Soon, the applications will be ready, and businesses or property owners can start to apply for the money. State leaders say it’s a way to lure ‘transformational projects’ to the state.
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
Fearing more losses, Michigan restaurants hit pause as COVID strikes staff
As the virus races through Michigan, the state’s restaurants are struggling — yet again. This time, survival may be at stake.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Much of Michigan is rural. What will it take for small towns to thrive?
The areas are struggling economically because of population losses and other issues. State officials hope a new office of rural development will stem the decline.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan businesses fear crippling staff shortages as omicron spreads
Some businesses are operating with as many as one-fifth fewer workers as the state battles a wave of the omicron variant, due to staff illness or quarantine after exposure.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan OKs electricity rate cut to attract automotive battery factories
The fast-tracked plan is part of a broader effort to boost the state’s chances of attracting about $64.8 billion in new advanced manufacturing investments. Among them: A GM battery plant near Lansing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Dingell: Michigan's EV stake hurt if Manchin won’t support $2T Biden bill
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin vows to vote against the Build Back Better bill, but Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell says that will hurt the state and its efforts to lead EV transformation — and attract jobs.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan companies await final legal verdict on Biden vaccine mandate
If upheld in court, about two million Michigan workers will be affected by a Biden administration edict that requires large workplaces to ensure workers are vaccinated against COVID-19. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon jump in to decide the matter.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Why electricity rates may be next fight in Michigan’s bid for auto jobs
Power companies say they need to cut rates for advanced manufacturing so that Michigan stays competitive. There’s some skepticism that other customers won’t have to pay for it.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Legislature passes $1B incentive plan for big projects like GM
Lawmakers say time is of the essence to compete with other states for big developments. They also approve another $500 million for economic development.
Posted inBusiness Watch
‘This is it’: Michigan nears giant tax incentive to lure GM, manufacturers
Bridge talks incentives with state Sen. Ken Horn, a key player in Michigan’s tax incentive debate. He says it’s his job to ‘rob other states of workers.’