Whitmer's Corporate Welfare Fund Costs Michigan Taxpayers Nearly $800,000 Per Job—SOAR Program Exposed as Massive Failure

LANSING, MI – Michigan’s Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve Fund, known as SOAR, has spent about $1 billion over the past four years, but only 1,846 jobs have been created out of more than 14,500 promised, putting the cost at roughly $795,000 per job with most of the expected jobs never materializing.

The program was designed to attract and retain major companies in Michigan through large financial incentives. Data shows only 4 out of 10 companies met at least part of their job commitments, while 6 companies produced zero jobs. One company exceeded expectations, delivering more jobs than originally promised.

Major projects tied to the program include deals involving Ford, General Motors, battery manufacturers, and energy companies. Some projects were canceled, others underperformed, and several have not produced the expected results. One high-profile project connected to a Chinese battery company was halted, and the state is now seeking to recover part of the funding.

In Genesee County, a $291 million site in Mundy Township prepared for a semiconductor project remains unused after the company declined the deal. The land has already been cleared, and work continues despite no confirmed company moving in.

Lawmakers have started raising concerns about the program’s performance and long-term impact. A recent legislative session marked the first time in decades that no new major corporate incentive deals were approved, signaling growing hesitation about continuing the approach.

The $1 billion already spent on SOAR could have been used for education, infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, or tax relief. Instead, much of it is tied to projects that have not delivered as expected, leaving questions about accountability and future spending.

With more scrutiny now being applied, the future of the SOAR program remains uncertain as state leaders consider whether changes or cuts are needed moving forward.