Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Expand High-Speed Internet Access

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2021-02 to help bridge the digital divide by establishing the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible. With high-speed internet becoming a necessity in our educational, professional, and personal lives, the new office will be dedicated to coordinating and advancing the State's efforts to ensure that every home and business in Michigan has access to an affordable, reliable high-speed connection that meets their needs and the skills to use it effectively. MIHI will be housed inside the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). With its focus on aligning Michigan's economic and workforce development activities, LEO is well positioned to help MIHI develop the necessary infrastructure to bring service to each home and business in our state.  MIHI will be responsible for developing the State's high-speed internet strategy and coordinating its funding and implementation. Under the directive, the department will designate a Chief Connectivity Officer to serve as head of the office.