February Newsletter
Welcome to the NEW Watch Muskegon Market Report where you will get the latest in economic development happening in Muskegon County.
Watch US GO Feature
Chamber President, Cindy Larsen, won the Grand Rapids Business Journal 2017 Newsmaker of the Year award this month. The award recognized Muskegon’s redevelopment efforts which include over $1 billion in investments!

In addition to winning the overall 2017 Newsmaker of the Year award, Larsen and the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber won the Newsmaker award in the economic development category as well. WATCH US GO! Click here to learn more.
Live

More living options are available Downtown Muskegon and they are quickly filling up! Highpoint Flats filled 11 of their 47 apartments within the first week that the leasing office was opened. This is just one of many projects making Downtown Muskegon a living destination. Highpoint Flats is on schedule to be complete this May.
Photo Credit: Progressive AE
Work

Location and design of the new convention center is under way! Progressive AE, an architectural design firm, has been contracted to work on the proposed convention center. The Muskegon City Commission and Muskegon County are working together to make this happen. The convention center is expected to open in 2021 with construction starting in 2019.
Learn

Read Muskegon, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life through improved literacy in Muskegon, was selected as a finalist in the MiBiz Best-Managed Nonprofits Awards. They opened their family literacy center in Muskegon Heights last May.
Photo Credit: Megan Jones
Play

Muskegon receives more national recognition! Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon was mentioned by National Geographic as being a destination for surfers. Muskegon is continuously getting put on the map on a national level for its innovation, cultural offerings and natural resources. New this year is the Great Lakes Surf Festival slated to happen this summer.
THE STATS
Homes Sold
January 2017 = 168
January 2018 = 132

Average Sale Price
January 2017 = $121,389
January 2018 = $121,276
Labor Force
December 2016 = 75,900
December 2017 = 76,400

Employment
December 2016 = 72,300
December 2017 = 72,400
84% of NEW Promise scholars are planning to pursue a bachelor's degree after the promise.
Statistics provided by: The Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth; Michigan Association of Realtors, and the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
CLICK HERE  to read the latest newsletter from Muskegon Area First.