LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan launched a new office, Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, which is aimed at helping companies pursue high-tech jobs and talent.

“Michigan can lead and build the future of clean energy as we bring home more critical supply chains and create thousands more good-paying jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “To ensure that Michiganders can get these jobs, we launched the new Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. Their mission is to connect workers to the in-demand, high-skill jobs that will be created right here in Michigan in the decades ahead building electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and so much more. By working closely with our workers and manufacturers, we can expand opportunity and grow Michigan’s economy.”

Factors Leading to the New Office:

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The office of the Governor shared several reports including the 2023 Clean Jobs America Report, which stated that clean energy businesses in Michigan added more than 5,000 workers in 2022 and now employs nearly 124,000 Michiganders.

“Michigan now leads the Midwest in number of clean energy workers,” according to the office of the Governor.

In less than two decades, the state could create 41,000 new jobs as it advances electric vehicle manufacturing and with the build-out of renewable energy, like solar and wind, according to the World Resource Institute.

Michigan’s newest office will be housed under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), and has a more specific focus than other states’ transition offices.

“While other states have created Just Transition offices with a narrower focus, Michigan’s Economic Transition Office is the first in the nation to address shifts to renewable energy in both the utility and auto sectors, making up more than 20% of the state’s economy,” according to the office of the Governor.

“The new Economic Transition Office will not only allow us to effectively address the shifts happening in the utility and auto sectors, which are vital components of our state’s economy, but it will also ensure the communities, workers and employers who stand to be impacted the most from these changes have the tools and support they need to take advantage of this new future,” said Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director at LEO, who is leading the launch of the new office.

Future of Carbon in Michigan:

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Michigan continues to be a leader in pushing EV ownership across the state, including the phasing out of gas powered vehicles operated by state employees, and has outpaced California in its race to have a carbon neutral energy goal by signing a law that would mandate energy from clean sources by 2040.

Hope for Future Employers:

The office will also have a focus on “targeting opportunities to support small and medium-sized businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, and those that have already experienced losses from the decline of manufacturing jobs,” according to the office of the Governor.

“MICHauto looks forward to providing input and guidance to the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office as it undertakes its important mission,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MICHauto and Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber in a statement. “Embracing clean energy technologies and sustainable practices will support the evolution and longevity of Michigan’s signature automotive and mobility industry as it continues to evolve.”

Interested parties can learn more about the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office and to sign up for updates, at www.michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.