The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) released a progress report on Apr. 17 detailing its efforts over the past year to implement recommendations from its February 2025 report, “Cutting Red Tape: Recommendations to Protect People and Promote Business.”
The update highlights LARA's response to feedback from more than 16,000 Michiganders, focusing on reducing barriers to licensure, improving customer service, and strengthening the state's workforce.
“This progress report reflects the work we’ve done to follow through on stakeholder input and deliver meaningful improvements,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of LARA. “We are not only identifying opportunities, but we are also acting on them in ways that make a real difference for the people and businesses we serve every day.”
Since February 2025, LARA has reported measurable advances across all focus areas. The department stated that more than half of all recommendations are either completed or underway as of April 2026. Thirteen process improvements have been finalized to modernize licensing procedures; eight rule changes have been completed with additional updates ongoing; one statutory change has been enacted while forty-three others continue through legislative channels.
Key initiatives include simplifying licensing processes and exams across various industries, launching interactive career maps for skilled trades entry, expanding continuing education via distance learning options, and introducing more efficient enforcement tools such as a citation program for specific sectors.
The full Cutting Red Tape Progress Report is available online through the LARA website as well as homepages for related bureaus including Construction Codes, Professional Licensing, and Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing.
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