Michigan’s 250 Summit is the premier one-day event for those who love liberty, the American Dream, and economic freedom. This event will feature panels with speakers from across the country, discussing key ideas and themes related to the Constitution, public policy, and economic liberty. The 250 Summit is led by a Steering Committee composed of organizations that share a deep appreciation for the American system, liberty, and the market economy.

Data centers are the backbone of modern industry and vital for many tools that are important to Michigan families and businesses. They power cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, telecommunications and almost every other digital tool used by today's economy. Demand is growing rapidly — and Michigan is positioning itself to attract more of these facilities.

Why has Michigan's educational achievement – especially reading scores – declined in recent years while Mississippi has improved rapidly? The Mackinac Center for Public Policy invites policymakers, educators and members of the public to a lunchtime panel discussion to find out. This event will examine how state policy choices shape student outcomes and why Michigan’s current approach has fallen short.

On April 7th, make a stop at Northwood University for the Free Market Road Show, a prestigious international lecture series on free-market principles and policy reforms. A project of the Austrian Economics Center, the Free Market Road Show is a global traveling economic conference that is considered a prominent event within the sphere of free market advocacy. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public.

Prescription drug costs continue to be a major concern for patients, employers and policymakers. But solving this problem is tricky, and many state policies have unintended consequences – price controls cause shortages and programs aimed at helping patient often end up simply benefiting institutions. This event will examine how federal and state drug pricing rules shape incentives across the health care system – and why some of the most prominent programs may be raising costs and reducing transparency rather than helping patients.

Michigan’s housing shortage has moved from a slow-burn concern to an urgent economic challenge. Over the past five years, average home prices in the state have climbed by more than $100,000, while rents have surged. State leaders have responded primarily with tax incentives and subsidized construction, but rising costs and severe limitations on what can be built are limiting Michigan’s growth.

It’s not often that four former governors from both parties appear side by side, but the Mackinac Center, along with its partners Michiganders for Civic Resilience, Oakland University Center for Civic Engagement, the Democracy Defense Project, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, will be able to achieve just that in Lansing for “A Defining Moment for Civility: A Forum with Four Governors.” Former governors Rick Snyder, James Blanchard, Jennifer Granholm, and John Engler will make the case for civility in an increasingly divided political climate. The event will also serve as the official kickoff of the Michigan Civility Coalition, whose goal is to promote civil discourse and bring civility back to the public square.

Gary Leff, one of the world’s foremost experts on air travel and loyalty programs, will join us for a wide-ranging discussion on the past, present, and future of flying and travel. The author of the website View From The Wing will share his deep knowledge of aviation economics, airline loyalty strategies and the quirks of government travel regulation.

Labor unions are often promoted as a powerful tool for protecting workers, raising wages and improving job conditions. But do they actually deliver on those promises? Join us for a compelling discussion explores the real impact of unions on today’s workforce.

Join us for a conversation with Chris Koopman, CEO of the Abundance Institute, as he demystifies artificial intelligence and lays out a practical vision for its role in a thriving society. Joseph G. Lehman, president of the Mackinac Center, will also provide an update on current issues.