Photo by Charles Falsetti, Visit Detroit
By Sarah Gregory, VP, Strategic Partnerships & Talent, Detroit Regional Partnership
The Detroit Lions are more than a football team — they are a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and the power of belief. For decades, they have been the underdogs, but today, they are roaring into a new era. That journey feels a lot like what is happening across the Detroit Region’s workforce at the moment.
Just as the Lions rebuilt their roster with strategic moves and an emphasis on homegrown talent, the Detroit Region is harnessing its workforce potential to beat out the competition. With 2.7 million workers — more than the working population of 28 other states — the Region offers employers the ability to launch and scale quickly. This robust workforce already outpaces high-growth metros like Denver, Charlotte, and Austin by more than a million workers. Here, businesses are not waiting for potential growth — they are tapping into an existing, dynamic talent pool.
Our Highly Skilled Workforce Is Not Only Large, It’s Adaptable
With initiatives like the Governor’s “60 by 30” goal and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s efforts to increase educational attainment, this competitive advantage can grow. Detroit’s higher education network, boasting 34 universities and colleges, produces 55,000 graduates annually, with the nation’s highest retention rate at 78%. This steady pipeline of talent ensures that our workforce is not only large, but also highly skilled and adaptable.
Innovation Is in Our DNA, and It’s Driven by R & D and Talent
What sets Detroit apart, however, is the unique specialization and innovation embedded in our workforce. From being ranked No. 1 in automotive assembly and manufacturing talent to No. 2 for engineering expertise, the Region’s workers are equipped to support cutting-edge industries like next-generation mobility, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. This innovation is fueled by significant R&D investments, with Michigan leading the nation in automotive and mobility research, contributing $13 billion annually.
Success Is About Leveraging What Makes Detroit Special
That said, we need to remain realistic about where we are. Detroit has made significant strides, but there is still work to do. Benchmarking ourselves against other locations, like Austin or Denver, allows us to better understand how we can evolve and what best practices we can adopt. These comparisons do not diminish what we have accomplished — they underscore our readiness to grow.
The key takeaway?
We already have the right tools, resources, and talent to be successful. It’s about using them strategically and consistently.
Like the Lions, Detroit’s workforce is stepping into its own identity. This isn’t about trying to be Silicon Valley or New York, just as the Lions are not trying to be the Kansas City Chiefs or Philadelphia Eagles — it is about leveraging their/our unique grit, creativity, and determination that define our community.
By Building on Momentum, We’re Going to Celebrate Big Wins Together
The Lions’ rise has energized the city — it has made us believe. Similarly, as the Region’s workforce grows stronger, it is creating a ripple effect of optimism, opportunity, and pride among employers. Our city, like our team, has faced challenges, but we are proving that with the right vision and investment, comebacks are not just possible — they are inevitable.
So, whether it is on the field or in the workplace, Detroit is winning. With resilience, smart strategies, and a unified vision, the Detroit Region is proving it is our turn — just as the Lions are showing the NFL it is theirs.
Let’s build on this momentum, together — and celebrate the big wins that are going to come.
Sarah Gregory is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Talent for the
Detroit Regional Partnership, a leading regional economic development nonprofit serving the Detroit 11-county region.
