Ottawa County continues to have one of the lowest rates of unemployment in the state of Michigan, but the county did see an uptick in the unemployment rate in March, according to state officials.
Unemployment in the county increased in March from 4.5 percent to 4.6 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Ottawa is tied for the third-lowest jobless rate in the state with Clinton County.
Livingston County, located between Detroit and Lansing, had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.9 percent while Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula had the highest jobless rate at 22 percent, according to the state.
Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates declined in 16 of Michigan’s 18 labor market areas over the month, according to data released today from the Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
“Michigan’s regional labor markets were relatively stable between February and March although unemployment remained elevated in all areas since last year,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Total payroll jobs increased in most metro areas, with several industries showing strong seasonal gains.”
Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 4.7 to 10.3 percent in March, with a median rate reduction of 0.4 percentage points over the month. Rate declines ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 percentage points, with the most pronounced over-the-month rate decrease occurring in the Monroe metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood MSA, which includes Ottawa County, saw a March jobless rate of 4.8 percent, down from 4.9 percent in February but up from 3.6 percent in March of 2024. The number of workers employed in the metro area increased from 598,200 in February to 599,000 in March, according to the state.
The Ann Arbor metro area exhibited a jobless rate increase over the month (+0.2 percentage points), and the unemployment rate in the Lansing MSA was unchanged since February.
All 18 Michigan labor market areas displayed unemployment rate gains over the year, with a median rate increase of 1.4 percentage points.
Total employment advanced in all 18 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median gain of 0.8 percent. The Lansing MSA and the Northeast Lower Michigan region both recorded the largest employment increase since February (+1.2 percent).
Unemployment in the county increased in March from 4.5 percent to 4.6 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Ottawa is tied for the third-lowest jobless rate in the state with Clinton County.
Livingston County, located between Detroit and Lansing, had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.9 percent while Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula had the highest jobless rate at 22 percent, according to the state.
Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates declined in 16 of Michigan’s 18 labor market areas over the month, according to data released today from the Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
“Michigan’s regional labor markets were relatively stable between February and March although unemployment remained elevated in all areas since last year,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Total payroll jobs increased in most metro areas, with several industries showing strong seasonal gains.”
Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 4.7 to 10.3 percent in March, with a median rate reduction of 0.4 percentage points over the month. Rate declines ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 percentage points, with the most pronounced over-the-month rate decrease occurring in the Monroe metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood MSA, which includes Ottawa County, saw a March jobless rate of 4.8 percent, down from 4.9 percent in February but up from 3.6 percent in March of 2024. The number of workers employed in the metro area increased from 598,200 in February to 599,000 in March, according to the state.
The Ann Arbor metro area exhibited a jobless rate increase over the month (+0.2 percentage points), and the unemployment rate in the Lansing MSA was unchanged since February.
All 18 Michigan labor market areas displayed unemployment rate gains over the year, with a median rate increase of 1.4 percentage points.
Total employment advanced in all 18 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median gain of 0.8 percent. The Lansing MSA and the Northeast Lower Michigan region both recorded the largest employment increase since February (+1.2 percent).
Huizenga Cheers Funding Boost to Restart Palisades
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, is praising the Trump administration for its latest disbursement to be used for restarting the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced last week that it has dispersed $46,709,358 toward restarting the Palisades plant, which ceased operations in May 2022. This is the third disbursement of funding from the energy department, totaling $1.52 billion.
“I am glad to see President Trump and Energy Secretary Wright continue to strengthen American energy security and support good-paying jobs right here in Southwest Michigan,” Huizenga said. “The Palisades Nuclear Plant will provide 800 (megawatts) of clean and reliable energy while helping make energy more affordable for families and small businesses across Michigan. This is great news for Van Buren County, Southwest Michigan, and our entire state.”
The Energy Department last September disbursed $38 million for the Palisades project, and last month awarded another $57 million toward restarting. It’s the first time in U.S. history that an effort has been made to restart a nuclear plant that had been decommissioned.
“In advancing President Trump’s commitment to meet our growing demand for affordable, reliable and secure electricity, America needs to utilize all forms of energy that grow our economy, create new jobs, and secure energy independence,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. “With projects like the Palisades Nuclear Plant, the Energy Department is working to ensure America's nuclear renaissance is just around the corner.”
Last month, Huizenga asked residents of his congressional district if they supported efforts to repower Palisades. With more than 6,600 residents responding, a massive 70.8 percent supported restarting the plant.
Zeeland Record
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, is praising the Trump administration for its latest disbursement to be used for restarting the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced last week that it has dispersed $46,709,358 toward restarting the Palisades plant, which ceased operations in May 2022. This is the third disbursement of funding from the energy department, totaling $1.52 billion.
“I am glad to see President Trump and Energy Secretary Wright continue to strengthen American energy security and support good-paying jobs right here in Southwest Michigan,” Huizenga said. “The Palisades Nuclear Plant will provide 800 (megawatts) of clean and reliable energy while helping make energy more affordable for families and small businesses across Michigan. This is great news for Van Buren County, Southwest Michigan, and our entire state.”
The Energy Department last September disbursed $38 million for the Palisades project, and last month awarded another $57 million toward restarting. It’s the first time in U.S. history that an effort has been made to restart a nuclear plant that had been decommissioned.
“In advancing President Trump’s commitment to meet our growing demand for affordable, reliable and secure electricity, America needs to utilize all forms of energy that grow our economy, create new jobs, and secure energy independence,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. “With projects like the Palisades Nuclear Plant, the Energy Department is working to ensure America's nuclear renaissance is just around the corner.”
Last month, Huizenga asked residents of his congressional district if they supported efforts to repower Palisades. With more than 6,600 residents responding, a massive 70.8 percent supported restarting the plant.
Michigan Zoning Laws Target Dollar Stores
By Scott McClallen
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Some local governments in Michigan are using zoning ordinances to keep dollar stores from opening.
Several local governments in rural areas require additional permits for any store that would sell primarily low-cost goods. These governments include Maple City and Empire in Leelanau County and Benzonia in Benzie County.
Almira, in Benzie County, requires any building over 5,000 square feet to receive a special land use permit.
The rule limiting commercial structures to 5,000 square feet is meant to “maintain the character of our primarily residential township,” Almira zoning administrator Kate Preston told Michigan Capitol Confidential in an email.
“Commercial and residential uses are often adjacent in Almira, and maintaining the value of our residential means managing the impact of our commercial. We’re a small township, and a small footprint commercial fits in better. This restriction applies to all commercial enterprises and isn't intended to restrict any particular business or type of business.”
In Empire, any building over 2,999 square feet needs a special land use permit. Any building over 5,000 square feet requires a variance. Meanwhile, Benzonia’s ordinance requires anyone who constructs a building over 5,000 square feet to get a special land use permit.
Long Lake Charter Township, in Grand Traverse County, restricts buildings that require a permit to 7,500 square feet. Buildings larger than 7,500 square feet need a conditional use permit.
The area has a Dollar General that moved in about two years ago, Supervisor Ron Lemcool said in a phone interview.
Dollar store critics compare the stores to a disease that “reveals the worst of capitalism,” Jarrett Skorup, the Mackinac Center’s vice president for marketing and communications, wrote in a March story for Reason magazine.
Using zoning to prevent chain stores from serving local communities will only undermine job growth, investment, and the needs of local residents, Daniel J. Smith, an economics professor at Middle Tennessee State University, told CapCon in an email.
“Corporate chain stores, including dollar stores, are eyeing rural Michigan communities as prime locations to establish new outlets, driven by their ability to meet the practical needs of residents,” Smith wrote. “These stores offer convenience for locals, eliminating the need for frequent trips into town to replace a spilled carton of milk or pick up medicine for a child’s fever.”
Living during high inflation means customers need their dollars to stretch further, Dollar General told CapCon in an email.
“We believe restrictive measures harm communities by limiting customer choice, convenience and affordability, particularly in inflationary times, and forcing customers to travel farther and/or spend more to access basic household and food items,” a spokesperson wrote.
“We believe the addition of each Dollar General provides positive economic benefits including additional access to affordable products for customers; the creation of new jobs for local residents and career development opportunities for our employees; the generation of additional tax revenue for the city; and the ability for local nonprofits, schools and libraries to apply for literacy and education grants through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.”
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Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Some local governments in Michigan are using zoning ordinances to keep dollar stores from opening.
Several local governments in rural areas require additional permits for any store that would sell primarily low-cost goods. These governments include Maple City and Empire in Leelanau County and Benzonia in Benzie County.
Almira, in Benzie County, requires any building over 5,000 square feet to receive a special land use permit.
The rule limiting commercial structures to 5,000 square feet is meant to “maintain the character of our primarily residential township,” Almira zoning administrator Kate Preston told Michigan Capitol Confidential in an email.
“Commercial and residential uses are often adjacent in Almira, and maintaining the value of our residential means managing the impact of our commercial. We’re a small township, and a small footprint commercial fits in better. This restriction applies to all commercial enterprises and isn't intended to restrict any particular business or type of business.”
In Empire, any building over 2,999 square feet needs a special land use permit. Any building over 5,000 square feet requires a variance. Meanwhile, Benzonia’s ordinance requires anyone who constructs a building over 5,000 square feet to get a special land use permit.
Long Lake Charter Township, in Grand Traverse County, restricts buildings that require a permit to 7,500 square feet. Buildings larger than 7,500 square feet need a conditional use permit.
The area has a Dollar General that moved in about two years ago, Supervisor Ron Lemcool said in a phone interview.
Dollar store critics compare the stores to a disease that “reveals the worst of capitalism,” Jarrett Skorup, the Mackinac Center’s vice president for marketing and communications, wrote in a March story for Reason magazine.
Using zoning to prevent chain stores from serving local communities will only undermine job growth, investment, and the needs of local residents, Daniel J. Smith, an economics professor at Middle Tennessee State University, told CapCon in an email.
“Corporate chain stores, including dollar stores, are eyeing rural Michigan communities as prime locations to establish new outlets, driven by their ability to meet the practical needs of residents,” Smith wrote. “These stores offer convenience for locals, eliminating the need for frequent trips into town to replace a spilled carton of milk or pick up medicine for a child’s fever.”
Living during high inflation means customers need their dollars to stretch further, Dollar General told CapCon in an email.
“We believe restrictive measures harm communities by limiting customer choice, convenience and affordability, particularly in inflationary times, and forcing customers to travel farther and/or spend more to access basic household and food items,” a spokesperson wrote.
“We believe the addition of each Dollar General provides positive economic benefits including additional access to affordable products for customers; the creation of new jobs for local residents and career development opportunities for our employees; the generation of additional tax revenue for the city; and the ability for local nonprofits, schools and libraries to apply for literacy and education grants through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.”
—————
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Whitmer Announces Home Energy Rebates
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the statewide launch of the Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER), a program that will help households across the state save thousands of dollars on energy expenses through home energy improvements and new, efficient appliances.
The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), can make a big difference in lowering costs for families, as 86 percent of the energy used in a home comes from heating and cooling spaces, boiling water, cooking, and refrigeration.
“With the statewide launch of the MiHER program, we’re helping Michigan families save money while upgrading their homes to make them more efficient and cut energy costs,” Whitmer said. “Michigan families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.”
Up to 15,000 households across the state will benefit from the statewide rollout of MiHER. These rebate options support energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for single and multifamily homes.
While all Michigan households – homeowners or renters – can pursue energy efficiency upgrades, MiHER will prioritize households with incomes at or below 80 percent of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI). Across the two programs, households are eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates.
MiHER includes two programs:
• Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) will provide funding to lower the up-front cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling. HER covers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades that save 15-20 percent of the home’s energy use. Households are eligible for up to $20,000.
• Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) will help reduce the up-front cost of efficient electric technologies, with rebates for high-efficiency home appliances and equipment. Among the maximum rebates available are $840 for an electric stove or dryer; $1,750 for a heat pump water heater; $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation; $2,500 for electric wiring upgrades; and $8,000 for a heat pump for heating or cooling. Households are eligible for up to $14,000.
Michigan renters and homeowners interested in the programs can learn more at Michigan.gov/ HomeEnergyRebates and can submit a MiHER application. Once the application is approved, households will be directed to select an approved MiHER contractor to conduct a home assessment. Eligible rebate work will be completed by MiHER contractors. Once the project is complete, the rebate payment will go directly to the MiHER contractor. For low-income households, 100 percent of the work is covered.
Michigan received $211 million for MiHER through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Home Energy Rebates nationally, saving households up to $1 billion annually on energy bills and supporting more than 50,000 U.S. jobs.
In November, Michigan launched its program on a pilot basis in Holland and Marquette County, in collaboration with the Holland Board of Public Works, Upper Peninsula Power Company and SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company. This initial phase helped refine the program, making Michigan the first state in the Midwest to implement both components of the federal Home Energy Rebates program.
For more information on the MiHER program, visit Michigan.gov/homeenergyrebates or contact the CLEAResult Call Center at (855) 510-7080.
The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), can make a big difference in lowering costs for families, as 86 percent of the energy used in a home comes from heating and cooling spaces, boiling water, cooking, and refrigeration.
“With the statewide launch of the MiHER program, we’re helping Michigan families save money while upgrading their homes to make them more efficient and cut energy costs,” Whitmer said. “Michigan families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.”
Up to 15,000 households across the state will benefit from the statewide rollout of MiHER. These rebate options support energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for single and multifamily homes.
While all Michigan households – homeowners or renters – can pursue energy efficiency upgrades, MiHER will prioritize households with incomes at or below 80 percent of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI). Across the two programs, households are eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates.
MiHER includes two programs:
• Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) will provide funding to lower the up-front cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling. HER covers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades that save 15-20 percent of the home’s energy use. Households are eligible for up to $20,000.
• Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) will help reduce the up-front cost of efficient electric technologies, with rebates for high-efficiency home appliances and equipment. Among the maximum rebates available are $840 for an electric stove or dryer; $1,750 for a heat pump water heater; $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation; $2,500 for electric wiring upgrades; and $8,000 for a heat pump for heating or cooling. Households are eligible for up to $14,000.
Michigan renters and homeowners interested in the programs can learn more at Michigan.gov/ HomeEnergyRebates and can submit a MiHER application. Once the application is approved, households will be directed to select an approved MiHER contractor to conduct a home assessment. Eligible rebate work will be completed by MiHER contractors. Once the project is complete, the rebate payment will go directly to the MiHER contractor. For low-income households, 100 percent of the work is covered.
Michigan received $211 million for MiHER through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Home Energy Rebates nationally, saving households up to $1 billion annually on energy bills and supporting more than 50,000 U.S. jobs.
In November, Michigan launched its program on a pilot basis in Holland and Marquette County, in collaboration with the Holland Board of Public Works, Upper Peninsula Power Company and SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company. This initial phase helped refine the program, making Michigan the first state in the Midwest to implement both components of the federal Home Energy Rebates program.
For more information on the MiHER program, visit Michigan.gov/homeenergyrebates or contact the CLEAResult Call Center at (855) 510-7080.
