The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference this week brought together leaders to discuss key issues Michigan is facing. One Detroit contributors Zoe Clark, Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley talk with key government, business, educational and philanthropic leaders and hear from attendees at the conference about the current successes and challenges in the state. 

Our contributors also discussed the upcoming election for Detroit mayor, high-priority issues for the state, and the collaborations that may come out of the conference. 

See highlights from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s keynote speeches; watch conversations about talent growth, federal funding and transportation; hear from Michigan congressional leaders and other notable speakers; and learn about the prospect of a WNBA team in the city, the link between mental health and truancy, and Detroit PBS’ Destination Detroit initiative.

Mayor Mike Duggan discusses Detroit’s progress in Mackinac Policy Conference speech

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s third and final term as mayor is coming to a close later this year. During his speech at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, Duggan discussed Detroit’s progress under his leadership. Duggan has announced he’s running for Michigan governor as an independent in 2026.

 

Michigan Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe discusses the state’s talent growth efforts

One of Michigan’s top priorities is attracting and retaining a talented workforce. Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe has been focused on this since she was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023. Contributor Zoe Clark talks with Doe and Rick Baker, the President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, about talent growth efforts across the state.

 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers keynote address at 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her annual keynote address at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, sharing the state’s progress and her vision for its future. During her address, she discussed education in Michigan and literacy rates; the Rebuilding Michigan Plan to repair local roads; and efforts to attract advanced manufacturers to the state.

 

Experts explore link between mental health and truancy to improve education outcomes in Michigan

In Michigan, improving outcomes for K-12 students includes the need to address issues such as truancy. Missing school affects a child’s academic performance, well-being and overall development. Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and The Guidance Center CEO Laura Huot, and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network President and CEO James White talk with One Detroit contributor Zoe Clark about the connection between truancy and mental health.

 

Ride United program works to close transportation gaps for Detroit residents

Transportation insecurity has been a barrier for thousands of Detroiters. United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s “Ride United” program is helping to close that transportation gap. One Detroit contributor Zoe Clark talks with Ed Siaje, the president of Bank of America Detroit, and Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

 

U.S. representatives from Michigan discuss the political climate and new federal policies

U.S. Congressional leaders from Michigan — Rep. Tom Barrett, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Bill Huizenga and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet — talk about their efforts to leverage talent, develop policies for competitiveness, invest in infrastructure, and create sustainable resources through partnership and collaboration with the federal government.

 

Michigan leaders share how federal funding cuts are impacting their programs and services

Federal funding cuts are beginning to have an impact in Michigan. The leaders of three organizations in the state share how the cuts are impacting their programs and services. One Detroit contributor Zoe Clark talks with Kelli Dobner of Samaritas, Dr. David Miller of University of Michigan Health and Kelley Kuhn of the Michigan Nonprofit Association.

 

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra talks trade relationships between U.S. and Canada

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra talks with WOOD-TV 8’s Rick Albin about trade and social relationships between the U.S. and Canada. Hoekstra has served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, a U.S. Representative, and as the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands.

 

Could a WNBA franchise be coming to Detroit?

Pistons Owner Tom Gores and his wife, Holly Gores, have teamed up with Detroit leaders from business, sports, and entertainment to submit a bid for a WNBA expansion franchise. Swin Cash-Canal, Grant Hill, Sandy Pierce and Arn Tellem discuss the collaborative effort behind the bid and explore the ways a WNBA expansion franchise could enrich the Detroit region economically and socially at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

 

Destination Detroit initiative tells the region’s story through the people who shaped it

Detroit PBS has launched Destination Detroit, an initiative that explores the rich history of the people who have shaped Southeast Michigan through a collection of interviews and stories. Detroit PBS Vice President of Content Ed Moore, Detroit Historical Society President & CEO Elana Rugh, and Charles H. Wright Museum President & CEO Neil Barclay discuss the initiative.