For the second time in several months, the Genesee County school district turns down what one trustee called an ‘insulting’ offer.
Paula Gardner
As Bridge Michigan's senior business reporter, Paula Gardner covers Michigan's business landscape, focusing on topics such as the auto industry, electric vehicles and economic development. She came to Bridge in 2020 after covering business and environment for MLive.com and previously served as editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of the startup AnnArbor.com.
A metro Detroit native, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan and has called it home for more than 25 years.
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
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 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.