Michigan has reversed decades of population decline, but the state’s next governor will still face a major challenge: convincing more young people to build their futures here.
A recent Detroit Regional Chamber survey found more than one-quarter of Michigan’s young adults expect to leave the state within the next decade.
There are signs of progress.
Michigan has now posted four straight years of population growth, including its first year of positive domestic migration in more than three decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.
Still, the state’s demographic headwinds remain significant.
Roughly one-third of Michigan’s population is now over age 55, and experts warn there are not enough younger workers entering the labor force to replace those retiring.
The five major candidates for governor all agree that Michigan must create more opportunities for young people.
But they offer very different ideas for how to make that happen.
John James: Lower taxes and grow businesses
Republican U.S. Rep. John James said Michigan needs to become a place where young people can find good jobs, keep more of what they earn and feel confident raising a family.
“Do I feel like I can have a good job that pays well?” asked James. “Am I going to be able to keep more of my own money? And do I feel I’m going to be able to raise a family? This addresses the fact that we can’t just cut and sue our way; we need to also grow. We need to make Michigan a place where people can innovate and where they can start and participate in businesses again.”
James also said he would refocus the Michigan Economic Development Corp. on helping existing entrepreneurs grow by improving access to capital, contracts, and regulatory assistance.
“We need to make sure that we’re focusing on keeping that money here, and the change in culture is going to be access to capital,” said James. “Access to contracts, and a concierge approach to compliance. This is going to help everyone from the big businesses to the barber shops.”
Mike Cox: Eliminate the income tax
Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said Michigan cannot compete with states such as Florida, Texas, Indiana, and Ohio without lowering taxes and reducing regulations.
“But the reality is if we create circumstances where we cut people’s taxes, we lower the burden of regulation, which chases jobs away; people will stay, young people will stay,” said Cox.
Cox also argued that improving schools is essential to keeping families in Michigan.
“My dad used to say, Michael, when I came here, that the streets of Detroit were paved with gold, and he was right,” said Cox. “As a carpenter, he could raise his family in a good neighborhood, safe streets, a good school, and he knew each and every one of his kids could do better. We need to restore that idea and let parents know that we can do better; your children can do better if they stay here and we fix our economy and education.”
Perry Johnson: No state income tax
Businessman Perry Johnson said eliminating Michigan’s income tax would make the state far more attractive to younger workers.
“We eliminate the income tax; we ignite the state because young people love to keep their money,” said Johnson. “Think about this. You get a paycheck, you’re expecting $1,000, and for the first time in your life, you see that check is at $625. Where’d that money go? So, every single state in the union that eliminated the income tax ignited that state. There isn’t a single exception.”
Johnson said he wants to build an economy that convinces graduates—including his own children—to remain in Michigan.
“I want my kids to stay here,” said Johnson. “I want, I want my kids to say yes, I’m got to be in Michigan. Why would I go elsewhere? And look at all the parents that have lost their children to other states, just because we have not had that vibrant economy.”
Jocelyn Benson: Education drives economic growth
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Michigan’s long-term economic success begins with improving public education.
“We do not grow our economy if we don’t improve our public education system,” said Benson. “And so, my economic vision for the state is linked to improving our schools. And that’s why every dollar of our state budget needs to be prioritized through that lens. How do we grow our economy, reduce costs? We do that in part by improving public education in our state.”
Benson said she also wants to diversify Michigan’s economy so graduates can pursue a wide range of careers without leaving the state.
“My hope is that every kid graduating in a time like this, in June of 2030 or 2035, is career or college ready,” said Benson. “Ready to change the world and go into either a two- or four-year college or right into an apprenticeship and a great, thriving career, and that we diversify our economy to ensure no matter what career you go into, you can do it here in Michigan.”
Chris Swanson: Assess the economy and promote business
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said he would begin by conducting a full assessment of Michigan’s economy before making major changes.
“Yeah, well, no disrespect to who’s there now or anything that’s happened,” said Swanson. “I’m not there yet, but I’m going to tell you this: I’ll know when I get there because we’re doing on a full assessment as to where we’re at, what we need, and what we’re doing well.”
Swanson also said Michigan must send a clear message that it welcomes businesses.
“We’re a purple state for a reason,” said Swanson. “The whole country is watching this election. Are we open for a business or are we making it difficult for business? And when that happens, then we’re either moving forward or backwards. We’re going forward.”
Different paths to the same goal
The Republican candidates largely agree that lower taxes, fewer regulations, and a stronger business climate are the fastest way to create jobs and persuade young people to stay in Michigan.
The Democratic candidates argue that investing in education, evaluating the state’s economic performance, and building a more diverse economy will better position Michigan to attract employers and retain young workers.
Michigan voters will decide next year which vision they believe offers the strongest path forward for the state’s economy.