The agency that doles out hundreds of millions in taxpayer money is just now mandating its board to make public potential conflicts of interest. The move follows a criminal case against a former board member.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
Posted inBusiness Watch, Quality of Life
Michigan teens face tougher job market as technology reshapes entry-level work
Michigan teenagers are facing a more competitive summer job market, as more applicants battle for fewer entry-level positions, older workers delay retirement and automation reshapes the workplace.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Massive data center wins local tax break — but 9 times smaller than requested
‘The Barn’ asked Saline Township for a $147M tax break, after boosting the data center’s value by 9 times from the original request. The township OK’d a cut — but dialed back the amount.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As data centers grow in Michigan, officials ask: How many tax breaks are enough?
Local tax abatements were created for manufacturers that create tons of jobs. As Saline Township is set to approve a local break worth $147 million a year, some ask if local breaks are appropriate for data centers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Swartz Creek rejects second $40M offer to sell school for unfinished megasite
For the second time in several months, the Genesee County school district turns down what one trustee called an ‘insulting’ offer.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Mundy megasite reignites controversy with new, $40M bid for Swartz Creek school
School officials pledge transparency after a $261 million project to assemble land for a factory near Flint Bishop Airport led to resignations, a lawsuit and accusations of secrecy.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Ever tried Claude.AI? Meet the Michigander who inspired its name
Gaylord native Claude Shannon revolutionized how the digital world communicates in the late 1940s. Today, the Michigander is an eponym for one of the fastest-growing AI models.
Posted inBusiness Watch, Michigan Government
Bridge Listens Issues Watch recap: Voters face high costs, economic struggles
Watch: Bridge reporters addressed questions related to housing, taxes, Michigan’s aging population, business prospects and the cost of living.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Records: Rural Michigan ‘overlooked’ in Michigan’s $6B subsidy spending spree
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch, Michigan Government
Bridge Listens: How Michigan’s next governor would fix economy, lower costs
Promising major tax cuts or speedier homebuilding, Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates explain how they would kickstart the state’s economy.