Michigan is mired at 39th among states in income, continuing a long decline after once being among the top 10 in states, new data shows.
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
Poll: EV politics could cost Michigan its auto industry
Political differences over EVs could threaten Michigan’s economic future, a new poll suggests, with nearly half of residents willing to cede the state’s leadership in auto manufacturing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
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The long-awaited cut to the interest rate that guides how much consumers pay to borrow money came in on Wednesday at 0.5%.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Census: Michigan household income drop among nation’s worst. Blame inflation
Household income down 3% since 2019 when adjusted for inflation. Despite other rosy economic data, median household income fell in 30 of 50 states since 2019 when adjusted for inflation.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan will be home to first Stellantis EV factory in US
Automaker announced $406 million in investments to add EV capability in 3 legacy factories in the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan plots ‘drone zone’ to test package delivery tech of the future
Running from Alpena to Camp Grayling, the new zone will support drones that fly beyond the sight of pilots, a looming change that will drastically increase commercial options for unmanned aircraft.
Posted inBusiness Watch
$700M plan to 'transform' Grand Rapids with soccer arena, concert districts
About one-third of the costs will be funded with tax gains on the projects, which will remake two areas close to downtown and the Grand River.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Businesses fear worst from Michigan’s new sick time law. Will lawmakers act?
Workers are rejoicing, but sick time rules set to take effect in February have firms fearing a complicated ‘catastrophe.’ They want legislators to make changes, but Democrats may be reluctant.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan minimum wage increase is ‘nightmare’ for restaurants, industry says
The top official of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association says a court ruling this week to eventually abolish the lower, tipped minimum wage will hurt an industry still suffering from the pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
What to know about Michigan’s pending minimum wage changes
Minimum wage workers and tipped employees face an immediate pay boost in February after a court ruling on Wednesday. Businesses say the effects could be dire; unclear is whether the Legislature will step in.