Urban Core Mayors endorses historic incentive, investment strategy
LANSING, Mich. – The Urban Core Mayors is the latest group to publicly support an all-of-the-above approach using dedicated, transparent funding for affordable housing, community revitalization, reliable transit and business incentives over the next 10 years.
“We believe now is the time for sensible reform and to implement a long-term economic development strategy that collectively meets the needs of people, place, and business. When we consider what is important for the future success of our communities, deploying a 10-year economic development strategy provides the certainty we need when looking to grow our cities,” according to a joint letter signed by mayors representing urban core communities. “As mayors, we are committed to working in our communities to provide vibrant, authentic experiences for residents and visitors, access to attainable housing, opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business, and robust mobility options. The proposal before the legislature is a historic opportunity to enact a comprehensive, long-term prosperity agenda for our communities, and for that reason, this legislation has our full and enthusiastic support.”
The letter was signed by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and co-signed by: Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, Muskegon Mayor Kenneth D. Johnson, Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney, Saginaw Mayor Brenda F. Moore, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Bay City Mayor Kathleen Newsham, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor.
House Bills 5768, 5769 and 5770 are pending before the full House. Without action, the state’s economic development incentives are set to sunset in 2025.
The legislation also would:
- Continue investing $250 million to provide economic development incentives to attract employers and create jobs annually, while creating additional accountability to the process of awarding projects.
- Invest $200 million each year in transformational transit and mobility projects.
- Provide $100 million to Housing and Community Development Fund, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, to build affordable housing across the state.
- Dedicate $50 million per year to the Revitalization and Placemaking Fund (RAP program), managed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to support community projects, including those aimed at increasing childcare services and improving access to community college.
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