastructure for Innovation’ we need to lead the future,” said Governor Whitmer. “Looking forward, we can build on this momentum and expand this network of 3D printers statewide. At this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, I am focused on unleashing Michigan innovation to solve some of the biggest problems we face and grow the cutting-edge industries that will help us lead the future while recruiting and retaining top talent to Michigan. Together, we will continue bringing public and private sector partners together to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses compete on a global scale. Let’s get it done.”
“Project DIAMOnD was inspired during the dark days of COVID, born out of frustration about supply chain issues and dependency on oversees manufacturing,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “It is giving Oakland County businesses access to 3D printing technology and training that is allowing them to dramatically cut production time and costs as well as keep manufacturing right here in Michigan. After our initial investment of $25 million over two phases, we are thrilled that Macomb, Wayne, and the State of Michigan are joining the program to make it a regional and statewide priority – and an opportunity for global competitiveness.”
“We are pleased to partner with all the stakeholders on this very important initiative—Project DIAMOnD—an innovative move that will help increase access to 3D printing technology to Wayne County’s more than 300 manufacturing companies,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Southeast Michigan has long been a national leader in manufacturing and automation, and in Wayne County, we are committed to keeping it that way. Making new technology more accessible is a significant step toward continuing our state’s history of innovation. I look forward to working with the state and our neighboring counties to help build upon our region’s successes and make Southeast Michigan a sought after destination for people to live, work and do business.”
“The foundation and future of our economic advantage in Southeast Michigan is advanced manufacturing,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “With world-class facilities and unrivaled talent, Macomb County is a destination where, from concept to consumer, no one does it better. This expansion of Project DIAMOnD statewide will strengthen our network of innovators with the cutting-edge tools and digital systems that will ensure we continue to be a leader in this space.”
“Project DIAMOnD represents the future of manufacturing. Through cutting-edge 3D printing technology, comprehensive training, and access to a vast network of industry leaders, Project DIAMOnD is empowering small- and medium-sized manufacturers to accelerate their digital transformation,” said Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley. “With support from Oakland County, and collaboration from the State and Macomb and Wayne Counties, we are putting our flag in the ground and building the world’s largest additive manufacturing ecosystem—right here in Michigan.”
Expanding Project DIAMOnD Project DIAMOnD, which stands for Distributed, Independent, Agile Manufacturing on Demand, is a unique partnership forged by Automation Alley that was kickstarted in 2020 with federal funding thanks to Executive Dave Coulter’s pioneering leadership in Oakland County.
Now, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties have committed to expanding it with federal funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The expansion will help the more than 9,100 small manufacturers across all three counties access a network of 3D printers that many hundreds of local businesses have already used to lower costs, increase production efficiency, or grow their businesses. Ultimately, the goal is statewide expansion, so small manufacturers across Michigan—in all 83 counties—can access this network. Getting this done would make Michigan a national model.
Building the Infrastructure for Innovation Today’s expansion is part of Governor Whitmer’s push to build the “Infrastructure for Innovation” that entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and small businesses need to expand in Michigan. This includes boosting access to specialized equipment or technology like 3D printers that many businesses could use but few can access.
By facilitating connections like Project DIAMOnD, Michigan can continue working with public and private sector partners to make even more tools and resources—the Infrastructure for Innovation—available to budding entrepreneurs and business owners. Bold, unprecedented initiatives like these are also talent attraction and retention tools and will help Michigan compete to bring top talent from across the nation and around the world home.
Governor Whitmer’s Vision for Economic Development Governor Whitmer has a comprehensive vision for economic development focused on winning projects, supporting people, and investing in places. She called for four new economic development tools in her 2024 State of the State address.
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Bipartisanship necessary for Farm Bill communities deserve
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| Hi there,
Last week I told you about the National Defense Authorization Act – known in national security circles as the NDAA – and my role in moving it forward through the House Armed Services Committee. Another big hearing you probably heard about focused on the Farm Bill, which is Congress’ once-every-five-years chance to make sure we can feed ourselves by ourselves. As a national security professional, and the only Michigander to sit on the House Agriculture Committee, I’m committed to the idea that food security is national security. (You’ll also hear me point out that we’re the most agriculturally diverse state with regular access to water – a dig at my California colleagues.) There was a great deal of agreement on major portions of the bill version we debated, but, overall, it missed the mark. The bill we considered would take food away from hungry families with the largest cuts in decades to SNAP – a nutrition program that Michiganders rely on, it would cut programs that help Michigan farmers protect our Great Lakes, and it would restrict the Department of Agriculture’s ability to respond to crises like the avian flu cases that are affecting our state. Luckily, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Stabenow has drafted her own bill that does much of what the House bill does, without cutting out pieces that are vital for Michigan. Bipartisan work in Congress is still possible: The House Armed Services Committee passed the defense authorization bill with a bipartisan 57-1 vote. We got our work done by moving in a bipartisan fashion. With narrow majorities in the House and Senate, if we’re going to pass a Farm Bill into law, we will need to compromise like adults. I’ll continue to urge my colleagues to work toward the bipartisan Farm Bill we need and our communities deserve. – Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
Bold New Housing and Energy Initiatives to Lower Costs
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Announces Bold New Housing and Energy Initiatives to Lower Costs for Michigan Michigan increases housing goal and announces programs to lower home energy costs for 28,000 families, helping more Michiganders reach their dreams of owning a home
LANSING, Mich.– At the Mackinac Policy Conference today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced significant strides in housing and energy initiatives, continuing Michigan’s national leadership in leveraging climate and clean energy-related federal funding. This includes raising the state’s five-year housing production goal by over 50% and investing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households through the Solar for All and Home Energy Rebate Programs. The initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. “Together, we’re going to lower housing and energy costs for Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “By raising our statewide housing goal to 115,000 units, we will build more housing to drive down costs and ensure every Michigander has a safe, affordable place to call home. Thanks to our partners in the Biden-Harris administration, we have federal resources headed our way to lower energy costs for Michigan families by helping them upgrade to more energy efficient home appliances and install solar panels on their homes or in their community to save them money on their utilities. These upgrades will keep families cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and improve their quality of life. Let’s keep taking action to lower costs on housing and energy, two fundamental issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.” Governor Raises State’s Five-Year Housing Production Goal by Over 50% Since Governor Whitmer office, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has invested twice as much compared to the last administration to build, rehab, or finance 34,000 homes, supporting 20,000 jobs. At the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference, the governor set a goal of permitting, building, or rehabbing 75,000 additional units in five years—by September 2026. Currently, Michigan is ahead of schedule with nearly 50,000 units built, rehabbed, or permitted. Today, the governor raised Michigan’s five-year statewide housing target to 115,000—a 53% increase. This pushes Michigan closer to the goal of ensuring everyone has access to the middle class, starting with homes and utilities they can afford. “We are celebrating our hard work in funding $1.23 billion to finance, build, and rehab thousands of homes in the last year while recognizing that we need to raise the bar higher to end the housing crisis for Michigan families,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA. “We’re committed to listening to our local and regional partners, moving quickly with creative solutions, and working hard to make communities and neighborhoods better.” In addition to investing unprecedented new resources, MSHDA has been implementing the Statewide Housing Plan in partnership with the members of the Statewide Housing Partnership and the local and regional leaders of each of the Regional Housing Partnerships. That work has led to new investments from the state legislature, solutions that eliminate unnecessary burdens and red tape on developers and local governments, and collaboration in support of making neighborhoods and communities stronger.
Recent MSHDA innovations include:
Michigan Brings Home Millions in Federal Dollars to Lower Energy Costs Governor Whitmer also announced today that Michigan has brought home $367 million from the US Department of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All programs to lower energy costs for Michiganders. This funding aims to cut monthly bills for 28,000 homes, help more than 18,000 low-income households install solar on their roof or in their community and install energy efficiency measures, and reduce the cost of new energy-efficient appliances for over 10,000 working families. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will administer these new programs.
“Our new Home Energy Rebate and MI Solar for All Programs, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will lower energy costs for thousands of households across the state while helping implement the MI Healthy Climate plan, the state’s climate action roadmap,” said Phil Roos, EGLE Director. “Expanding access to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and efficient appliances is a critical step, particularly for our low-income and environmental justice communities, towards reducing pollution, protecting our world-class natural resources, and lowering energy costs for families. These investments will create a positive and lasting impact for Michiganders today and tomorrow.”
Michigan received just over $210.8 million for the state’s Home Energy Rebate Programs. Of this total, $105.6 million is allocated for the Home Efficiency Rebates and $105.2 million is allocated for the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. The Home Efficiency Rebates provide funding to lower the upfront cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in single-family and multi-family homes aiding retrofitting and electrification efforts. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates help finance the upfront cost of efficient electric technologies and appliances in single-family and multi-family homes. These resources will be available to families this fall.
Michigan recently celebrated a historic $156 million investment to accelerate the deployment of affordable renewable energy for thousands of low-income households across the state. This initiative, known as the Michigan Solar for All (MISFA) program, aims to reduce utility costs for families, foster job creation, and strengthen Michigan’s advanced clean energy sector—all while moving the state toward its MI Healthy Climate Plan goals. MISFA is expected to make a substantial impact by providing low-income households across Michigan access to affordable renewable energy and enabling home repairs, reducing energy bills by up to 20% and providing additional meaningful benefits. These dollars will be available to Michigan families in the summer of 2025.
“Everyone deserves to make it in Michigan, and that means ensuring housing and energy are more affordable so Michiganders have money in their pockets to provide for their families,” said Zachary Kolodin, Michigan’s chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “We’re committed to harnessing federal dollars to create a robust housing plan and invest in clean energy. By doing so, we’re making renewable energy more accessible, decreasing the cost of living, creating good-paying jobs, and growing the economy.” |
State Treasury Providing Individuals, Businesses Tax Relief
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167 State Treasury Department Providing Individuals, Businesses Tax Relief due to Governor’s Emergency Declaration in Southwest MichiganIndividuals, Businesses in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch and Cass Counties Can Request State Tax ReliefLANSING, Mich. – With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring a “state of emergency” for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch and Cass counties due to severe weather on May 7, the Michigan Department of Treasury is providing an opportunity for severe storm and tornado survivors to obtain tax relief. Individual and business taxpayers who reside in the emergency area can request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills, with penalties and interest waived. These four southwest Michigan counties have been severely affected by strong winds and tornadoes, causing damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. “Families and businesses in southwest Michigan need relief to recover from the severe storms and tornadoes,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Impacted individuals should not have to worry about paying a state tax bill or filing a state return – they need to focus on their recovery. If taxpayers need more time to file and pay because of the emergency, there will not be any late penalties or interest. We will get through this challenge together.” To request relief due to this emergency, individuals unable to meet filing or payment deadlines should contact Treasury at 517-636-4486. Businesses are asked to call 517-636-6925. In addition, affected taxpayers may write to Treasury to request emergency-related tax relief. When writing, the following must be included in the correspondence:
Taxpayers should send the completed correspondence to the following address: Michigan Department of Treasury Some taxpayers may receive a preliminary assessment notice before a tax relief request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone to resolve. To learn more about Michigan’s tax system, go to https://www.michigan.gov/ |
OC Rises from Silver to Gold in Environmental Leadership
Oakland County Rises from Silver to Gold in Environmental Leadership
- Oakland County achieved gold status for exemplary action in the Michigan Green Communities program.
- The Oakland SAVES Grant Program committed more than $5 million in grants for energy-efficient upgrades to more than 1,050 homes.
- The county has planted hundreds of trees on campus and reduced fleet fuel consumption.
Pontiac, Mich., May 22, 2024 – Oakland County has risen from silver to gold certification for its environmental leadership from the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program.
“Through innovative initiatives like Oakland SAVES and our concerted efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, Oakland County is moving toward a greener, more sustainable future,” County Executive Dave Coulter said.
As part of the annual MGC Challenge, local governments can win bronze, silver, gold or platinum seals of achievement in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, and environmental justice. At the 2023 MGC Challenge, seven communities received bronze certification, 20 received silver certification, and 36 received gold certification.
The county earned gold by reaching sustainability goals in the following categories:
- Planning for inclusive and lasting impacts
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Responsibly managing materials
- Sustainable land use and economic development
- Improving health outcomes
- Protecting and conserving water resources
- Supporting clean and inclusive mobility
- Inspiring and mobilizing residents
“Oakland County’s elevation to gold certification in multiple environmental categories underscores our relentless pursuit of sustainability, resilience, and community well-being,” Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell said.
Environmental sustainability is one of the 8 Strategic Goals that guides Oakland County. In 2023, the Oakland County Office of Sustainability with Michigan Saves invested $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to create the grant program, Oakland SAVES (Simple Actions for Valuable Energy Savings). The program helped more than 1,050 households receive approval for energy- and money-saving home improvements, including attic insulation and ENERGY STAR furnaces. On the Oakland County campus, the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Facilities, Maintenance & Operations decreased its fleet’s fuel consumption, added electric and hybrid vehicles, and planted nearly 500 trees — all to reduce carbon emissions.
The MGC program is free to all local governments in Michigan. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at migreencommunities.com.