Michigan's SOAR Program Generates First Jobs Amidst Funding Controversy
Michigan's $2.4 billion Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) program has reported its first job creations in 2025, with 1,846 new positions generated across ten companies receiving $1.74 billion in subsidies. While this marks the first hiring under Governor Gretchen Whitmer's flagship initiative since its 2022 launch, it represents less than 13% of the 14,559 jobs promised over several years. Notable achievements include Dow Inc. retaining over 5,000 jobs and Corning subsidiary Solar Technology exceeding its hiring target by 100 jobs in Saginaw County. Despite these developments, the program faces intense political scrutiny and was defunded for the current budget year by Republicans and some Democrats who question the cost-effectiveness of such large taxpayer subsidies. The average cost per new job to date stands at approximately $795,000, though officials project this will decrease as projects mature.
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Michigan's SOAR Program Generates First Jobs Amidst Funding Controversy
Michigan's $2.4 billion Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) program has reported its first job creations in 2025, with 1,846 new positions generated across ten companies receiving $1.74 billion in subsidies. While this marks the first hiring under Governor Gretchen Whitmer's flagship initiative since its 2022 launch, it represents less than 13% of the 14,559 jobs promised over several years. Notable achievements include Dow Inc. retaining over 5,000 jobs and Corning subsidiary Solar Technology exceeding its hiring target by 100 jobs in Saginaw County. Despite these developments, the program faces intense political scrutiny and was defunded for the current budget year by Republicans and some Democrats who question the cost-effectiveness of such large taxpayer subsidies. The average cost per new job to date stands at approximately $795,000, though officials project this will decrease as projects mature.
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