West Michigan economic development plan: 4,500 jobs, $30 hourly wage

Published: Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5:31 pm

West Michigan Economic Development Group Unveils Ambitious Plan

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Right Place, an economic development organization serving West Michigan, has announced a new strategic plan with ambitious goals for the next three years. The plan aims to create and retain 4,500 jobs with an average hourly wage of $30.

The plan also includes a call for $700 million in capital investment across the seven-county region by the end of 2028, alongside $200 million in community development investment. The Right Place also intends to establish 100 industry education partnerships.

According to Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place, the region is now competing with larger, more established areas, requiring a more ambitious approach. The Right Place intends to achieve its goals through several key strategies. These include expanding employer engagement with educational institutions and workforce development organizations, positioning the region as a destination for talent, and building talent pipelines.

Other strategies involve preparing land for development, driving investment into public spaces, collaborating with municipal partners, and working with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to expand services. The Right Place will also support existing businesses, conduct business attraction campaigns, and assist manufacturers in diversification and technology adoption.

The Right Place, founded in 1985, developed its new plan with input from 550 community stakeholders. The unveiling of the plan followed the completion of the organization's previous three-year plan, which resulted in the creation and retention of 4,153 jobs between 2023 and 2025. The Right Place's primary focus is on job creation within advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and technology.

Thelen also addressed challenges, including local resistance to the development of data centers, which aligns with the organization's goal of growing the region's tech sector. The Right Place is working with public partners to find projects aligned with their goals and navigate potential anti-growth sentiments.

BNN's Perspective: The Right Place's new plan demonstrates a commitment to economic growth and job creation in West Michigan. While the goals are ambitious, the organization's focus on key industries and collaboration with various stakeholders suggests a well-considered approach. However, addressing local concerns about development will be crucial for the plan's success.

Keywords: West Michigan, economic development, jobs, wages, capital investment, community development, strategic plan, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, manufacturing, health sciences, technology, talent, business attraction

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