Topic: Economy

As the Michigan Legislature’s “Lame Duck” year-end session begins in earnest, the West Michigan Policy Forum (WMPF) is calling on Michigan legislators to disregard failed…
Small businesses are the cornerstone of Michigan’s economy, particularly in West Michigan, where local entrepreneurs fuel innovation and job creation. Yet, misguided policy decisions in…
The West Michigan Policy Forum was one of the first to report on the troubling trend of national companies that have decided to eliminate or…
Tens of thousands of young people across Michigan will walk proudly across ceremonial stages this spring to receive their hard-earned college diplomas. But in light…
We’ve noticed a troubling trend recently that brings back memories of a time we’d like to all forget in the state of Michigan – The…
Although it’s been said that April showers bring May flowers, not everything is coming up roses for Michigan’s economy. Our economic garden, if you will,…
The health of our economy is critical to helping all Michigan families prosper. Unfortunately, we continue to see economic fallout resulting from anti-business decisions being…
Small business owners, legislators and economic development officials throughout Michigan  - it’s time to register for the West Michigan Policy Forum’s biennial conference in Grand…
The city of Grand Rapids, Kent County and other parts of West Michigan were some of the fastest growing areas in our state during the…
The state of Michigan has truly become the home of sports champions. Coach Jim Harbaugh led his University of Michigan football squad to a national…
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her sixth annual State of the State address this week. While we agree with the governor about the policy areas…
Michigan is moving further away from being a top 10 state, as shown by the West Michigan Policy Forum’s “Michigan Economic Scorecard.” This continuously updated…
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Growing Michigan Together Council” has become the “Growing Michigan Taxes Council.” According to a media report, it plans to recommend tax hikes…
Bolger: “The political ‘climate change’ our state Capitol is experiencing right now is directly responsible for raising people’s taxes, decimating our state’s population, and putting…
Michigan has a new powerhouse group advocating for workers, families, and job creators: The Great Lakes Growth Coalition. The coalition brings together a diversity of…
Families and job creators need simple, fair, and easy-to-understand rules and regulations. Yet the state Senate may soon open the door to a maze of…
Mandatory paid leave ultimately hurts everyone by making it more difficult for companies to make on-time deliveries of needed products and services. That’s the message…
Michigan has a bad track record of government-run programs. That’s worth remembering now that Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature are trying to pass a…
September 18, 2023 TO: Michigan Population Commission Co-chairs John Rakolta and Shirley Stancato Individuals and families seek what is best in order to flourish. There are…
For small businesses, few things matter more than a level playing field and a strong workforce. The West Michigan Policy Forum agrees with Gov. Gretchen…
Second to last. That’s where Michigan stands on population growth, compared to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In the two decades between…
Michigan’s former Right-to-work law has always been about jobs. And at Southwest Michigan First, we believe the greatest force for change is a job. With…
Educators carry one of the heaviest lifts in our communities shaping our leaders of tomorrow - and unfortunately, Michigan is on the brink of making…
Taxpayers are paying more than $680,000 for every single job created at the planned electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. With state incentives that…
Michigan employers continue to face a severe labor shortage, slowing down business growth. Unfortunately, these challenges are compounded by a declining state population and the…
Financial Literacy Month in April is a great opportunity to illustrate why a financially literate population is so important for a healthy state economy. In…
State business climate rankings are immensely important because companies use them to help determine where to locate new facilities, which in turn helps create good-paying…