Memo from Mackinac

EL CENTRAL Hispanic News was privileged to be invited to participate in the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Annual Mackinac Policy Conference this year. The conference was held at the Grand Hotel on beautiful Mackinac Island from May 30 to June 2. Each day was packed with breaking news and networking from the porch of the hotel to the afterglow receptions under the big tent or at the Pink Pony downtown.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made multiple announcements focused on new growth initiatives to stimulate both the economic health of our state and boosting our population based on spotlighting and reinforcing Michigan’s attractive quality of life.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled his plans to reform property taxes in the city of Detroit (and possibly other older cities in the state that have suffered from disinvestment) by cutting property taxes for homeowners and at the same time raising taxes on owners of vacant and blighted properties who currently contribute little to nothing to the city’s revenue base.

Panel discussions over the two full days of the conference featured leaders from business, government and nonprofit organizations sharing their thoughts and recommendations regarding the challenges facing our state ranging from affordable housing, economic and social inclusivity, Michigan’s fight for talent to stay competitive, arts and culture, criminal justice reform and the EV revolution, to name just a few.

The line up of featured speakers did not disappoint. Urban influencer and founder of The Creative Class Group Richard Florida discussed the evolving competition of places to attract remote workers from all around the country and the globe; Entrepreneur and Owner of the Dallas Mavericks Mark Cuban was the talk of the conference with his wide ranging, expletive-laced opinions and advice to businesses large and small to embrace AI (artificial intelligence) or get left behind; former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney declined to announce a run for president, but did not rule it out either; CNN Commentator and host of GPS, the Global Public Square, Fareed Zacaria focused on the rapid pace of change in today’s modern world and how the U.S. can remain relevant and a leader in the 21st Century, and Ford Motor Company Chairman Bill Ford shared his vision for the future of mobility, the company’s commitment to growing in Michigan and some personal views on having his daughter Alexandra on Ford’s Board of Directors to the
advantages of driving a hot, new Ford vehicle when stopped by law enforcement on the road!

Below, are more details about the new plans and initiatives announced by Mayor Duggan and Gov. Whitmer. EL CENTRAL will follow these proposals to keep our readers informed as they progress.