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Letter — Chris Kolb, University of Michigan, on House Bill 5031 (February 5, 2026)

Summary

This is a letter dated February 5, 2026, addressed to the House Economic Competitiveness Committee, Re: HB 5031, written on behalf of the University of Michigan. The letter expresses strong support for House Bill 5031, which would authorize the renewal and continuation of Technology Improvement Financing (TIF) through Michigan's SmartZone program. It describes the program as supporting startup formation, business acceleration, and connections between university-based research, talent, and industry. The letter closes with the name Chris Kolb, Vice President for Government Relations.

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“Letter — Chris Kolb, University of Michigan, on House Bill 5031 (February 5, 2026).” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2026-02-19-testimony-hb-5031-chris-kolb-university-of-michigan-62962-6271e94390/, SHA-256 e4d6bbf4c3f8ddbba672541746e2ba5e89cc90eb2e79bff2098f3a4bcb9377f0.

Full text

          February 5, 2026

          House Economic Competitiveness Committee
          Re: HB 5031


        Chair Hoadley and Members of the Committee,

        On behalf of the University of Michigan, I am writing to express our strong support for House Bill 5031, which
        would authorize the renewal and continuation of Technology Improvement Financing (TIF) through Michigan’s
        SmartZone program. This legislation is an important tool for advancing innovation, commercialization, and
        economic growth in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and across the State of Michigan.

        As Michigan's leading public research university, the University of Michigan is committed to translating research
        and discovery into real-world impact. Michigan’s SmartZone program plays a critical role in this process by
        supporting the entrepreneurial infrastructure that helps transform new technologies and ideas into scalable
        companies, high-quality jobs, and long-term economic value for communities.
        The City of Ann Arbor’s participation in the SmartZone program strengthens regional collaboration among local
        governments, universities, and economic development partners. Renewal of SmartZone TIF authority through HB
        5031 would allow our region to continue investing in programs that support startup formation, business
        acceleration, and connections between university-based research, talent, and industry.
        SmartZones have proven to be an effective mechanism for fostering innovation districts, retaining entrepreneurial
        talent, and attracting private investment. Continued support for this program ensures that Michigan remains
        competitive in emerging and advanced industries while enabling communities like Ann Arbor to benefit from the
        economic activity generated by research-driven enterprises.
        The University of Michigan supports HB 5031 and advocates for its passage. We value our ongoing partnerships
        with Ann Arbor SPARK, the City, and regional stakeholders and look forward to continued collaboration to
        strengthen the innovation ecosystem and economic vitality of Southeast Michigan.
        Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can provide additional information or support.
        Sincerely,


          Best,




          Chris Kolb
          Vice President for Government Relations




Ruthven Building, 1109 Geddes Avenue, Suite 2300   ​    T: 734 763-5554   F:734 764-3316
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1079

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