Michigan's MEDC spent $500,000 in tax dollars paying social media influencers to promote the state

Michigan's economic development agency spent $500,000 in public funds hiring Instagram and TikTok influencers to promote the state.

Michigan's economic development agency paid at least $500,000 in state tax dollars to social media influencers tasked with promoting Michigan on platforms including Instagram and TikTok. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) confirmed the spending and released a list of influencers who received payments. The influencers performed promotional work across several state-backed initiatives, including the long-running Pure Michigan tourism campaign, the You Can In Michigan campaign, and direct work for the MEDC itself. The agency disclosed the list of paid influencers following reporting by the Detroit News. The spending represents a shift in how Michigan allocates public marketing funds — moving from traditional advertising toward creator-driven social media content. The MEDC oversees economic development and tourism promotion for the state of Michigan.

Why it matters

The use of public tax dollars to pay social media influencers raises questions about transparency and accountability in government marketing spending. Residents and lawmakers may scrutinize whether influencer campaigns deliver measurable returns compared to conventional advertising.

What's next

It is unclear from the sources whether the state legislature or any oversight body plans to review the MEDC's influencer spending practices.

Key facts

• The MEDC spent approximately $500,000 in Michigan tax dollars on social media influencers
• Influencers promoted Michigan on platforms including Instagram and TikTok
• Payments spanned at least three campaigns: Pure Michigan, You Can In Michigan, and the MEDC itself
• The MEDC released a list of paid influencers following Detroit News reporting
• Dozens of influencers are said to have received payments, according to the agency

Bias & framing notes

Both sources are from the same outlet, the Detroit News, limiting independent corroboration. The two articles appear to be companion pieces — one reporting the dollar figure and another publishing the disclosed list — rather than independent investigations. No alternative framing or conflicting facts are present, but the single-outlet origin limits the trust score.

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