Governor Whitmer delivers “Road Ahead Address” at Detroit Auto Show, focusing on Michigan’s economic future and the Michigan auto industry’s survival.
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her “Road Ahead Address” at the Detroit Auto Show on January 15, highlighting a commonsense, bipartisan approach to growing Michigan’s economy, saving the state’s auto industry, and investing in infrastructure. Her address emphasized creating good-paying jobs, fostering cross-border collaboration, and finding sustainable solutions to road funding.
Fighting for Michigan’s Auto Industry
Governor Whitmer’s address focused on the global competition Michigan faces to remain a leader in the Michigan auto industry against rivals like China and other U.S. states. She stressed the need for bipartisan efforts to secure Michigan’s position in producing next-generation vehicles.
“To grow Michigan’s economy and fight for the auto industry, I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems in Lansing or DC,” said Whitmer. “There’s an ongoing, global competition between Michigan, China, and other states to build the future of the auto industry. To make sure we win, we need commonsense tools that create good-paying jobs and bring supply chains home.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to innovation and transformative investments. “Michigan’s auto industry has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for millions of families, including my own,” said Gilchrist. “Today’s address affirms our commitment to ensuring its future.”
Economic Growth Initiatives
Governor Whitmer outlined several key goals for her administration to stimulate Michigan’s economy:
- Make it in Michigan Job Fund: Attracts factories and technical centers for vehicle design and production.
- HIRE Michigan: A payroll tax cut that rewards companies for hiring Michigan workers.
- Strategic Site Readiness Program: Eases the process for launching new businesses in Michigan.
- Housing and Placemaking Investments: Improves housing and community quality to reduce costs and attract talent.
- Expanded Transit Options: Enhances connectivity in industrial areas to support economic growth.
These initiatives aim to create high-paying jobs, bring supply chains back to Michigan, and solidify the state’s role as a leader in clean energy and advanced vehicle production.
Fixing Michigan’s Infrastructure
Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has overseen $19 billion in infrastructure investments, repairing over 23,000 lane miles of roads and 1,600 bridges. Her “Rebuilding Michigan” bond plan has supported more than 118,000 jobs. However, with the program ending in 2025, Whitmer called for bipartisan action to secure a long-term funding solution.
“We must find a fiscally responsible, sustainable solution to fix the damn roads,” said Whitmer. She appealed to legislators to compromise and find new revenue sources to ensure Michigan’s infrastructure supports both residents and businesses.
Strengthening the Michigan-Canada Partnership
Whitmer underscored the importance of Michigan’s relationship with Canada, particularly regarding trade through the Detroit-Windsor border crossing, North America’s busiest. Canadian businesses have announced 26 projects in Michigan over the past few years, creating more than 4,000 jobs.
In a recent meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Whitmer reaffirmed this partnership to support Michigan’s auto industry. “Cross-border collaboration is essential to protect jobs, keep costs low, and secure Michigan’s economic future,” she said.
Addressing Proposed Tariffs
Governor Whitmer also addressed potential tariffs proposed by the incoming Trump administration, warning against policies that could harm Michigan’s auto industry. Seventy percent of Michigan-made auto parts are exported to Canada, and tariffs could increase costs for consumers and damage the state’s competitive edge.
“Crippling Michigan’s auto ecosystem will only help our biggest competitor: China,” Whitmer said, emphasizing ongoing discussions with Canadian officials to mitigate potential tariff impacts.
Delivering Results for Michiganders
Since taking office in 2018, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has focused on kitchen-table issues, achieving bipartisan success with over 1,400 bills signed into law and six balanced budgets. Major accomplishments include:
- Cutting taxes by $1 billion for seniors and working families.
- Securing nearly 40,000 auto jobs.
- Building 50,000 units of housing.
- Providing free school meals for students.
- Replacing thousands of lead pipes.
- Repairing nearly every major freeway.
Whitmer closed her address with a call to action: “The road ahead is bright, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
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