Supporting Housing Development in Michigan: Key Tools from MSHDA

As Michigan communities grow, accessible and affordable housing remains essential for sustained economic development. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers innovative programs that can make a significant difference for developers, local authorities, and community planners. Two standout initiatives—MI Neighborhood 2.0 and Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF)—are currently available to support housing projects across the state.

 

MI Neighborhood 2.0 Grant Program
This program, blending state and federal funding, is designed to respond to regional action plans aligned with Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. The grant supports various components of housing activity, such as strengthening neighborhood infrastructure and enhancing quality of life.

Why It Matters:
Strategic alignment with local needs
Flexible funding to address unique housing challenges
Opportunities for community-driven growth

Applications are open. Visit michigan.gov/mshda/neighborhoods for more information and to apply.

 

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Housing
MSHDA’s TIF program empowers local brownfield redevelopment authorities to capture tax revenues and fund affordable housing initiatives. By leveraging this tool, communities can create and preserve essential housing infrastructure, meeting diverse regional needs.

Key Benefits:
Supports affordable housing projects in underutilized areas
Enhances local redevelopment efforts
Aligns with statewide housing priorities for a broader impact

Learn more: michigan.gov/mshda/tif

 

A Collaborative Future for Housing in Michigan
At the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, these tools provide invaluable opportunities for our region’s growth. MSHDA’s programs are not just about housing—they’re about building more robust, vibrant communities.

Stay informed and take action. Explore how these initiatives can benefit your projects and strengthen our region’s future.

Upcoming Changes to Michigan Labor Laws: What Your Business Needs to Know

Significant legal changes are on the horizon for Michigan businesses. The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled on updates to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA), which will affect all businesses operating in the state. Understanding these changes and preparing your business is crucial.

To help you navigate these updates, we invite you to join the Alliance Roundtable. This event features insights from local experts Jacob Lynch and Tony Flaminio, who will discuss the implications of the court ruling and what it means for employers. Space is limited, so RSVP by Thursday, January 1, 2025.


Event Details

When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pine Grove Country Club, 1520 W Hughitt St., Iron Mountain, MI
RSVP at  bit.ly/ESTA-IWOWA


Why Attend?
Navigating legal changes can be challenging, but preparation is key. This roundtable will provide:

Expert Analysis: Gain insights from professionals familiar with Michigan’s labor laws.

Actionable Guidance: Learn practical steps to ensure your business complies with new requirements.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with other business leaders facing similar challenges.

Staying informed about legal changes is essential for protecting your business and employees. Take advantage of this opportunity to get ahead of the curve.

 

Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule Vacated

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the Department of Labor’s overtime rule that significantly increased the salary threshold. This ruling applies nationwide.

In its ruling, the court criticized the rule’s rise in the salary threshold level as displacing the duties test for white-collar exemptions by being too steep.

In light of the court’s decision, the minimum salary threshold is once again set to $35,568, and the threshold for “highly compensated employees” (those employees subject to a more streamlined “duties test”) is set to $107,432.

Please contact your HR professional or attorney for further questions and assistance.

You can read more about the ruling in this article from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) here.

Reconnect, Reimagine, Return: The 8th Annual Return North Career Fair Welcomes Job Seekers Back to the Upper Peninsula

In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a unique annual event is bringing together job seekers, alums, and U.P. natives from near and far for a day of virtual networking and career exploration. The 8th Annual Return North Career Fair, proudly presented by MTEC SmartZone in partnership with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! and Michigan Technological University, is scheduled for November 14, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST.

Designed to spotlight the U.P.’s thriving job market and connect talented professionals with top employers, the Return North Career Fair welcomes participants from all backgrounds. This event invites alums, former residents, and U.P. enthusiasts to rediscover the vibrant career possibilities across diverse industries. For those considering a return to the U.P., this virtual platform provides an ideal opportunity to explore current job openings, speak with hiring companies, and gain insights into the region’s evolving professional landscape.

A Unique, Virtual Platform for Career Growth and Connection

With an entirely virtual format, the Return North Career Fair allows attendees to connect with potential employers from the comfort of their own homes, no matter where they currently reside. This year, job seekers can participate entirely for free, while companies can engage with a skilled talent pool for a $225 registration fee, which includes prominent logo placement on the Return North website and access to the virtual networking platform.

Registration is now open at return-north.com, and companies and job seekers alike are encouraged to secure their spots. The career fair provides businesses an unparalleled opportunity to connect with professionals eager to bring their talents to the U.P. while showcasing their organizations in a premier hiring event that spans the entire region.

Opportunities for All: From Local Talent to Long-Distance Alumni

Whether you’re a local professional looking to advance your career, a recent graduate exploring options close to home, or someone considering a move back to the U.P., the Return North event offers valuable opportunities. In addition to connecting with recruiters, attendees will benefit from a range of resources designed to highlight the U.P.’s professional landscape. “Year after year, Return North brings together a diverse array of industries—from engineering and technology to health services and higher education,” says Jason Mack, VP of Business Development at MTEC SmartZone. “We’re excited to continue fostering connections between talented job seekers and innovative companies, helping to build a brighter future for the U.P.”

U.P. Michigan Works! – A Partner in Economic Growth

A longstanding partner of the Return North initiative, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! is dedicated to fostering economic growth and professional development in the region. Their support for the event ensures a seamless experience for job seekers and companies alike. “Return North is a tremendous opportunity for professionals to reconnect with their roots in a unique, virtual setting,” says Tom Autio, Communications and Communications Manager at U.P. Michigan Works! “With U.P. Michigan Works! support, those considering a return to the Upper Peninsula can seamlessly transition to a community that values professional growth and the lifestyle our region has to offer.”

Event Details and Registration

The Return North Career Fair will be an impactful day for the Upper Peninsula. MTEC SmartZone U.P. Michigan Works! and Michigan Technological University are excited to invite job seekers to register and participate.

Event Details
•  Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
•  Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
•  Location: Virtual
•  Cost: Free for Job Seekers | $225 for Companies
•  Register at: Return-North.com

Whether you’re looking to grow your career, make new connections, or explore what the Upper Peninsula has to offer, the Return North Career Fair is a powerful resource for anyone interested in making the U.P. their professional home. Take advantage of this chance to join a supportive community of professionals and take the next step in your career journey.