Inaction is Not an Option, Cracks From Population Loss Showing

When asked to co-lead Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Growing Michigan Together Council with Ambassador John Rakolta Jr., I knew addressing the state’s declining population wouldn’t be easy. The task at hand is incredibly complex, involves numerous variables and frankly, it’s downright hard.

Shirley Stancato at the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference.

While this experience has been challenging, it has also been deeply insightful. The information I’ve studied over the past several months has informed my thinking in fresh ways. It’s also made one thing blatantly clear: We’re failing Michigan residents.

Michigan’s Young Talent Flocking Elsewhere for Better Opportunities

Today, Michigan’s young adults are flocking to places like Chicago, Boston, and Denver for better jobs and education opportunities. Pair this disheartening news with the fact that Michigan’s current population is aging at a faster rate than the nation, and you’ve got a statewide predicament: we simply don’t have enough people to do the jobs.

Communities across the state are dealing with waves of population loss and are struggling to hire essential workers such as teachers, wait staff, firefighters, bus drivers and nurses.

Overall, Michigan ranks 49th in the nation in terms of population growth and we’re starting to see the cracks. Reversing population growth trends isn’t simple, but it’s something the council is working expeditiously to solve.

Inclusive, Bipartisan Dialogue Gives Us Chance of Success

Since the Council’s inception in June, almost 100 workgroup members did a tremendous job collecting data, conducting research, and collaborating to generate bold ideas that can grow Michigan’s population and prepare our economy for the future. The workgroup members were carefully selected to represent the diversity of Michigan residents and encourage a bipartisan voice. This inclusive approach and the willingness to put differences aside to serve future generations is what will give us the chance to succeed.

Infrastructure, Affordable Housing, Education Among Top Priorities

In tandem with the Council’s work, Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe set out across the state to find out what residents love about Michigan and what would make our state an even better place to call home. To date, over 11,000 residents made their voices heard, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure like creating a more robust transportation system, availability and affordability to housing, better jobs, improved K-12 education and enhanced college to career opportunities were among their top priorities.

Hearing from as many viewpoints, perspectives, and backgrounds as possible has been imperative to the council’s work and taking this critical feedback into consideration has helped shape our final recommendations. The Council’s task to generate ideas is just the beginning. It will take all of us working together to enact real change.

Doing Nothing is Not an Option

It’s time to do right by every citizen and put forth recommendations that will not only grow the economy, but also ensure that every single person who wants to build a future right here in Michigan is afforded that opportunity. It’s time to get to work.

Shirley Stancato is Co-chair of the Growing Michigan Together Council.