Advocacy News – May 21, 2026
What’s happening: Michigan lawmakers this week approved a $152M investment to support runway expansion and infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
- The Michigan Chamber joined a coalition of business organizations urging swift legislative action to help secure a new fighter mission for the base.
Why it matters: Selfridge is a significant economic engine for the region and Michigan. It supports 30,000 jobs and nearly $1B in annual economic impact statewide and plays a key role in Michigan’s broader defense and aerospace ecosystem – supporting military operations, advanced manufacturing and defense supply chains across the state.
With older aircraft being phased out, securing a new mission is critical to maintaining the base’s long-term viability and economic contributions.
Meeting a critical federal timeline: The funding helps Michigan meet key federal requirements tied to the potential placement of new F-15EX fighter jets at Selfridge.
- Without timely action, Michigan risked losing out on a major long-term defense and economic opportunity.
The bottom line: This investment helps protect jobs, strengthen Michigan’s defense economy and improve the state’s ability to compete for future military and aerospace missions.
- For Qs or more information, contact Mike Alaimo.