Economic Development

Economic Development reporting is made possible through underwriting support from Enbridge.

A fundraiser for the "Big Annie" statue earlier this year at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock.

Plans for ‘Big Annie’ statue get major fundraising boost

The America 250MI Committee has awarded $50,000 to the Big Annie Statue Project in Calumet. The money will help build a statue to honor Anna “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenec, a prominent labor activist during the early 20th century.

Latest in Economic Development
This sandstone building in downtown Ishpeming has been dormant for more than 50 years.
Placemaking grant gives three U.P. cities a facelift

Renovation projects in Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming will not only help spruce up buildings but add to the vitality of their downtowns. The communities are the recipients of the state's revitalization and placemaking grants.

All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by  Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025.
Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.

Norway butcher finds success in his hometown

Norway native Jeff Muraro gave up a sales career in the tech industry to open a butcher shop in his hometown. He learned sausage-making skills from his family -- his butchering skills were honed by watching YouTube.

Demolition work has begun at the old hospital site and is expected to take about 18 months.
Private-public partnership spurs redevelopment of abandoned hospital site in Marquette

The 17-acre former Marquette General Hospital site is poised for a $166 million redevelopment project, including housing and retail and commercial space, thanks to the efforts of a public-private partnership.  

This sign stands at the site of the Copper Country Intermediate School District’s first home build.
Build U.P. invests in teens and trades

InvestUP's housing development fund this spring welcomes the completion of the first student-built home among its career and technology education partnership with intermediate school districts.   

Ishpeming farm looks to boost its yield — of food and friends— thanks to MDARD grant

With a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ishpeming's Partridge Creek Farm plans to build a hoop, improve drainage and other measures to grow more food and expands it role in the community.  

Kat Layton
Library social worker connects patrons with resources and a listening ear

Ypsilanti District Library’s social worker bridges the gap between patrons and local resources they need — everything from housing support to simply listening without judgment.   

Michigan's first mass timber building built with Michigan wood.
DNR marks mass timber milestone with Newberry building

The new DNR Customer Service Center in Newberry is Michigan's first mass timber building constructed with Michigan wood.   

Sweet News: U.P. maple syrup producer receives state grant to modernize, expand

A family-owned maple syrup producer in Iron County has been awarded a $100,000 state grant to modernize and expand operations. 

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