In April 2009, the Brookings Institution received a grant of $300,000 over 18 months to support the Great Lakes Economic Initiative.

This grant will support further research and policy development, as well as the implementation of key research and policy recommendations to improve the economic vitality of the Great Lakes region. The grant will allow Brookings to develop and disseminate economic research, analysis and public policy recommendations; organize and network southeast Michigan leaders as part of the Initiative’s policy development, public education, dissemination, and promotion activities; and ensure that southeast Michigan is a full partner in advancing multi-state and federal economic policies and reforms.

The work of the Great Lakes Economic Initiative has provided a strong underpinning for the New Economy Initiative and continues to have strong potential for informing the transformation of the Midwest, including Michigan.