A Bridge analysis finds that the northeast Lower Peninsula got $71 per person in economic development spending since 2022, compared to $854 in west Michigan. Some question the disparities.
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, Michigan Government
Bridge Listens: How economic, affordability issues are hitting Michigan
Bridge readers say the economy and affordability are big concerns this election cycle. We break down the facts, the trends and possible solutions.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Gotion sues tiny Michigan township to recoup costs from failed EV battery deal
The firm says Green Charter Township’s decision to rescind support for a controversial project is an ‘egregious abuse of official power.’
Posted inBusiness Watch
Saline data center brings out bigwigs. Big day for Michigan or big betrayal?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins Sam Altman, tech leaders for a ceremonial groundbreaking of $56 billion data center. The project is ‘big in all ways’ — including controversy.
Posted inBusiness Watch
In Ypsilanti, battle lines draw over data centers and sewage
It’s not just water going into data centers that have foes concerned: It’s water going out. A utility in western Washtenaw wants to pump the brakes on two hyperscale centers until analysts study impact on sewage.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Final home holdouts sell for $261M megasite; demos ramp up even without tenant
It’s curtains for a 90-acre neighborhood, as work accelerates on assembling a 1,300-acre site for a large-scale manufacturer in mid-Michigan. Boosters remain hopeful, but some residents and lawmakers are upset.
Posted inBusiness Watch
MEDC under fire, board silent following criminal charges against ex-member
A potential target in an ongoing criminal probe, MEDC CEO Quentin Messer said Tuesday he still has “the best job in economic development.”
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan loaned $35M to mobility center. Debt could cripple it, boosters say
Amid a backlash against public subsidies, Michigan seeks repayment of loan for autonomous testing site. Activists say the nonprofit is doing vital work to keep Michigan competitive.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Bill Ford: Michigan is ‘headed in wrong direction’
The auto executive calls on business leaders in Grand Rapids to help improve the state’s business climate. Ford also said he hopes onshoring auto suppliers will help the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Overflow crowd tells Lansing lawmakers: Stop secrecy around data centers
Michigan is awash in data center proposals, in part because of tax incentives. Many residents say enough is enough, calling for tighter regulations and to non-disclosure agreements with local officials.