Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

West Michigan's Growth Slows Amid Staffing and AI Challenges

12/9/2025

39 7

Summary

Story summary

West Michigan, particularly Grand Rapids, shows strong job and population growth, but momentum is slowing due to staffing challenges, tariffs, and artificial intelligence.
In 2025, 46% of local companies planned to expand, down from 52% in 2024.
Population growth decreased from nearly 1% to 0.4%.
Job numbers have remained around 600,000 for three years.
Economic development efforts have exceeded several goals.

1 of 1

Story summary

West Michigan, particularly Grand Rapids, shows strong job and population growth, but momentum is slowing due to staffing challenges, tariffs, and artificial intelligence.
In 2025, 46% of local companies planned to expand, down from 52% in 2024.
Population growth decreased from nearly 1% to 0.4%.
Job numbers have remained around 600,000 for three years.
Economic development efforts have exceeded several goals.