Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Gary Peters and other northern Michigan lawmakers visited Traverse City on Friday for a policy conference. They joined business leaders to talk about major issues impacting the region including affordable childcare, widespread high-speed internet and more housing.

Gov. Whitmer said for northern Michigan’s rural communities to grow, they need to be able to attract more talent to the area and support the people who want to work here, but find it difficult because of limited housing and high childcare costs. She said the new state offices of rural development and high speed internet will help bring more attention to these issues.

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