The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism, and attract and retain key talent to fill the state’s vast pipeline of opportunities. 

LEO’s mission is to expand economic opportunity and prosperity for all and a vision of making Michigan a place where all people, businesses and communities have the economic means and personal freedoms to reach their full potential.

Throughout 2026, we will focus on supporting implementation of the new federal work requirements for Michigan participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid), as well as the work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance. By leveraging and strengthening partnerships with LEO’s Unemployment Insurance Agency, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and Michigan Works! agencies, we will work to ensure Michiganders retain critical food, health and wage benefits while getting the support they need to pursue and secure good-paying jobs.

We will also be working with MiLEAP and the Michigan Works! network — along with approved education and training providers — to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand jobs through Workforce Pell Grants. These federal grants expand financial aid to cover short-term workforce training, in alignment with the needs and hiring requirements of local employers, for eligible students.

Other highlights of 2026 will be the launch of programs that support the Governor’s Michigan Maritime Strategy, a 10-year, forward-looking plan to capitalize on the State’s strategic position in the Great Lakes region and its extensive maritime assets. Supporting those efforts are the Federal Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative (M3) and the Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program (MIDSTP). Both programs are well-positioned to help us revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry and create new, good-paying jobs for Michigan workers.

Over the next year we will be heavily focused on modernizing the technology for our IT systems and identifying ways to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily work to enhance what we currently do and create greater efficiencies as we look ahead.

By engaging partners, employers, labor and other workforce system stakeholders, LEO’s Office of Employment and Training continues to develop and support innovative solutions to deliver brighter futures for all Michiganders.

Please follow our efforts at Michigan.gov/LEO/Employment-and-Training.