You are invited to a presentation and discussion of Michigan’s current condition and the prospects for the future given its current path.

Who: Citizens Research Council of Michigan

When: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm

Where: Varnum Law Office, 333 Bridge St. NW – Suite 1700, Grand Rapids

What: Over the past summer, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan and Altarum conducted a comprehensive analysis of Michigan’s population, economic and environmental conditions to help answer a fundamental question: In what direction is Michigan heading?

The five-part series offers a realistic, data-informed vision of Michigan’s future based on current trends and trajectories across multiple dimensions: demographic, economic, workforce, infrastructure, environment, and public services.

The analysis presented will show that Michigan has been losing ground over the past five decades. It has fallen behind other states in population growth, jobs, earnings, educational achievement, health, and the quality of public services at the state and local levels. Too few inter-state immigrants target Michigan as a destination, international immigration has fallen, and too many young Michigan residents are leaving.

Absent policy changes and investments, Michigan’s current path will lead to a shrinking population and continuing declines in the state’s competitiveness and quality of life.

The research shows that, despite the sobering statistics, there is a real opportunity to alter this path with policies that retain young residents and attract domestic and international immigrants to Michigan. Today’s state and local political, business, community, and foundation leaders can restore Michigan’s economic engine and destination status through sustained and coordinated investments in the state and its people.

Lunch will be provided. Please plan to park in the attached parking ramp and Varnum can provide parking vouchers. 

About the Citizens Research Council of Michigan: Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan works to improve government in Michigan. The organization provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivery of this information to policymakers and citizens, the Citizens Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan. For more information, visit www.crcmich.org.