Policy Priorities

The Alliance adopted the following policy priorities in late 2020. These priorities are the coalition’s umbrella beliefs and policy purpose, while the 2021 framework outlines what we hope to achieve or how we will engage should certain policy issues arise during 2021. These policy priorities and framework will guide the Alliance’s advocacy through 2021 and into the future.

SUPPORT

Support the success of existing northern Michigan businesses.

Action: Proactively anticipate and address the needs of the existing business community.

Focus Areas: Competitive tax environment, regulatory issues, industry-specific legislation

DEVELOP

Develop and attract a talented workforce in northern Michigan.

Action: Policies that make northern Michigan an attractive location for talent.

Focus Areas: Housing; child care; education; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; relocation incentives; talent pipeline; parks and natural areas

COMPETE

Maximize the competitiveness of the rural northern Michigan business environment.

Focus Areas: Broadband expansion, Public Act 51, Pure Michigan, high water, affordable energy production, energy distribution in northern Michigan, quality rural healthcare, an efficient supply chain, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation equity policies for northern Michigan

2021 POLICY FRAMEWORK

SUPPORT

  • Reduce licensing burden on businesses, including supporting industry-specific legislation to make staying in business easier
  • Support smart regulatory reform
  • Work to expand business operation opportunities

DEVELOP

  • Support access to skilled trades education and training
  • Strengthen relationships and collaboration with state departments, especially the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Support communities in adopting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion best practices
  • Promote innovative regulatory reform to provide access to quality child care
  • Support funding for Going Pro, opportunities to cultivate a remote workforce in northern Michigan, housing development in northern Michigan, innovative ways to promote access to quality child care, greater access to skilled trades education and training, support state funding for parks and recreation

COMPETE

  • Support broadband expansion to rural communities so businesses can compete in the global economy
  • Protect Public Act 51 or promote road funding distribution that accounts for rural communities
  • Support best practices for combating high water to protect communities, homes, and businesses
  • Promote affordable energy production and sufficient energy distribution in northern Michigan
  • Reduce regulatory barriers to increase the efficiency of the northern Michigan business supply chain (commerce and goods coming in and going out via air, water, rail, and road)
  • Strengthen relationships and collaboration with state departments, especially the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Support funding for Pure Michigan, research and development tax credits, Michigan Economic Development Corporation program dollars, broadband funding, rural healthcare, and road funding that recognizes the needs of rural communities