The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance sent a letter last week to Michigan lawmakers to restore funding in the fiscal year 2026 Michigan budget for high-impact economic development and workforce programs essential to the prosperity of rural Michigan and the entire state.

“Northern Michigan’s small businesses are disproportionately affected by the implementation of these changes,” said Nikki Devitt, chair of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and president and CEO of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry, call on our legislators to take action to ensure these businesses can compete for talent and thrive in our regional economies.”

The programs of most importance to the businesses and employers represented by the Alliance are the Office of Rural Prosperity and the Rural Readiness Grant Program, the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) & Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP), the Going PRO Talent Fund, and the Employer-Assisted Housing Program. The Alliance, in advocating for rural Michigan, stated in its letter that its communities generate billions in economic activity, support industries from manufacturing to tourism, and serve as a year-round base for residents, employers, and entrepreneurs. Michigan’s strategic investments in housing, workforce development, business growth, and downtown revitalization multiply returns, strengthen public-private partnerships, and keep talent in the state.

“Investing in rural economies is not only good business, but it’s an investment in the future of Michigan,” said Christopher Germain, vice-chair of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. “The programs outlined in the NMCA’s budget priorities are common-sense investments in supporting local jobs, vibrant communities, and a strong workforce that will help Michigan meet its population goals and build on existing momentum. From longstanding, impactful economic development programs like MBRP and MCRP to more recent, innovative, and essential programs like the Office of Rural Prosperity, we call on legislators to hold productive dialogue and find solutions to protect these important tools for rural communities and businesses.”

Michigan’s constitution requires the passage of a balanced budget by October 1 of each year.