I think one of the best ways to understand where Michigan is headed is to live outside the state for a few years. Seems to me that too many people in Michigan are living in a bubble and have a rather one-dimensional view of things. Perhaps a less "provincial" among the local population attitude will help?

In a way, Michigan needs to figure out how to retain its recent college graduates, rather than send them off to Chicago, DC, and the South. How can Michigan compete with all these up and coming places? What can MI offer? Yes, a good economy is crucial [[if you build, will they come?).