Through writings and speeches, the David Littmann collection provides a look into the state of Michigan's economy, especially as it relates to tax policy and the automobile industry, from 1974 to 2014. The collection is divided into eight series: Biographical, Correspondence, Manuscripts, Publications, Press, Speeches, Audio Visual, and Publications/Press Additions.
David L. Littmann was born in Rockford, Ill. He holds a B.A. from Antioch College, an M.S. degree from M.I.T., and received his M.A. degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1967.
Mr. Littmann joined Comerica Bank in 1970 and retired in 2005 as Chief Economist and Senior Vice President. He was the author of the Bank's monthly business brochure, entitled "Business Briefs," and developed a variety of predictive indicators for the United States and regional economies. David Littmann authored several research articles on the causes of inflation which were published in Business Economics and wrote a monthly business column for The Detroiter. He is a frequent book reviewer and columnist for the Detroit News, Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily, and others. Littmann is also a regular commentator in local and national television and radio. In 2005 columnist Susan Tompor of the Detroit Free Press called him the "most-quoted economic guru in Michigan."
Starting in 1990, Littmann served as President of The Heartland Institute in Michigan and is the Senior Economist for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He has served on the Governor's Council for Economic Advisors for Governor Engler, was named the top economic forecaster in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal in July 1998, and is the recipient of the Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Accuracy from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Littmann served as a trustee, treasurer, and vice president of the Bloomfield Hills School Board between 1982 and 1986.
