The Reliable Rides Incentive Grant Pilot Program has awarded $20,000 each to three Michigan employers to implement new transportation solutions. Flint’s Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church in partnership with NorthGate, LM Manufacturing in Detroit, and Mathei Wood Products in Petoskey will launch initiatives ranging from shuttle services and vanpools to vehicle repair assistance, all aimed at reducing barriers to employment and supporting job stability.
These projects reflect a continued commitment to strengthening workforce participation and testing practical, scalable approaches that can help address transportation challenges for workers across the state.
1. Data & Coordination
After presenting the key findings and recommendations during the March Quarterly All-Hub meeting, LEO is beginning broader engagement on the Automotive Workforce Transition Report. Over the coming weeks, LEO will be meeting with industry groups to discuss how well the findings align with on-the-ground experience, assess whether the recommendations are responsive to industry needs, and identify opportunities for collaboration on implementation.
If you have feedback on the draft report, we invite you to join this month’s Data & Coordination Workgroup meeting for a focused discussion.
2. Structural Barriers
As presented during the March Quarterly All-Hub meeting, we are excited to connect you all with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) on the Regional Child Care Planning Coalitions. In ten economic development regions across the state, these coalitions are bringing cross sector partners together implement locally-driven child care action plans. These coalitions are engaging with municipalities, economic development organizations and many other local and regional partners to increase child care supply.
If you’re not already, we encourage those interested in addressing childcare barriers to get involved. View the Regional Child Care Coalition Lead and Co-Lead organizations contact information (Excel).
Given MiLEAP's programming and the progress on the Reliable Rides initiative, we are suspending the monthly Structural Barriers Workgroup meetings for the time being. We will continue to provide quarterly updates on Reliable Rides progress during the All-Hub meetings to ensure everyone stays informed about implementation, grant activity and emerging best practices.
3. Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness
The Skills in Sync roundtable series is kicking off this month, with three listening sessions to hear insights from educators and employers on how to strengthen school-industry partnerships. These conversations will highlight what is working, where there are gaps, and how to better align K-12 education and workforce needs.
Insights will directly inform Skills in Sync: A Partnership Playbook for K-12 Educators and Manufacturers and upcoming regional consortia pilots. We will also share initial takeaways at the next workgroup meeting.
If you are interested in joining any of the workgroups referenced above, please contact LEO-MI-Auto-Workforce-Hub@Michigan.gov.
Welcome Luke Forrest as the new Transition Office Director
March 30 marked Jonathan Smith's last day at LEO. We are excited to welcome Luke Forrest as the new Director of the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office.
Luke has worked in government or non-profits for this entire century and by joining LEO has hit the trifecta of local, state and federal government. Most recently, Luke was the Director of Community Engagement for the Transitions Office and has led the development of the Community Transition Playbook and stood up the Community Growth Academy. Prior to LEO, Luke was the Executive Director of CEDAM, which is a statewide membership/advocacy network for community development organizations and a frequent LEO partner.
Luke will be joining future MI Auto Workforce Hub meetings and we look forward to working with him in this new role.
Stay informed – Join the MI Hub for Manufacturers Today!
If you are a small or mid-sized manufacturer in Michigan and haven't yet joined the MI Hub for Manufacturers, now is a great time! Creating a free account gives you access to valuable tools, resources and support to help your business grow and adapt.
By joining, you'll also receive timely alerts when new programs launch, or critical information becomes available - ensuring you never miss an update or opportunity to grow your business.
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Skills in Sync Employer Roundtable: April 14, 2026, at Alro Steel
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Data & Coordination Workgroup meeting: April 15, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.
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Skills in Sync Southwest Educator Roundtable: April 22, 2026, at KRESA Career Connect Center
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Skills in Sync Southeast Educator Roundtable: April 28, 2026, at Macomb Community College
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MI Auto Workforce Hub Training, Curriculum & Career Readiness Workgroup meeting: April 29, 2026, at 11:15 a.m.
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All MI Auto Workforce Hub Quarterly Virtual meeting: June 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Join us to share your expertise, ask questions and collaborate on shaping Michigan’s automotive workforce future!
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