Regional Approach to Economic Development Underway

In 2013, Governor Rick Snyder announced a regional prosperity initiative with some criticism, but is now closing in on the 10-region goal with minimal problems. Michigan Works! agencies have decreased from 25 different offices to 16 since the Governor’s announcement.

Michigan Works!, Networks Northwest, and other like companies are responsible for connecting employers with talent. Although created under federal legislation, these companies are almost always locally run.

Elaine Wood, CEO of Networks Northwest, has commented that although there have been concerns from the county commissioners responsible for reorganizing the agencies, almost all have seen benefits from this consolidation. Holland and Allegan County were used as an example, where Holland is responsible for about 17 percent of Allegan County’s tax revenue, but a portion of the city is in Ottawa County. With the funding having been split between these two counties, it creates unnecessary hardships on customers.

Ms. Wood commented that the more things are split up like Allegan County in regards to Holland, the less successful and meaningful the services are. At the same time, a one-size-fits-all approach to the state as a whole isn’t successful either. In her opinion, the regional approach Michigan is adopting is the best solution.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 25, 2015 2:41 PM
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