“Make MI Home” is part of Governor Whitmer’s plan to grow Michigan’s population. Here’s what the campaign entails. 

$500,000 in grant funding is available to statewide partners to develop regional programs aimed at encouraging talent to make Michigan their home.

Michigan’s Growth Office has announced the launch of “Make MI Home,” a regional talent retention and attraction pilot program. The program is open to nonprofits, local governments, economic development organizations, philanthropic foundations, and talent attraction organizations across the state.

These groups will collaborate to create programs tailored to retaining or attracting talent in their specific regions. Selected regions will be responsible for launching their programs and making them available to both current and future residents.

“Make MI Home is a new talent program that will cast a wide net to help us retain current residents and welcome new Michiganders to our great state,” Governor Whitmer said in a July 25 press release. “My administration is focused on building on our reputation as a beacon of opportunity where anyone can ‘make it’.”

The governor also highlighted efforts like affordable housing construction, reducing the cost of education, and creating high-skill jobs as part of a broader strategy to attract talent.

A national poll conducted by the Growth Office earlier this year surveyed over 6,000 individuals from cities popular among young talent. Over 60% of respondents indicated plans to move in the near future or uncertainty about their relocation plans. Down payment and student loan repayment assistance were cited as motivating factors for potential relocation.

Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe emphasized the state’s diverse offerings, including natural beauty, innovative industries, and community investments. She noted that population growth strategies need to be region-specific and highlighted the pilot program as a way to develop unique local solutions to retain and attract residents.

The Growth Office, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is responsible for implementing the state’s blueprint for growth. This includes engaging Michiganders, launching pilot programs, and leading initiatives to increase the state’s population. The office has allocated $500,000 for the pilot, and applicants must organize consortiums within their prosperity region.

The grant recipients will be announced in mid-September, and applications close on Friday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m.

Actions Taken to Grow Michigan’s Population

• Over 11,000 Michiganders provided feedback on community challenges and strengths, shared with the Growing Michigan Together Council.
• In December 2023, the Council voted 19-1 in support of recommendations to grow the state’s population.
• Governor Whitmer’s 2025 executive budget includes items correlating to the Council’s growth blueprint, such as the Michigan Innovation Fund and Community College Guarantee.
• Legislative action and hearings have continued momentum around the population growth efforts.
• Since January 2024, more than 80 public education sessions and briefings on the growth blueprint have engaged local communities and stakeholders.
• Events like the MI HOMEcoming Tailgate showcased Michigan to visitors and residents during the NFL draft.
• National media coverage has highlighted Michigan’s innovative population growth initiatives.
• The You Can in Michigan campaign won 11 Telly awards for marketing excellence.
• A national poll surveyed over 6,000 people from 15 cities on their relocation considerations.
• A climate action survey was launched to understand the role of climate in relocation decisions.
• A summer roadshow highlighted communities implementing innovative projects aligned with the growth blueprint.