State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) stands with fellow House Democrats and community stakeholders at the H.O.P.E. Zones press conference on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., April 23, 2026 — State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) hosted a press conference today, announcing her HOPE Zone package.
“Many communities across our state face systemic economic challenges — disinvestment, limited access to opportunity and barriers to growth,” Scott said. “This legislation addresses those challenges head-on and creates a transformative revitalization program specifically designed to uplift distressed urban and rural communities.”
The legislation aims to designate economically distressed communities as special zones where tax incentives and reinvested local tax revenue are used to attract businesses, support job training and fund neighborhood development.
“My bill in this package turns vacant or underused properties into productive assets — revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding the future tax base and creating opportunity where it is needed most,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). “By strengthening redevelopment tools, we can help Michigan communities compete for investment, support local workers and build a stronger economic future.”
The 18-bill package will formally establish the Helping Opportunity Prosper Everywhere (HOPE) Zone Act, creating a transformative revitalization program specifically designed to uplift distressed urban and rural communities that are facing long-standing economic challenges.
“I’m proud to be a part of this package, which is about something fundamental: connecting economic growth directly to opportunity for Michiganders,” said state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac). “With the introduction of this legislation we’re not just creating jobs — we’re creating pathways. Pathways to stable employment, to career advancement and to long-term prosperity in communities that have too often been left behind.”
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