Upjohn Institute

And, of course, we have some pictures!

Sector-specific employment trends, including a notable softening in manufacturing alongside sustained strength in health care and social assistance.

#Michigan

Current economic performance in West Michigan, where Kent and Ottawa counties continue to distinguish themselves as among the state’s most resilient and dynamic local economies.

The evolving role of automation and AI, with new analysis showing how exposure to AI varies across occupations and how higher-skill, postsecondary-prepared roles are expected to experience the strongest growth.

Demographic shifts, including an aging population and declining birth rates, that are projected to slow employment growth, particularly in Michigan.

Horrigan’s remarks highlighted:

Together, they briefed more than 500 business and community leaders on the demographic, technological, and economic forces shaping Michigan and the Grand Rapids region.

This morning, Upjohn Institute President Mike Horrigan joined Fifth Third Bank Chief Economist Jeffrey Korzenik and The Right Place, Inc. President and CEO Randy Thelen to share insights at The Right Place’s 2026 Economic Outlook in Grand Rapids.

#Econsky, #GrandRapids, #TheRightPlace

Updated tuition-free college handbook offers roadmap investing in education and workforce development

A updated Free College Handbook from the Upjohn Institute answers key questions about designing and running community-based “Promise” scholarship programs—an approach that began with the Kalamazoo Promise in 2005 and has since spread to 150 communities nationwide. www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

Facing declining birth rates and out-migration, a majority of U.S. counties are losing population

To read more about his work on declining birth rates, check out this research highlight: www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

Our own Brian Asquith appeared on WWMT last night talking about how declines in birth rates can impact local economies both in Michigan and elsewhere.

Check out his interview here: wwmt.com/news/local/m...

#Econsky

An analysis of new economic data by our own @aaronsojourner.org

YouTube video by Upjohn Institute Upjohn Institute Economic Outlook: Are we headed to a recession?

Is a recession on the horizon? Upjohn Institute President @mikehorrigan.bsky.social discusses the signals he’s watching in the national and local economies. The headline: Some indicators are softening, but it’s still early to make a definitive recession call.

youtu.be/kNWtzBjO3Ds

#Econksky

Hello #2025APPAM attendees!

Happy Saturday! Two of our researchers are presenting their work today.

@bradhershbein.bsky.social and @yucichen.bsky.social are speaking on some great stuff this afternoon! Go check them out!

#Econsky #econconf

Hey #2025APPAM attendees!

If you’re looking for a morning session, go and listen as @gabriellepepin.bsky.social's work on the effects of changes to TANF work requirements is presented! It will be in "Administrative Burden in the Safety Net: Spillovers and Solutions"

#Econsky, #econconf, #APPAM

However, the study found that even if the birth rate had not declined since 1970 many counties would still have seen population losses. Out-migration hits some areas much, much harder than others. This can cause all sorts of economic problems.

A graph showing the percentage of counties in each region of the United States that have lost population since the 1970. The 2019 value for the Midwest is just above 40%, Nationally just below 30%, around 20% for the Northeast and South, and around 15% for the West.

While the situation is most striking in the Midwest, every region has seen increases in the number of counties with falling populations over the past few decades.

Facing declining birth rates and out-migration, a majority of U.S. counties are losing population

Most counties in the US are losing people. While out-migration is a factor, new research suggests that falling birth rates are a major part of this phenomenon. Once people move out, they aren't being replaced.

Read more: www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

#Econsky

Upjohn researchers to attend and present at APPAM 2025

To learn more about their work and what they'll be presenting, take a look at our news update: www.upjohn.org/news/upjohn-...

Members of our team are in Seattle this week for the 47th APPAM fall conference. @bradhershbein.bsky.social and @yucichen.bsky.social, and @gabriellepepin.bsky.social will be presenting on their work and participating in panels over the next few days. Be sure to check them out!

#Econsky #APPAM

Chloe Gibbs: Studying how early childhood shapes opportunity

To learn more about Dr. Gibbs and her work. Check out our newest research highlight: www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

#econsky

Help us welcome Chloe Gibbs (@chloergibbs.bsky.social) as our newest senior economist! Dr. Gibbs holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and was formerly an assistant professor at Notre Dame. Her work focuses on early childhood programs and their effects on learning and economic outcomes.

Check out this new essay by our own @timbartik.bsky.social on the intersection between the abundance movement and place-based policies. It seems that some places respond very differently to job creation incentives than others. #econsky

W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research Investigating the Cause and Effects of Unemployment

And of course, if you're interested in Promise programs or other policies for place, you can learn more about both on our website, www.upjohn.org #econsky

@mmilleradams.bsky.social, @bradhershbein.bsky.social, @kathleenbolter.bsky.social, Bridget Timmeney, and Kyle Huisman, all had a a great time. We can’t wait for the next one!

The Upjohn Institute has been involved with the Promise movement since 2006, and this week’s #Promisenet2025 was no exception. Our amazing team spoke on panels, led discussion groups, and even organized a trivia game all centered around place-based scholarship programs.

A woman addressing a crowd

Adults at tables discussing trivia.

@kathleenbolter.bsky.social had the one of the most in demand sessions with her promise programs trivia game.

A man in a suit faces left.

@bradhershbein.bsky.social spoke on a panel about the best ways for promise programs to meet the needs of adult learners.

A smiling woman speaks into a microphone. She wears a lanyard.

@mmilleradams.bsky.social leads a seminar on how place based scholarships can adapt to changing circumstances.

A rising sun over two hills. The text reads “Promise Net Kalamazoo Michigan 2025”.

Promise Net 2025 is kicking off in Kalamazoo! Several of the Upjohn Institute’s own will be speaking today alongside other experts and leaders in the promise movement. #Promisenet2025 #Yourpathyourpromise