Samaritas Challenges Leaders Across the State to Unite for a Larger Vision in 2024
On the heels of the recently released report by the Growing Michigan Together Council outlining the state’s population struggles – Michigan is 49th out of 50 in population growth – and the goal of becoming a top ten state for population growth by 2050, Kelli Dobner, Chief Strategy Officer at Samaritas, issued the following statement challenging leaders to unite for a larger vision in the coming new year. Samaritas serves thousands throughout Michigan, including refugees, children in foster care, adults with developmental disabilities, people struggling with addiction, and those in need of affordable housing.
“Our communities are only at their best when all of our neighbors are supported with a clear path toward a better, healthier life,” said Dobner. “Since the population imperative was fully understood earlier this year, with goals ranging from affordable housing and critical healthcare systems to forward-thinking immigration policies and workforce training programs, our state has been abuzz with ideas and those capable of implementing them stepping up to the plate. Yet, amid this flurry of well-intentioned efforts, a crucial element is missing – a truly unified, strategic approach to a ‘Michigan Moonshot.’
As a state, we must work together to ensure that population growth efforts remain purposeful and inclusive. We need policies that not only attract new residents from Midwest states and beyond but also retain those who already call Michigan home. This requires a concerted focus on creating opportunities with major employers, startups and Main Street businesses that appeal to a diverse array of individuals beyond just new college graduates, including families and retirees. The Growing Michigan Together Council’s report reinforces that there’s much work to be done before our state sits atop the leaderboard.
As we head into 2024, transformative growth can only be realized if policymakers, non-profit organizations, businesses and community leaders converge together toward a common goal, backed by collaboration and strategy, that truly and boldly sets our state apart.”
Please contact Kelli.Dobner@samaritas.org if you'd like to get involved.
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For nearly 90 years, Samaritas has grown to serve and transform the lives of nearly 33,000 individuals each year through 60 program sites across the entire lower peninsula of Michigan. Our skilled team of professionals provides essential, life-changing services to some of the most vulnerable Michiganders, including people living with substance use disorder, refugee families and youth looking for peace and opportunity, kids in the foster care system needing safety and stability, children with a goal of being adopted and finding their forever family, and those in need of affordable housing. For more information on Samaritas, visit Samaritas.org.