Highlights of the Economic Development Strategy Task Force’s Meeting on Talent

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The SEMCOG/Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) Economic Development Task Force met on August 19 to focus on Talent and its importance as one of our region’s economic pillars.

Task force Co-chair Allesandro DiNello, President & Chief Executive Officer, Flagstar Bank, kicked off the meeting by giving an overview of the July meeting. He also grounded the conversation in the overall focus of the strategy – to enhance opportunities for shared prosperity in our evolving economy, through the lens of health and equity.

Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, discussed the state’s perspective on talent strategies during and after the pandemic. He outlined challenges identified prior to COVID-19 and the three metrics for measuring success:

• Removing barriers to higher income and driving down poverty,
• Post-secondary educational attainment rate, and
• Good/promising job creation and placement.

Screenshot from the Economic Development Task Force​ meeting.

He described how Michigan is supporting businesses, prioritizing workplace safety, and giving people tools for a better life. He noted several program/initiatives to assist residents, including Sixty by 30, Skills to Work, and Expanded Apprenticeships.

Photos from MiCareerQuest Southeast 2019.

Task force members received information on SEMCOG/MAC Talent priorities, which are aligned with the state’s actions and supportive of state initiatives. Talent is critical to growing the economy and creating well-paying jobs. Education, training, and technology all play a role in supporting talent in our region.

Information on the new SEMCOG Quick Facts report, Profile of Jobs and Workers Most Impacted by COVID-19 Lockdowns in Southeast Michigan, was shared. The report identified those businesses and populations most impacted by the COVID crisis. This information is critical, not only in formulating current recovery efforts in a targeted manner, but also to be better prepared for any future COVID-like economic shocks.

Task force members split into breakout groups to discuss both short- and longer-term strategies for talent. Discussion addressed vulnerable industries and vulnerable workers; automation and technology; retraining and reskilling; developing interest and skills in entrepreneurship; and how work-from-home and remote office trends will impact the future workforce and workplace. The information gathered will be used in developing actions for the economic development strategy.

We’d also like to hear from you! SEMCOG and MAC are excited to announce the launch of the new Pulse of the Region Survey on the Economy. Please take and share this survey with your networks!

Additionally, there are upcoming opportunities where you can help inform our work in developing the regional economic development strategy. This includes the October 15-16 General Assembly, which will be held virtually this year. Registration will open soon on SEMCOG’s website.