A look at the auto industry’s first half of 2024 shows growing uncertainty over the presidential election, auto sales, EV adoption and, in Michigan, jobs. Here’s what to keep an eye on for the rest of 2024.
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
Housing squeezes bustling Traverse City. Are rehabbed warehouses an answer?
Northern Michigan faces an enormous housing crisis, fueled by Airbnb and availability. Now, some cities are retooling zoning laws to allow new uses for old, commercial buildings.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan's Lakeside Mall closes Sunday. What to know about its $1B remake
Sunday is Lakeside’s last day as an enclosed mall, clearing the way for its redevelopment to start. It’s the largest mall remaking in the state, as owners make expensive plans to add density and diversity to shopping centers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Rite Aid sends mixed messages as Michigan braces for more closures
A union leader representing Rite Aid workers says he expects all Michigan stores to close by fall.
Posted inBusiness Watch
$6 billion economic development plan on hold in Michigan House
Michigan House Democrats on Thursday delayed a planned vote on legislation to extend business incentives but expand the program to include dedicated funding for mass transit, housing, placemaking.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan lawmakers eye changes to corporate incentives after Bridge report
Legislators, who are debating economic subsidies, raise alarms after Bridge reports that Michigan spent $1 billion to create 200 jobs in EV battery plants.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan has spent $1B on EV, battery plants. So far, they’ve created 200 jobs
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer bet big on five companies that promised $16 billion in investments and 12,000 jobs. The projects didn’t need to create jobs before getting the money, and now all are delayed or downsized.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Where mega battery, EV projects stand after $1 billion in Michigan subsidies
Michigan has pledged $2 billion to five companies promising huge investments. The projects are behind amid flux in the auto industry. Here’s where they all stand.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan lawmakers move to reform corporate subsidies; hurdles remain
A House committee passed a $6 billion plan to set aside $2.5 billion for corporate incentives over the next 10 years and funnel more money to transit and housing. It faces tougher prospects in the full House.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan transit backers race to $6B economic development plan
A new Michigan plan would redirect some business incentive funding to pay for transit projects. Supporters imagine autonomous vehicles delivering workers, bus rapid transit in Detroit and better air travel to northern Michigan.