Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber released its 2026 State of the Region report during its annual event, revealing the Detroit Region’s economic health and what it means for businesses.

Key takeaways for regional leaders:

• Michigan’s house is on fire, and the Detroit Region is feeling the burn. The Region and the state will continue to decline in critical national rankings until public officials develop long-term bipartisan solutions. Business leaders must speak up and contact their representatives.
  
  
• Despite falling rankings, Detroit’s resurgence continues and the report illustrates the Region’s emerging strength in venture capital investments and entrepreneurship, as well as commercial vacancy rates lower than the national average.

The Chamber has joined the Michigan for Responsible Data Centers Coalition, a new cross-sector coalition to address a significant information gap regarding the state’s digital infrastructure.

The Chamber’s February 2026 Michigan Voter Poll revealed that nearly two-thirds of voters lack a defined position on data centers because they haven’t heard much about their benefits.

Why the coalition exists: Across Michigan and the country, data center proposals increasingly face opposition fueled by misinformation, which can overwhelm local discussion and pressure officials to disengage.

As proposals for these data centers increase, the coalition will provide fact-based data on water resources, energy usage, and economic value to ensure local leaders and residents have an accurate understanding of these projects. 

On the horizon: This spring, the Chamber and Michigan Chamber of Commerce are collaborating on a comprehensive report on the economic impact of data centers and the policy path forward.

The Chamber remains focused on fostering a policy environment that ensures Michigan is a top-tier destination for 21st century infrastructure and innovations.

Just 57.2% of Michigan voters have seen or heard anything about data centers, while 42.4% have not. Approximately a quarter of voters (25.3%) offered opposition to data centers, while just over 5% responded in support, and 65.7% did not offer a position.

Related | Crain’s Detroit Business: New Coalition Aims to Combat ‘Misinformation’ About Data Centers Facing Local Resistance

Related | Google and DTE Energy Announce Strategic Partnership to​ Scale Clean Energy and Reliability in Michigan

Through insightful discussions with business leaders, the Chamber’s “A Business Case for Equity” interview series examines ways that business strategies can promote greater accessibility and create measurable value for organizations in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

In a recent interview, Angela Thompkins, Vice President of External Affairs and Media Relations and Chief Diversity Officer for CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy, spoke with the Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Equity and Inclusion, Marnita S. Harris, about how her company embeds economic equity into its business practices.

View previous episodes.

The Michigan Department of Treasury announced the launch of the Mi Money Matters Financial Empowerment Initiative, the largest financial literacy campaign ever undertaken in Metro Detroit.

The effort is being rolled out in partnership with the Ballmer Group, who is investing $1.5 million to launch the campaign, and leaders across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, including the Chamber.

Do you know an up-and-coming leader in their 20s or 30s making significant contributions to their business, industry, or community, and who would be attending the Mackinac Policy Conference for the first time this year?

Nominate them for this year’s cohort of Mackinac Future Leaders! Participants will have full access to all Conference sessions and activities at a reduced rate and will participate in exclusive networking opportunities.

Submit your nomination before Friday, April 10.

Join the Chamber on Tuesday, April 14, for its third installment of the Small Business and Advocacy series to strengthen your business advocacy skills while building meaningful relationships that support long-term success.

Join the Chamber for its next  virtual AI Office Hour on April 14. Brought to you by REBRANDX, this session will explore how to design a new operating system for your company that integrates both human ingenuity and AI. 

On Thursday, April 30, hear from Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel during a moderated discussion about how they will continue to work together for the Detroit Region’s future and public policy issues impacting local businesses.

Save the Date: A Conversation on the Economy and Monetary Policy, April 7

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