Secure Your Spot For Next Week’s Detroit Policy Conference

Don’t miss your chance to attend the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference.

This year’s Conference explores the leadership transitions underway in the Detroit Region and features the bold, adaptive leaders at the helm, tackling the Region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

Hear from leaders like DTE Energy’s Joi Harris, Bedrock’s Jared Fleisher, and Independent Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan. 

Plus, see education leaders like Michigan State University’s Kevin M. Guskiewicz and women executives like OpTech’s Ronia Kruse and Rebel Nell’s Amy Peterson, take the Conference stage.

Note: If the event sells out, on-site registration will not be available.

Conference Updates

Mayor Mary Sheffield will be attending the United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 28-30 and will not be able to attend the Detroit Policy Conference in person. Pre-recorded remarks from the Mayor will be shared with the business community during the Conference.

Following her video remarks, a panel of business leaders engaged in the administration’s transition will discuss what can be expected from their first 90 days.

For those unable to make it to the Conference, programming will be livestreamed on the Detroit Regional Chamber’s website. 

Contrasting Visions for the Auto Industry Take Center Stage in Detroit​

Detroit was the epicenter of the political world last week as President Donald Trump and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered major addresses outlining divergent paths for the future of the automotive industry and Michigan’s regional economy.

With the Detroit Economic Club and the Detroit Auto Show serving as backdrops, both leaders presented policy roadmaps that will directly shape the business environment for Michigan’s signature industry in 2026. 

From global trade to the future of mobility, see how both leaders’ views differ and what businesses need to know.

​Just Released: Quarterly Economic Indicator Update The Chamber just released its latest quarterly economic indicator update, which reports upon key statistics highlighting the Detroit Region’s economic well-being. The Good News: The Detroit Region’s unemployment rate remains low at 4.7% and nearly matches the country’s rate. Plus, business applications in the state remain strong and elevated. The Bad News: The Region’s job growth is stagnant and job postings are significantly down. Plus, the consumer sentiment index is at a historic low.  Explore the Full Update

Interested in More Key Regional Statistics? Pictured: Sandy K. Baruah at the 2025 State of the Region Explore the Chamber’s 12th-annual State of the Region report, which offers a targeted analysis of the Detroit Region’s population challenges and outlook, at the 2026 release event on Wednesday, March 25. Purchase Tickets

Highlights From the 2026 Detroit Auto Show​ From left to right: MichAuto’s Drew Coleman, Jim Sawyer, Scott Palmer, Jamal Muashsher The 2026 Detroit Auto Show kicked off last week, with the Chamber’s MichAuto program participating in discussions about the future of automotive and mobility. Key topics included the technical talent needed to support the industry’s rapid transition, how suppliers stay resilient in times of uncertainty, and how AI is changing the automotive landscape. Read Panel Recaps Pictured left to right: Paul Corbett, Bill Kordenbrock, Mike Compagnoni, Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Brian J. Shoaf, Consul General of Japan Hajime Kishimori, Jordan Choby, Drew Coleman, Curt McAllister, and Jerry Ruskowski Additionally, MichAuto, alongside members of the Chamber’s Public Policy and Business Advocacy team, hosted statewide policy leaders for a tour of the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, helping showcase Michigan’s automotive and mobility future and discussing the importance of the industry. BBC News | MichAuto’s Glenn Stevens Jr. Discusses the State of Michigan’s Economy WDIV-TV | Flashpoint: Auto Industry Insights Bridge Michigan | Opinion: Want to Increase College Graduates in Michigan? Expand Dual Enrollment Latest Headlines​ Regional Leaders to Discuss Michigan’s K-12 and Higher Education Crises at the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference Michigan Universities Generate $45B in Economic Activity, Report Says Applications Now Open for the Annual Comerica Hatch Contest Mark Your Calendar Attend the Chamber’s upcoming Inside Membership to gain valuable insights into the benefits of your membership for your business and employees on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Register Now Attend the Chamber’s annual International Women’s Day event on Thursday, March 5, to celebrate the achievements of women and cultivate a mindset of generosity and collaboration in alignment with the 2026 theme, Give to Gain. Register Now What is ‘Floor Time,’ the Viral Mental Health Trend?​ Learn More

ICYMI: Pancakes and Politics Pictured left to right: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Jared Fleisher, County Executive Warren Evans, and Chris Thomas. Business, automotive, and political leaders attended Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics breakfast at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show last week. The panel, “Moving Our Regional Economy Forward,” featured Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Chamber Board Members Dennis W. Archer Jr., Jared Fleisher, and Chris Thomas.