Independent Research. Real Advocacy.
FHR produces original research on the financial vulnerability of Detroit’s independent workforce — and advocates for the policies and protections they need.
FHR Research Reports
Detroit Freelance Protection Index
FHR’s flagship annual report measuring the protection status of Detroit’s independent workforce across the five protection gaps. Based on aggregate, anonymized Freelancer Protection Score data. No individual is identifiable in published research.
First edition pending sufficient dataset. Every Protection Score submitted contributes to this report.
Contribute Your ScoreState of Freelancer Protection Report
An annual assessment of the legislative, policy, and market landscape affecting Michigan’s independent workforce — covering health insurance access, tax policy, contract enforcement, retirement access, and income protections.
First edition in development. Expected 2026.
Research Principles
How We Research
All data is cited with primary sources. We do not publish statistics without source attribution.
Protection Score data is anonymized and aggregated before publication. No individual is identifiable in any FHR report.
FHR does not accept funding from parties with a financial interest in our research findings.
Research methodology is published alongside findings. We welcome scrutiny and correction.
Michigan Freelance Worker Protection Act
Michigan Has No Freelance Payment Protection Law
Michigan currently has no state law requiring written contracts for freelance work or guaranteeing timely payment. Your contract is your only legal recourse. New York passed the Freelance Isn’t Free Act in 2017. Illinois and Minnesota have since followed. Michigan has not.
FHR is building the research case and community coalition to push for a Michigan Freelance Worker Protection Act. The Detroit Freelance Protection Index provides the data. The State of Freelancer Protection Report provides the policy case. FHR Local builds the community organizing layer.
Mandatory written contracts for freelance work above a threshold amount
30-day payment terms unless otherwise specified in a contract
Anti-retaliation protections for freelancers who pursue payment
Double damages plus attorney fees for successful payment claims in court
State enforcement mechanism so freelancers are not navigating disputes alone
Source: Freelancers Union national research data
Support the Campaign
Take the free Protection Score. Your data builds the research case for the Michigan Freelance Worker Protection Act.
Take the Score Join FHR