Shiawassee County has been added to the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. The addition of 70,000 people sends the region past the half-million population mark.
Lansing Economic Area Partnership CEO Bob Trezise sees the move as an economic turning point. Trezise says the increased regional population could lead to more grant money for the four counties. He adds that LEAP will change marketing materials to reflect the new status. “LEAP is meeting directly with Shiawassee County folks to brainstorm about short and long-term, what this might mean, how we can work better together, get to know one another better," states Trezise, "and try to create some advantages and benefits for all four counties as we go forward.”
Shiawassee was moved into the Lansing area’s MSA due to the number of people who live there but commute to Lansing and East Lansing for work. As a result, the four counties can boast a population of more than 546,000.
