We all want to live in vibrant, safe communities; have access to good, high-paying jobs; and to enjoy an overall high quality of life. I am continuously amazed at all the economic development organizations in Southeast Michigan that are working hard every day to help improve people’s lives, grow our economy, and create great places to live, work, and recreate. That work is strengthened through dynamic partnerships, regional cooperation, and important contributions from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The hugely successful NFL Draft recently held in Detroit is a testament to strong partnerships and an unwavering vision to ensure Detroit would shine bright on the world stage. And shine it did.
A bird’s eye view of W. Jefferson Avenue in Downtown Trenton.
This week (May 6-10) is Economic Development Week. Created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016, Economic Development Week is a time for communities across the country to recognize and celebrate the efforts of economic developers who work tirelessly to drive economic prosperity, create employment opportunities, attract and grow talent and businesses, and improve the quality of life for all people.
To further support economic development in the region, SEMCOG was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2023, joining over 400 EDDs across the nation that are focused on economic development planning and project implementation that aligns with their region’s comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS). As part of that designation, SEMCOG has formed its new Economic Development Council to oversee and facilitate the development, maintenance, and implementation of the CEDS for Southeast Michigan. The current CEDS, Increasing Shared Prosperity for a Resilient Economy, was developed during the pandemic and adopted in 2021.
The Council is co-chaired by Mayor Roslyn Grafstein from the City of Madison Heights and Khalil Rahal, Director of Economic Development for DTE Energy. The Council membership features a broad representation of the economic interests of the region, including county and local government representatives, economic development agencies, educational institutions, workforce development agencies, labor organizations, community-based organizations, and private-sector stakeholders.
The new Council will provide a boost for regional economic development initiatives, as it will work to align public and private investment in the region and connect eligible local governments and higher education institutions to federal and state financial assistance programs. SEMCOG’s designation as an Economic Development District helps to make our region more competitive for EDA funding. If your community or organization is pursuing EDA funding for an economic development project that advances local and regional priorities, be sure to contact SEMCOG for a letter of support.
Southeast Michigan is home to an abundance of resources that contribute to economic opportunity. These include our workforce, the built environment, the natural environment, and our educational and industrial assets – all of which are interrelated and collectively form the basis of our regional economy across three key pillars: Place, Talent, and Business.
Beginning this summer, SEMCOG will collaborate with regional partners to develop the next CEDS, targeting adoption in 2026. In the coming months, SEMCOG will be engaging with local governments and economic development organizations, as well as the public, to gain a better understanding of current regional economic issues, opportunities, and priorities across Southeast Michigan. Additionally, we will be hosting a series of planning forums focused on the pillars of Place, Talent, and Business. The discussions and ideas that come out of these forums will help guide the planning process and serve as the backbone for updated policies and strategic actions in the next CEDS. Stay tuned!
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