Momentum - March 2026

Welcome to another edition of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development's Momentum newsletter. It's been a busy season for our team, and this communication covers just a small part of what we've been up to. So I'll provide a larger recap before you dive into the content.

We kicked off the year with the Detroit Auto Show, where our Economic Development team hosted important conversations with industry partners and leaders. At the same time, our Community Development group was hard at work facilitating our Brownfield Redevelopment Program, managing ongoing projects at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and distributing federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help local municipalities and residents. Parks and Natural Resources has been prepping for spring and the various plantings it hosts throughout the region, while Mapping and Data Services and Marketing and Communications both had their hands full with work that assists all of our department divisions and the county as a whole.

It's clear - MCPED is making big things happen. You'll see that within this newsletter. But I'd also encourage you to reach out to us directly. We'd love to have a conversation about our efforts and how you can partner with us in our mission to turn space into place. I'm so proud of what this team has accomplished, and I know that together, we can make even more progress. So let's connect! Follow and engage with us on Facebookand LinkedInor reach out via [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you and developing new partnerships.

Vicky

The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) headquarters is headed to Downtown Utica.

Approximately $3.7 million, including EGLE brownfield grant funds acquired through help from Macomb County, are going into the new two-story development off Auburn Road across from the newly named UWM Field (formerly Jimmy Johns Field). Construction has already been put in motion, with plans for an outdoor patio and paved parking lot set to accompany the 10,489 grossed square foot building. Also occupying the space will be retail shopping and dining, as well as a location for meetings and events.

Previously a landfill site owned by the Utica Downtown Development Authority, this new activity hub is expected to not only increase foot traffic, but also jobs, with an estimated 28 new part/full-time positions expected to help run the commercial spaces.

Read more on the new headquarters in WXYZ Channel 7's recent article: United Shore Professional Baseball League opens new headquarters in Utica this May.

The following information was contributed by the Clinton River Watershed Council.

This year, the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) has plans to grow their programs and impact. The non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting, enhancing and celebrating the Clinton River. Part of their efforts to achieve these goals is the newest update of their Water Trail plan, which will be released on March 19 at the organization's annual meeting.

A Water Trail is a specific route on a lake, river, or coast designed for non-motorized boats. The DNR recognized the Clinton River as a state-designated water trail in 2019 which helped to significantly boost use and awareness of the river as a paddling destination. As part of the new Water Trail plan, three to five of the 23 access points will receive improvements per year. They will include improvements such as kayak racks, benches, lockers and shelters.

"We want the Trail to be more accessible to everyone," said CRWC Watershed Planner Jeffery Schiffman. "The plan includes improvements to existing launch sites, additional amenities and more communication to increase awareness of the trail."

This will be the first update to the plan since its inception in 2014.

CRWC is also working to grow their Rain to Roots program with funding from the DTE Foundation. This support makes it possible for CRWC to provide site assessments and rain garden design and installation to residents in Center Line, Sterling Heights and Warren, for a discount as high as 75%. Rain barrel installation will be available at full price.

These communities were selected due to a high occurrence of flooding, which can be managed in part with rain gardens, trees and rain barrels, also known as Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). Requests from other communities will be considered on a case-by-case basis for full-priced services depending on staff availability.

To learn more about the program, visit the CRWC website.

For information on the Water Trail, see their paddling page.

Macomb Business Awards 2026 is here! The nominations are in and we are selling tickets-- lock in your ticket to this premier event showcasing the best businesses Macomb County has to offer. From "best place to work", to our "excellence in manufacturing award".

Buy your tickets today or become a sponsor by visiting our website.

Helping local businesses thrive is something Macomb County continually strives to accomplish. Whether a business is newly established or has been operating for years, ensuring its success is critical to a strong local economy. One sector that does not always receive as much attention is the food and beverage industry. To help address this, Macomb County launched a targeted grant program in 2025 to support these businesses directly.

Through the creation of the Equip and Thrive Grant (EAT Grant), Macomb County Planning and Economic Development invested in the local food and beverage community by offering businesses the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement for equipment or technology related to Industry 4.0. Three businesses were awarded funding after meeting the program requirements: Champagne Chocolates of Mount Clemens, Eataliana Homemade Pasta of Sterling Heights, and Brown Iron Brewhouse of Washington Township. Each business represents a different use case for the grant, yet all demonstrate how strategic investments can strengthen local operations.

Read the full blog on our website.

MCPED's Data and Mapping Services team recently reported a spike in Macomb County's GDP - which now stands at $56.9 billion. This notable shift occurred between 2025 and January 2026. It previously sat at $56.4 billion.

GDP growth correlates to an increase in labor earnings and an increase in tax revenues generated by individual industries. This tax revenue growth is primarily driven by an increase in sales tax collected from the buying and selling of goods and services as well as an increase in real property tax revenues collected (i.e. property value growth).

Key growth sectors for labor earnings

$177,071,615.19 (50.4%) of all growth in labor earnings took place in two industry sectors: Industrial Design Services and Engineering Services. Other top industries for earnings growth include Portfolio Management (Finance and Insurance), Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, and Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Management Offices (Management of Companies and Enterprises).

Just outside the top five, we start to see some manufacturing and skilled trades contributing to the GDP growth. Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing labor earnings grew by $27 million and Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors labor earnings grew by $26.27 million.

Key growth sector for increase in tax revenue generated

In examining the second component of GDP driving growth for Macomb County, a $212.6 million bump in tax revenue collected on production and imports, three retail and hospitality sectors stand out. Both Limited-Service Restaurants and Full-Service Restaurants saw in increase in establishments (Limited Service grew from 630 to 652 establishments and Full Service grew from 605 to 620), indicating that more tax revenue is being generated from an increase in property taxes and sales taxes. The increase in tax revenue generated from New Car Dealers is likely driven exclusively from sales taxes.

For more information on data provided through MCPED, reach out to [email protected].

MCPED is excited to have Stefan Nielsen join our team! Stefan graduated from University of Michigan's Taubman College with a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning last year in May. Now, Stefan works with our planning team as a Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) fellow, working with communities of varying sizes and needs

"[I am most excited for] the work MCPED does, from planning to business development and housing grants," said Stefan. "Which, to me, is a refreshingly holistic approach to countywide improvement."

In his free time, Stefan enjoys work as an American Civil War reenactor for the Union, with the 17^th Michigan Infantry Regiment, Company E out of Greenmead Historic Park in Livonia.

We're happy to have you on board, Stefan!