Midland, MI

Success Through Collaboration

The New Equation of Economic Growth and Quality of Life

Many communities talk about collaboration, but may fall short on this goal. In Midland, Michigan, however, collaboration is the operating model. Economic development, housing strategy, infrastructure planning, and advocacy are not working in parallel tracks but increasingly through a shared lens, one focused on long-term stability and measured growth. The result is a community that sees quality of life and economic competitiveness as two sides of the same equation, and leaders who are intent on ensuring neither advances without the other.

Lifestyle Built on Balance

For Jacob Kain, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, Midland’s appeal begins with the everyday experience of living in the city. He says residents consistently highlight the balance between urban amenities and a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.

“What we most often hear from our residents is that they appreciate the balance Midland provides in terms of big city amenities and a small-town feel,” Kain says. He notes that the community allows people to feel involved and connected while still enjoying access to cultural attractions, dining, and recreational opportunities.

Kain points to Midland’s expansive park system and natural setting as defining elements of daily life. Residents can attend performances at the Center for the Arts, enjoy local restaurants and boutiques downtown, or spend time outdoors along trails and green spaces. “It’s that holistic lifestyle that Midland offers to folks who are just starting in their career or entering retirement and everything in between that makes this a really special place to live,” he adds.

Downtown is the Community’s Front Porch

Downtown Midland continues to evolve as a central gathering place for residents and visitors. Kain describes Main Street as far more than a commercial district.

“Midland’s downtown is really the front porch for the community,” Kain says. He recalls that thousands of people gather throughout the year for concerts, festivals, and seasonal celebrations, reinforcing downtown’s role as a social and cultural anchor.

Investments continue to strengthen that role. Partnerships between the city, private sector, and philanthropy are helping deliver projects such as a new riverfront preserve and a pedestrian bridge that will expand access to recreation and connect people more closely to the riverfront.

Photo Credit: J&C Media

The business mix reflects Midland’s entrepreneurial spirit. Kain says the downtown core is largely made up of locally owned shops and restaurants, complemented by professional services, government offices, and hospitality offerings. The presence of two hotels and the Great Lakes Loons baseball team further contributes to downtown activity and community pride.

Growing Through Innovation and Strategic Investment

Economic growth in Midland is guided by a strategy focused on innovation and long-term investment. Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development, says incentive tools vary depending on industry and project scale.

“It is very industry or size-of-business-dependent,” Wilson says. Local incentives, such as industrial facilities tax exemptions, are paired with state-level resources through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to support business expansion and workforce development.

Wilson highlights several significant projects that demonstrate Midland’s momentum. Corteva Agriscience has committed to a $28 million research and development lab, while DuPont has invested $20 million in Electric Vehicle materials, resulting in a total of 22 new jobs.

Midland’s economic identity is closely tied to its long-standing presence in research-driven industries. Companies such as Dow, which maintains a significant research and development footprint in the community, continue to shape the local economy in meaningful ways. Wilson notes that investments like Dow’s commitment reinforce the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced materials.

Photo Credit: J&C Media

Tony Stamas, President and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance, says this legacy stretches across generations of industry leadership. He points out that alongside companies like Corteva and DuPont, the continued focus on research and development helps ensure the community remains competitive.

“We partner very closely with Michigan Economic Development Corporation to facilitate applications into their business development program,” Wilson adds, noting that collaboration with state partners helps align expansion opportunities with long-term community goals.

Protecting a Legacy of Discovery

Stamas emphasizes that maintaining research and development capacity remains critical to Midland’s future.

“One of the things that really continues to be impactful is how critical it is to keep research and development here,” Stamas says. He explains that research facilities are often the starting point for innovation and long-term production decisions.

Stamas recalls that Midland has long been known as the “city of modern explorers,” a reputation rooted in scientific discovery and industrial innovation. The challenge now, he says, is translating that legacy into modern opportunities that continue to attract investment and talent.

Housing Growth to Support Talent and Workforce

As economic activity grows, housing has become a central focus for community leaders. Jenifer Acosta, Lead Consultant at Housing Forward, says recent housing studies have provided valuable market data to guide development decisions.

“We definitely have some phenomenal housing investments coming into the community within the next year and planned for the future,” Acosta says. Projects include downtown building conversions, new apartment complexes, and subdivisions designed to support a variety of residents.

One notable project involves converting Midland’s oldest building into residential units above storefronts, blending historic preservation with modern housing needs.

Acosta notes that her role as a practicing real estate developer allows the community to approach housing with a practical, hands-on mindset. “We don’t simply talk about it from a nonprofit perspective, but we roll up our sleeves and work with our builders,” she says. By collaborating with lenders, developers, and local suppliers, Midland is strengthening the housing ecosystem and supporting economic growth.

Housing, she adds, is deeply connected to quality of life and talent attraction. Investments in parks, arts, recreation, and cultural amenities help encourage people to choose Midland as home.

Advocacy Through Partnership

Diane Middleton, Vice President of Advocacy at Midland Business Alliance (MI), says collaboration extends beyond the local level. Midland works closely with chambers of commerce across Michigan to advocate for policies that support business growth and workforce development.

“We work very closely with other chambers from around the state,” Middleton says. Partnering with organizations such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association of Michigan, she notes, helps strengthen Midland’s voice on key issues like housing and childcare.

Stamas adds that the Midland Business Alliance was intentionally designed to align chamber and economic development efforts under one shared vision. This structure, he recalls, proved especially valuable during recent crises, including the pandemic and major flooding events, demonstrating the importance of unified leadership and coordinated response.

Infrastructure and Long-Term Resilience

Infrastructure planning remains another key priority, particularly in terms of flood resiliency. Kain says the city has made significant investments to protect residents and build long-term investor confidence.

“We understand that to be a competitive place for investment, we need folks to be comfortable making those investments here,” Kain says.

Stamas elaborates on the region’s response to flooding challenges, describing partnerships with the Army Corps of Engineers and local organizations focused on both immediate solutions and long-term planning. The restoration of four dams through the Four Lakes Task Force, he says, represents a major collaborative effort.

“We don’t shy away from challenges like flooding,” Stamas says, noting that bipartisan support has helped secure approximately $68 million in funding for infrastructure improvements and resilience projects.

A Shared Vision for the Next Chapter

Looking toward the next several years, Midland leaders emphasize continued investment in both quality of life and economic strength.

High on the city’s list of priorities remains improving walkability through sidewalk replacements, expanded non-motorized pathways, and projects that connect neighborhoods. “We are continuing to work on leveraging all of the wonderful assets we have in the community in new ways,” Kain says.

Based on steady population growth, Midland remains a community of choice. Housing, childcare, and infrastructure investments, he notes, will be essential to sustaining that momentum.

Additional smaller projects collectively shape the community experience, including a new pedestrian footbridge, a seasonal downtown pedestrian plaza, and roadway improvements designed to improve safety and accessibility. Consistent community support for bond and millage initiatives has allowed Midland to maintain strong public services and infrastructure.

Wilson adds that Midland’s updated business attraction strategy targets industries such as advanced materials and chemicals, health and life sciences, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing. By identifying supply chain gaps and global industry clusters, she says the city aims to attract new companies aligned with its economic strengths.

“If I’ve learned anything from moving back to Midland, it’s the way that this community has come together,” Acosta concludes, adding that collaboration and innovation continue to attract talent and investment, positioning Midland for long-term success.

Photo Credit: J&C Media

AT A GLANCE

Who: Midland, Michigan

What: A vibrant riverfront city known for innovation, strong community connections, and a high quality of life.

Where: Central Michigan, about 30 miles northwest of Saginaw, at the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers.

Website: www.cityofmidlandmi.gov