Sheffield: ‘Poverty Elimination Is a Growth Strategy’

In her first Conference keynote address, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield presented data to underscore the importance of investing in people and the fact that poverty elimination and economic growth cannot coexist. 

Whitmer: ‘Big Achievements Require Collaboration’

In her last Conference keynote address and stage conversation as Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer revisits her many achievements in office, including factories, foundations, education, and, of course, the damn roads.

Related | Tributes to J. Michael Bernard, Sen. Gary Peters, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Two Moderates in Conversation: Hons. Chris Sununu and Jon Tester

Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, and former Montana Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, discussed why extremism is driving moderates out of public life. 

Cornel West: ‘What Kind of Human Beings Will We Choose to Be?’

In a keynote and conversation, Cornel West challenged attendees to think beyond politics and ideology, focusing instead on character, integrity, and the shared responsibilities of public life. 

The Chamber recently delivered a blunt reality check: Michigan’s “house is on fire,” and the state is falling behind. Panelists during today’s “What’s the Fix (WTF)?” session made clear the urgency can’t be ignored.

Learn more about Michigan’s challenges and why it’s important to get back on track with common ground solutions at houseonfiremi.com.

Michigan’s House Is on Fire, But Detroit’s Growth May Be the Bucket of Water

Detroit’s growth momentum is real, but scaling it statewide will require urgent action on talent, place, and policy alignment. As one leader put it during this panel conversation, if population stagnation is “the gasoline,” growth must become Michigan’s “bucket of water.”

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall focused on his legislative priorities and the key issues facing Michigan’s future.

The Henry Ford’s Patricia Mooradian highlighted the power of arts, culture, and philanthropy in shaping Michigan’s future.

Journalist and Author Devin Scillian encouraged a shift away from opinion-driven content, calling for a renewed focus on credible reporting.

Democratic US Senate Candidates Debate Key Issues

Democratic U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Abdul El-Sayed, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-MI 11), and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI 11) debated key issues, outlining competing visions ahead of a closely watched primary.

This session was developed in coordination with the Michigan Debate Commission.

Mike Rogers Makes His Case to Become US Senator

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, running to be the first Republican elected to the U.S. Senate from Michigan in this century, urged tax cuts and deregulation as antidotes to high housing and consumer prices.

This session was developed in coordination with the Michigan Debate Commission.

Neighborhood-Level Map Sheds Light on Resident Experiences, Backed by Data on Jobs, Schools, Housing, and Health Care Across Detroit

Gallup’s Camille Lloyd joined the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Sandy K. Baruah and Marnita S. Harris for the unveiling of the Detroit Voices Data Dashboard. 

A new interactive data tool, the dashboard allows users to explore how residents’ experiences with jobs, schools, health care, and housing vary across Detroit neighborhoods, the city, and the broader region. The tool offers local leaders new visibility into where conditions differ most and where resources may be needed.

Culture as Capital: Driving Growth and Community

Michigan’s cultural institutions are doing more than preserving history and art — they are fueling tourism, attracting talent, and helping reshape communities. Leaders from the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, The Henry Ford, and Motown Museum explored how culture is becoming a major economic and community development engine statewide.

This session was editorially crafted in partnership with Crain’s Content Studio.

The AI Shift Is Here. Now What?

Unprecedented investment in AI will dramatically reshape the economy by replacing large segments of the workforce, particularly entry-level, repetitive, and cognitive roles, while concentrating wealth among a small number of tech companies. Without proactive policy, workforce adaptation, and equitable distribution of value, this transformation risks deep economic disruption, generational job loss, and growing public backlash.

How Suppliers Navigate Volatility 

Michigan-based automotive suppliers highlighted how constant volatility, from tariffs and shifting EV policies to global competition and workforce gaps, is reshaping the industry, forcing companies to adapt quickly. Despite challenges, they emphasized flexibility, innovation, and stronger talent and policy alignment as critical to sustaining growth and competitiveness.

Chamber Names Tina Freese Decker the 2027 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair

During the Opening Session, Riney passed the baton for next year’s Conference to Tina Freese Decker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corewell Health, as the 2027 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair, describing her as a relationship builder and strategic leader who will guide the event in “incredibly capable hands.”

Related: Day 3 Opening Session: Baruah Calls for University Governance Reform

CBS News | Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Says She Will Not Run for President in 2028

The Detroit News | Mackinac Policy Conference Crowds Grow Second Day on Mackinac Island

The Detroit News | Slotkin, Stevens Seek Ban on Chinese Vehicles, Even for Day Trips

Michigan Advance | Mackinac Panelists Pitch Data Centers as ‘Golden Tickets’ — Environmental Advocates Remain Skeptical

WXYZ-TV | Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield Talks Business, Public Safety, and  Mackinac Conference