The collective success of Southeast Michigan depends on various sources of economic and community vitality throughout the region. Each county, community, and educational institution has something unique to offer. Each strategy for economic development is like a sharpened edge guiding us toward success.
For Southeast Michigan to prosper, we must understand our collective strengths and leverage them into meaningful outcomes. This is why regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration are key. Throughout this document, we explore some of our strengths and essential areas of focus to ensure future success. Data will always remain the foundation of SEMCOG's work, and we are pleased to have new and innovative economic metrics and data tools to use and share with you. SEMCOG’s Location Analysis and Visitation Tool, for example, can help to guide planning with data on visitor and foot traffic for parks and recreation assets, downtowns and commercial corridors, and events and festivals.
We also explore the power of community events, housing, and abundant access to water to help define quality places in our region. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is game-changing for our region's economy, starting with all the jobs created just for its construction. This immense undertaking also serves to remind us of the importance of a deep bench of highly skilled talent, something Southeast Michigan has boasted for over 100 years. Legal immigration, along with increased participation across all our workforce populations, will remain a key to sustaining our growth and economic success.
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