LANSING, MI — Americans for Prosperity-Michigan (AFP-MI) urged lawmakers to carefully scrutinize proposals that would provide additional taxpayer-funded incentives for redevelopment of Detroit’s Renaissance Center, warning against repeating costly economic development strategies that have failed to deliver promised results.
AFP-MI State Director Tim Golding issued the following statement:
“Michigan taxpayers have heard these promises before. For years, state leaders have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into so-called transformational projects, only to see little evidence that these subsidies have delivered meaningful economic opportunity for the people who need it most.
“Taxpayers helped finance office towers, stadiums, and development projects, yet Detroit remains the poorest large city in America and unemployment remains far too high. Before committing additional taxpayer dollars, lawmakers should take an honest look at the results of these programs and ask what Michigan families are getting in return.
“The question isn’t whether Detroit should continue to grow and thrive, it absolutely should. The question is whether taxpayer-funded subsidies are the best way to achieve that goal. Michigan should focus on creating a broadly competitive economy that benefits all communities, not doubling down on selective incentives that pick winners and losers.
“Lawmakers should hit pause before committing more taxpayer dollars and ensure any proposal is subjected to rigorous scrutiny, transparency, and accountability.”
