Michigan funding for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature business incentive program would be eliminated and redirect to roads under a new plan from legislators attempting to avoid a state government shutdown.
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
Cash-for-jobs deals targeted in Michigan. What to know about agency funding them
Michigan’s corporate incentives are a sticking point in deadlocked budget negotiations. A little-known agency oversees them, the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan economy wobbles from tariffs, as Whitmer prepares budget push
The governor plans a Tuesday address about the economy, as concerns grow about jobs, prices, inflation and manufacturing.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Records: Beydoun, other MEDC officials skipped conflict of interest reports
Michigan economic development officials failed to file required conflict of interest reports for years, including one board member now under investigation for potential embezzlement, a Bridge investigation found.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan officials defend $20B Sandisk incentive offer scrutinized by legislators
Michigan was offering at least $20 billion of a $40 billion incentive package in a failed bid to lure Sandisk, according to officials. Critics say that was too much taxpayer money.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Residents call Michigan’s $261M Flint-area megasite development ‘traumatic’
Legislators called an oversight hearing on the project, where Sandisk recently abandoned plans to build a $63 billion complex.
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Opposition grows to $1.2B supercomputer plan. U-M can’t ‘be trusted,’ foes say
Ypsilanti Township officials on Tuesday will consider a resolution opposing the partnership between U-M and the Los Alamos National Laboratory that could create 200 jobs that pay $200,000 per year.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan lawmakers renew bid to divert $50M to controversial UP copper mine
Near the shores of Lake Superior, the Copperwood mine proposal is again receiving support from lawmakers. Opponents say the location and high price tag make it a bad bet.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Grayling, riding wave of rebirth, sets goals to ‘stay unique’ yet thrive
The city is primed for economic growth even as residents look on cautiously. Officials say they’re balancing it all.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Grayling strives to blend jobs, bombs, beauty as munitions plant takes shape
A burst of jobs from Saab will aid Grayling as it rebuilds a strong year-round economy. The city, home to the Au Sable River, is rich with natural resources and also home to a military installation.