To ensure the success and growth of thriving communities in every corner of the state, lawmakers must take responsible steps to improve and maintain the state’s infrastructure. SBAM supports measures that equip communities with the requisite infrastructure that allow small businesses to prosper, including the state’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and high-speed internet.  Lawmakers should seek to draw down federal funds to offset costs whenever applicable and should avoid irresponsible debt spending to finance projects.

Housing shortages have hindered the ability of Michigan’s small businesses to attract and retain talent. To ensure that communities have the housing stock to support a flourishing workforce, SBAM supports adopting and implementing the MSHDA Statewide Housing Plan, which our leadership was involved in drafting to achieve:

• 75,000+ new or rehabilitated housing units to include:
  • 39,000+ affordable rental units.
  • 21,500+ market-rate units (homeowner and rental).
  • 13,500+ homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.
  • 1,000+ units of workforce housing.
  • 100,000+ households’ housing is stabilized.
• Significantly reduce the equity gaps in homelessness and homeownership.
• Strive to make homelessness rare, brief, and one time.
• 15,000+ households increase home energy efficiency and make weatherization improvements.

As we adjust to post-pandemic life, and as more companies begin to utilize cloud-based technology and hybrid work schedules, reliable internet connection has become a pressing infrastructure need for small businesses. Additionally, as schools increasingly utilize technology for lessons and homework, lack of connectivity inhibits student growth and further drives educational underachievement, particularly in rural and low-income communities. Considering current shortcomings, broadband expansion and increased access to high-speed internet will be required for Michigan’s small business to remain competitive nationally and globally.