A new five-part research series, supported by several CMF members and managed by the Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL), presents a data-informed vision of Michigan’s future based on current trends and trajectories across our state’s demographics, economy, workforce, infrastructure, environment and public services.

The fourth paper in the series was released last week and focuses on Michigan’s challenges and opportunities in rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure, protecting the environment and navigating climate change.

The Citizens Research Council (CRC) of Michigan and Altarum published the report, Michigan’s Path to a Prosperous Future: Challenges and Opportunities, supported by CMF members Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Hudson-Webber Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, The Joyce Foundation, The Skillman Foundation and the Ballmer Group.

The new paper in the research series explores three major areas of focus around Michigan’s infrastructure, environment and climate change challenges and offers opportunities.

The paper highlights that Michigan’s infrastructure, environment and the goal of adapting to a changing climate are inextricably linked. Increasingly extreme weather events will further stress the state’s aging and inadequate infrastructure. The state’s poor infrastructure creates environmental challenges, such as polluted water and flooding.

According to this new research, attention to environmental policy to protect and restore Michigan’s natural resources could improve the health and well-being of Michiganders while attracting new residents, visitors and investments.

Adapting to a changing climate while transitioning the economy away from fossil fuels will be a defining challenge.

Highlights from the report include:

Environment

• Michigan’s environment and natural amenities could be a core asset to attract new residents and investments. Leveraging these assets will require increased attention to environmental protection and related human health impacts.
• Air quality in Michigan has improved since adopting the federal Clean Air Act. However, many historical urban neighborhoods are subjected to toxic emissions, impacting the quality of life and causing several health issues.
• Although water quality in Michigan is better than it has been in over a century, the state’s industrial legacy has left Michigan with hundreds of contaminated sites that continue to leach pollution into groundwater and surface waters. 

Infrastructure

• As cities depopulated and suburbs expanded, Michigan residents are now responsible for more infrastructure per person than in previous decades.
• The condition of Michigan’s water infrastructure is accepted to be poor but is largely unknown. Water infrastructure is underground and was installed before digital record keeping, making condition assessment difficult.
• Many of the challenges in maintaining Michigan’s infrastructure are the result of decades of uncoordinated policies emphasizing short-term goals. Assuring sustainable infrastructure systems across the state will require decades of effort and long-term strategic planning.

Climate Change

• Climate change due to human emission of greenhouse gases has already impacted Michigan’s climate and weather.
• Michigan adopted the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which hopes to achieve statewide carbon neutrality by 2050. According to the report, globally, it is not possible for Michigan to measurably mitigate climate change through state-level emissions-reduction policies.
• According to the report, policymakers must also prepare for the impacts of climate change. Approaches should emphasize climate resilience and adaptation to put Michigan in the best position to build healthy communities and achieve economic sustainability in a changing world.

As CMF reported, the executive summary and the first two papers in the five-part research series were released in May and focus on Michigan’s population, economy, workforce and talent. The third paper was released in August and focused on Michigan’s health. The series will finish with reports on Michigan’s state and local government.

The last remaining paper will be released later this month.

Want more?

Read more about the third paper focused on the health of Michigan’s population.

Learn more about the executive summary and the first two papers in the five-part series of research that focuses on Michigan’s population, economy, workforce and talent. 

Explore the executive summary and the first two papers in the five-part series.