Up-skilling and re-skilling programs, focusing on both hard and soft skills, along with job search assistance are critical. A critical need exists for more skilled tradespeople, requiring not only increased training opportunities but also a cultural shift to value and promote these professions. Expanded access to and improved quality of post-secondary education, including more 4-year degree options and stronger university partnerships, are needed, along with a consideration of how much the community values 4-year education. Skills-based training, whether through college programs focused on in-demand careers or trade schools emphasizing practical skills, is important. Developing creative thinking and team-building skills is also important. Effective coordination and visionary leadership are needed to develop and implement these programs, ensuring jobs with livable wages that allow residents to afford to live in the region. There is also a need for more exposure to career tech centers for younger students, beyond just juniors. Education and training should also aim to give confidence to start a business/initiative/etc., rather than just getting a job.

Reliable broadband and cell coverage are essential for modern life and economic development. Transportation improvements, including expanded public transit options and better road maintenance, are needed to address congestion and reduce car dependence. The housing crisis requires urgent attention, with a need for more affordable options that are linked to adequate water and sewer infrastructure. Upgrades and expansion of water and sewer systems, especially in rural areas, and addressing limitations with wells and septic systems are crucial. Expanding natural gas service and investing in nature-based infrastructure for climate resilience are also important considerations. Finally, targeted industrial infrastructure development and the creation of commercial centers outside of the main city center can support economic growth and reduce traffic congestion. The transportation network needs attention, and land use/zoning, particularly sprawl, is not helping. Development within existing urban growth boundaries (LUGs), water quality issues with septic systems, and adequate and affordable infrastructure are also key. Collaboration between local units of government (LUGs) on infrastructure and access to technical expertise are vital.

Incentives for affordable housing development through tax breaks, expedited permitting, and employer-led initiatives can encourage the creation of more affordable units. Increasing housing density by allowing multi-family housing over just duplexes in single-family zones and promoting infill development in key corridors can also expand housing options. Removing barriers to a diversity of home types due to construction costs and focusing on all levels of affordability, not just low-income housing, are important. Addressing affordability requires ensuring that “affordable housing” is truly accessible to those with lower incomes and exploring strategies like regional housing taxes on short-term rentals to mitigate inventory loss, rephrasing “regulating short-term rentals” to be less demanding. Utilizing existing programs and revolving loan funds to support infrastructure development for affordable housing projects can further reduce developer costs. Finally, zoning reform, increasing the availability of skilled trades workers, providing low-interest loans for developers, improving infrastructure, and regulating short-term rentals are all crucial 34components of a comprehensive housing strategy. Different stages of life housing, focusing on forsale properties not just rentals, considering the costs of expanding infrastructure, and prioritizing the homeless population to be more feasible to house with built-in support systems and multi-modal transportation networks are also important.

Expanding and enhancing public transportation, both within towns and connecting surrounding areas, is crucial for commuters and residents. For freight, exploring rail connections and a shared distribution center for smaller businesses can improve efficiency. Road improvements should prioritize enhancing existing infrastructure rather than simply building more roads, with a focus on prioritizing maintenance of existing and future infrastructure. Continued investment in and expansion of non-motorized transportation options like bike paths and sidewalks are essential. Supporting direct air service expansion and considering a regional infrastructure tax on tourismrelated activities could provide funding for these improvements. Addressing transportation needs, such as extended sidewalks along major routes and bus service options, is also important. Finally, fostering a cultural shift towards greater use of shared transportation methods will be increasingly necessary as the region grows and road infrastructure faces greater strain. The intersection of placemaking with transportation, cutting some of the redundancy, safety of the transportation network, and collaboration with local, state, and federal funding sources are also key considerations.

Blue technology, driven by the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, is a prominent area of growth. A promising technology sector includes companies focused on energy efficiency and green solutions. The natural resources field is diversifying, with increasing emphasis on climate science and its integration into management strategies. Other emerging areas include aerospace/defense, boat manufacturing, fintech, outdoor recreation, remote work, insurance, healthcare, and potentially pharmaceutical research. Within the housing industry, 3D-printed homes offer a potential solution to the housing crisis. Finally, artificial intelligence and automation are also mentioned as emerging technologies, specifically AI relating to agriculture for crop management, field management, and pesticide use, as well as technology to extract more from natural gas wells (ag-tech).

Increasing the availability of affordable housing and childcare options is paramount, especially for families. Offering competitive wages and benefits that reflect the high cost of living is essential. Actively attracting new industries to the region can create more job opportunities and draw in talent. Enhancing community characteristics that appeal to families, such as quality schools and desirable amenities, can also play a role. Providing accessible training and continuing education opportunities within the region is crucial for workforce development. Expanding retail options can improve quality of life. Significantly increasing the housing supply is essential, as attracting more talent without addressing the housing shortage will only exacerbate affordability issues and hinder long-term retention of local residents. Fostering the authenticity of communities and preserving natural character and resources are also important.

Targeted marketing efforts, such as a Northern Michigan-focused “Pure Michigan” campaign or promoting the region within the Midwest, can reach specific audiences. Supporting experiential tourism by developing year-round attractions and activities can broaden the region’s appeal. Promoting sustainable tourism practices and educating visitors about preserving natural resources 35is crucial for long-term viability. Enhancing the visitor experience through hospitality training and improved way-finding technology can encourage repeat visits. Allowing limited short-term rentals for permanent residents could provide more lodging options without significantly impacting housing supply. Finally, a more deliberate approach to promotion, considering the region’s desired characteristics and ensuring alignment with zoning and other activities, can help manage growth and preserve what makes the region special. This includes promoting remote work, agriculture, and the business climate, and considering what type of tourism to promote, such as drinking culture, and its potential for talent attraction.

The region’s natural environment and resources are fundamental to its economy, serving as the cornerstone of its tourism industry and significantly impacting quality of life. These resources attract visitors and encourage people to relocate, driving economic activity. Preservation and protection of these assets, including water views, natural areas, and recreational opportunities, are crucial for continued economic success. Balancing resource utilization with environmental protection is essential, ensuring that development is concentrated to preserve farmland, wild spaces, and water quality. The natural environment is also seen as fragile, requiring careful management to avoid destroying the very qualities that attract people to the region. Prioritizing the natural environment in decision-making and recognizing its importance to the regional identity is key. Balancing resource utilization is necessary to allow for growth.

Encouraging rather than establishing formal collaborative bodies can provide structured platforms for interaction and joint initiatives, avoiding duplication of services. Creating funding opportunities that require collaboration can incentivize partnership formation and resource sharing. Improving communication and awareness between sectors through enhanced information sharing and educational programs is crucial for mutual understanding. Actively incentivizing collaboration through funding requirements and showcasing success stories can further motivate partnership development. Cross-promotion between organizations can increase visibility and collaborative opportunities. Ensuring inclusive stakeholder engagement in discussions on relevant issues brings diverse perspectives to the table. Continued support for existing connector organizations and investing in relationship building, especially for under-resourced stakeholders, are essential for long-term collaboration. Finally, while some believe the region is already strong in collaboration, actively maintaining this open culture and addressing divisive forces that hinder progress are vital for continued success.