We’re getting an inside look at how 100 of the largest metro areas are performing in economic growth, prosperity and inclusion as the Brookings Institute has released its new 2018 Metro Monitor.

Detroit and Grand Rapids are highlighted in the report, showing how our two largest Michigan cities are doing when it comes to growing an economy that benefits everyone.

On the national level, the report shares that there’s a divide happening. The economy is surging with its 88^th consecutive month of job growth and wages rising across the country, but the economic growth isn’t benefitting as many communities as it should.

The report says, “economic growth remains uneven,” noting that while the stock market has been favorable “few sectors of the economy appear to be making investments that lead to greater prosperity.”

While more families may be benefitting from economic growth, the study points out that disparities continue to grow.

However, the data highlighting Detroit and Grand Rapids does reflect positive, inclusive economic growth.

Michigan data:

• Detroit is one of only 11 metro areas in the U.S. that saw improvement in all three areas of growth, prosperity and inclusion.

• Detroit and Grand Rapids are ranked among the top 20 cities nationwide when it comes to growing prosperity. 

• Grand Rapids is ranked number two nationwide for growth which demonstrates added jobs and overall economic growth. The report attributes this to Grand Rapids’ expanding manufacturing and health care sectors.

• Detroit ranked number 10 for inclusion. Despite seeing subpar job growth, the city experienced above-average gains on inclusion measures.

• Detroit is one of just nine cities that consistently reduced racial disparities across all inclusion measures.

National trends:

• 87 percent of the metro areas experienced an increased standard of living, with 79 percent seeing increases in the average wage.

• 82 percent of the metro areas say the employment rate among working-age adults increased.

• The tightening labor market increased employment rates for white people more so than for people of color.

• About 66 percent of the cities did see some increases in the employment rate among people of color.

• Construction, hospitality and health care sectors continue to contribute to growth.

• Professional services, finance and information contributed to prosperity but not job growth.

The report states that while progress is being made across the country it’s still not enough to generate an inclusive economy.

“These findings suggest that underneath the nation’s headline growth, metro areas are confronting new challenges, requiring new solutions that create a more advanced economy that works for all.”

In Michigan, we know that many CMF members support inclusive workforce and economic development efforts in our urban, suburban and rural regions.

Governor Rick Snyder has also lifted up talent attraction, retention and development as a key economic strategy for the state, unveiling many new programs to connect Michigan residents with opportunities.

Most recently, Talent for Tomorrow, through the governor’s Marshall Plan for Talent, is aimed at providing scholarships for low-income individuals who may face barriers such as child care or transportation.

Want more?

Check out the 2018 Metro Monitor.

Check out our latest rural philanthropy video which highlights how a CMF member is supporting workforce development: Pennies from Heaven Foundation: Workforce Development.