What Direction Will Swartz Creek/Mundy Township Choose?

Experts indicate the choice is between good jobs for the next generation and decline.

In the heart of Michigan, Genesee County, home to the city of Flint, has long been a symbol of the American manufacturing industry's rise and fall. The once-thriving region, known for its automobile factories and blue-collar workforce, has suffered from decades of economic decline, leading to a dwindling population and limited opportunities for younger generations. To stem this decline and provide a sustainable future for the area's children and grandchildren, local leaders must focus on attracting new factories and revitalizing the manufacturing sector.

The importance of a strong manufacturing base cannot be overstated. As Autor, Dorn, and Hanson (2013) showed, the decline of American manufacturing has had far-reaching effects on local economies, leading to reduced employment opportunities, lower wages, and increased social inequality. By bringing factories back to Genesee County, the region can create a stable foundation for economic growth and provide well-paying jobs for its residents.

To achieve this goal, local officials must work together with state and federal agencies to create incentives for businesses to invest in the area. Tax breaks, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development programs can all play a role in attracting new factories and encouraging existing companies to expand their operations. Additionally, partnerships with local educational institutions, such as the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College, can help train the next generation of skilled workers and ensure a pipeline of talent for the manufacturing industry.

The benefits of a revitalized manufacturing sector extend beyond just economic growth. As Greenstone and Looney (2011) noted, manufacturing jobs often provide better wages and benefits than other sectors, particularly for workers without a college degree. By creating these opportunities in Genesee County, the region can help reduce income inequality and provide a pathway to the middle class for many families.

To boot, these are not your grandparents' manufacturing facilities. According to MIT Climate, these new plants are cleaner, more energy efficient, and make products that help reduce long-run emissions.

Moreover, a thriving manufacturing base can have positive spillover effects on the entire community. As factories create new jobs, local businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers can also benefit from increased economic activity. This, in turn, can help create a more vibrant and attractive community, encouraging young people to stay and raise their own families in the area.

The challenges facing Genesee County are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By focusing on attracting new factories and revitalizing the manufacturing sector, local leaders can help stem the region's decline and provide a sustainable future for generations to come. It will require hard work, collaboration, and a willingness to invest in the community's long-term success, but the potential rewards are well worth the effort. If successful, Genesee County can once again become a symbol of American manufacturing's strength and resilience, offering hope and opportunity to its residents for years to come.

Experts summarize the choice for Genesee County and the Mundy Township/Swartz Creek area simply, do residents want decline or the opportunity to keep their kids and grandkids in the area with good paying jobs?

References:
Autor, D., Dorn, D., & Hanson, G. (2013). The China syndrome: Local labor market effects of import competition in the United States. American Economic Review, 103(6), 2121-2168.

Greenstone, M., & Looney, A. (2011). Renewing America's manufacturing workforce: A policy framework for creating more manufacturing jobs. Brookings Institution.