While states in America's south and west are booming, Michigan's population today is smaller than it was 20 years ago. Blue-ribbon councils and Lansing politicians talk about the need to get Michigan growing again, but key indicators show our state continues to spin its wheels and dig even deeper into the muck. Some believe Michigan is doomed due to its winter climate, but other cold-weather states have found strategies to prosper.
Please join the Mackinac Center for cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres and an informative discussion on the lessons Michigan can apply from states that are succeeding in attracting job-seekers, families and businesses.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Whiskey on the Water
2903 Biddle Ave.
Wyandotte, MI 48192
Call our Events office at
This event is $10 per attendee, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres included.
RSVP is required by August 6
Register online
Michael LaFaive is the senior director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, where he has worked since 1995.
He is perhaps best known for his scholarly work examining state “economic development” programs. His studies and frequent commentaries on this topic have garnered him a national reputation as a respected critic of state and local government economic development policies.
Jonathan Williams is the chief economist and executive vice president of policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), where he works with state policymakers, congressional leaders and members of the private sector to develop fiscal policy solutions for the states. Williams founded the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform in 2011 and co-authors Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer Economic State Competitiveness Index with Reagan economist Dr. Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore. Prior to joining ALEC, Williams served as staff economist at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, authoring numerous tax policy studies.
Michael Van Beek is director of research for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He has authored several studies for the Center as well as analysis and commentaries that have been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, The Grand Rapids Press, The Oakland Press and elsewhere.
