Unlocking the Blue Economy

Macomb County is taking a big step towards becoming a hub for water-based industries and recreation. The county's freshwater resources are worth $2.2 billion annually, and leaders want to make the most of it. A new conference, the Great Lakes Policy Conference, will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss how to drive economic development, tourism, and infrastructure investment.

The conference is organized by the Macomb County Chamber and Macomb County Planning & Economic Development. It's designed to break down barriers between industries and organizations that share similar objectives but often operate independently. By working together, they can achieve stronger outcomes and make the most of the region's freshwater resources.

One of the conference's primary goals is to focus on policy issues affecting the Great Lakes region, including environmental stewardship, economic development, tourism, and workforce opportunities. Featured speakers include experts from the marine industry, environmental research, and tourism.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said the region is uniquely positioned to lead discussions about the blue economy because of Lake St. Clair's role in both recreation and economic activity. The lake contributes an estimated $2.2 billion annually to the local economy through boating, fishing, tourism, property values, restaurants, and related businesses.

The concept of a 'blue economy' centers on leveraging water resources in a way that promotes both environmental sustainability and economic growth. In Macomb County, leaders view the idea as extending beyond Lake St. Clair to include the Clinton River and communities throughout the watershed.