Manufacturing has cratered in the county since the early 1980s, and a huge site near Flint Bishop Airport could help ‘reverse decades of job loss and sluggish population growth,’ boosters say.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inBusiness Watch
Inside Michigan’s secret $261M plan to raze homes for megafactory that never came
Documents obtained by Bridge tell the story of one of the biggest gambles of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s tenure. The taxpayer-funded project to lure a major employer to mid-Michigan kept residents and some lawmakers in the dark, demolished neighborhoods and so far has come up empty.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan Gov. Whitmer pushes for subsidies, as $261M megasite awaits deal
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Posted inBusiness Watch
Homeowners ‘hijacked’ by Michigan megasite: Sell or live next to factory
In the shadow of Flint Bishop Airport, residents say they feel burned by a $261 million to lure a megafactory. A state lawmaker says the state ‘bankrolled a lose-lose situation.’
Posted inBusiness Watch
Report: Metro Detroit losing ground, faces ‘hard truths’ about economy
A Detroit Regional Chamber report claims that focusing on turning around the poor performance should be the top goal of statewide policymakers elected this fall, the Detroit Regional Chamber says.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Report: Michigan-Canada bridge delay could cost up to $7M per week
Delayed opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge would cost Canadian and US taxpayers, while indirectly affecting the auto industry, according to an analysis that follows President Trump’s threat to block the crossing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Mundy Township megasite won’t house data center; demolitions continue
Months after Sandisk withdrew plans for a semiconductor plant near Flint Bishop Airport, demolitions continue to assemble the megasite — even without a clear occupant.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Dana Nessel becomes debt collector as Michigan seeks $24M from Gotion
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Posted inBusiness Watch
Gotion: Green Township owes us ‘significant monetary damages’ for failed deal
The electric battery company is blaming the Mecosta County community for the collapse of a once-ballyhooed project, filing court papers indicating it may seek ‘significant monetary damages.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Whitmer: Michigan ready to ramp up focus on auto industry success
Michigan’s governor takes aim at tariffs and Chinese competition while preparing the state to survive rapid industry transition.