Economy

OVERALL RATING

Nine hundred residents shared their views through telephone and online opinion surveys conducted in the first half of 2019. Key findings are summarized, including ratings for different aspects of life in Flint. Ratings are based on a scale of one to five, in which five means “very positive” and one means “very negative.” For more information about how the ratings were calculated, see Methodology.

THINGS TO CELEBRATE/
THINGS TO IMPROVE

This section highlights survey results regarding what’s working and what needs improvement. If a section of Focus on Flint does not include information about Things to Celebrate or Things to Improve, it’s because the survey didn’t yield responses to fit the categories.

ALSO HEARD

In addition to results of the opinion survey, Focus on Flint shares information that local nonprofit organizations and agencies have reported hearing from the residents they serve.

SUPPORT FROM MOTT

Support for the organizations and programs presented in bold text includes funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which produced this report. To learn more, visit the Foundation’s website, Mott.org.

FACTS & FIGURES

Each section includes data and statistics that illuminate strengths of the Flint community and highlight challenges. These facts were collected through opinion surveys of Flint residents; from city, state and federal agencies; and from local nonprofit organizations. The Flint surveys were conducted in the first half of 2019. Unless otherwise noted, all remaining data are from 2018.

DID YOU KNOW?

This section highlights organizations and programs working to address issues in the Flint community and provides information about how to connect with them.

THE ISSUE AND THE RESPONSE

Focus on Flint explores nine important issues facing the local community: Arts and Culture, Economy, Education, Health, Housing, Public Safety, Quality of Life, Standard of Living and Water. This section describes why each issue is critical to the community and summarizes work underway.

Attracting new interest and investment in downtown Flint is key to the community’s economic future.

PHOTO: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2.4

OVERALL RATING

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THINGS TO CELEBRATE

  • Support for entrepreneurs

THINGS TO IMPROVE

  • Local economy and job opportunities

ALSO HEARD

  • People are excited about new job opportunities.
  • Job training programs should prepare people for employment that pays a living wage.
  • Support for entrepreneurs should be coordinated.

THE ISSUE

Fueled by the decline in manufacturing in Flint, the city experienced decades of job losses and a shrinking tax base. Unemployment rates have improved, but many residents still are unable to find work that pays a living wage. The lack of economic opportunity makes it difficult for them — and the community — to move forward.

THE RESPONSE

The City of Flint, Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and others are working to recruit new employers to the community, retain existing businesses and increase jobs. Among the most exciting news: the Lear Corporation’s new manufacturing facility on the former Buick City site is expected to employ roughly 600 workers by the end of 2019; and GM has announced a $150 million investment in its Flint Assembly plant, which is expected to bring in 1,000 new jobs. Mott Community College, Flint STRIVE and St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center are among the local partners providing residents with job training, while 100K Ideas, Factory Two and others are helping entrepreneurs to launch small businesses. And the ongoing revitalization of downtown Flint has the potential to spark positive economic impacts throughout the city and beyond.

Facts & Figures

PHOTO: CRISTINA WRIGHTThe lawn of City Hall is graced by statues that honor auto workers.

DID YOU KNOW?

In early 2018 a new economic development team was formed at the City of Flint, thanks in large part to a grant of $2.9 million from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The previous department had been cut due to lack of funding. The City is now able to work with other local and state partners to boost economic development. It will release a full economic development plan in 2019 aimed at increasing employment, wages and income in the city.

CONTACT: City of Flint, Department of Community and Economic Development, 810-766-7426.

 

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