Midwest House Stories - Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer for the State of Michigan

In a first-of-its-kind move, Michigan appointed Hillary Doe as its Chief Growth Officer - the first such role in any U.S. state - tasked with a critical mission: drive population growth and help build a vibrant, inclusive future for Michigan. In this in-depth conversation, Doe shares how she’s turning this bold mandate into action through a people-first approach, cross-sector collaboration, and data-backed policy.

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At the core of her work is a commitment to talent attraction and retention, especially among young adults. The state conducted over 20,000 interviews with Michiganders and surveyed 6,000 young people across the country. What did they find? Affordable housing was the #1 factor influencing relocation decisions. In response, Michigan has rolled out ambitious initiatives like free pre-K and free community college, investment in affordable housing, and “Make My Home” - a first-in-the-nation program offering student loan forgiveness and down payment support tailored to local community needs.

Doe emphasizes that this isn’t just policy - it’s personal. A lifelong advocate for the state (she even has a Michigan tattoo), Doe moved back from Brooklyn to raise her family in Detroit, drawn by a lifestyle that balances access to world-class culture and amenities with liveability and affordability. This personal choice echoes broader economic development trends as more families and professionals seek alternatives to high-cost urban centers.

Transportation is another challenge Michigan is tackling head-on. Young adults demand robust transit options, and for the first time in decades, the legislature is seriously debating major investments in public transportation. Doe sees this as critical infrastructure for the future - not just for big cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids, but for smaller towns facing population decline.

Her vision isn’t isolated to Michigan alone. Recognizing the interconnected nature of Midwest innovation, her office’s talent marketing campaign has reached across the country, drawing over 50,000 people interested in living and working in Michigan. This aligns with broader reindustrialization efforts in the Midwest - especially in sectors like clean energy, where Michigan boasts one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S.

Additionally, Michigan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is booming.

The state’s innovation sector is now the second-fastest-growing in the country, with grassroots communities like Black Tech Saturdays attracting hundreds of founders weekly.

The results speak for themselves: Detroit has grown two years in a row after decades of decline, Flint is rebounding, and Michigan is now top five in the U.S. for young adult population growth. Sixty-six percent of counties saw growth last year.

Hillary Doe’s message is clear: Michigan is no longer just about cars and nostalgia - it’s about building a better, more inclusive future. Her pitch? “Come to Michigan. You won’t want to leave.”