Objective 4: Improved community economic vitality

Muskegon is experiencing modest employment gains in manufacturing and health services sectors, but employment gains in other sectors are constrained by a lack of quality work force. Only 16% of 25-34 year olds in Muskegon have obtained bachelor’s degrees, a percentage that lags significantly behind other regions in Michigan and the greater US by an even larger margin. While this is a conundrum that stifles community sustainability and vitality in many medium sized towns, most of these locations do not have the potential quality of life assets of the many lakes and outdoor activities that younger professionals desire. Muskegon, by comparison, can take advantage of these natural assets to create the draw needed to attract and retain these professionals for longer durations.