‘This is going to be the only recession in history where income goes up,’ said University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes.
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
Michigan’s unemployed to get $900 more. System glitches remain
The state was approved for three more weeks of Lost Wages Assistance, and jobless workers should see that money by the end of September.
Posted inBusiness Watch
As home prices rise in Michigan, so do worries about affordability
Affordability and accessibility are a problem in the state’s housing market. Officials and industry experts are watching to see how the coronavirus pandemic affects that.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Whitmer: Michigan could remain in COVID-19 state of emergency for months
Amid frustrations from some business owners about emergency orders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s weighing case counts, vaccine development and other factors in determining how long the crisis will last.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Q&A: Michigan builders want state’s help to build affordable homes
New construction remains suppressed across the state, and low- to middle-income residents are bearing the brunt of the lack of affordable new homes. Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, hopes to lead policy changes to make more building possible at mid-range prices.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Coronavirus kept us home, igniting real estate frenzy in northern Michigan
Prices are climbing and competition is fierce as traditionally slow areas of Michigan become real-estate hotspots. No longer geographically tied to their workplaces and enjoying low interest rates, buyers are sparking a ‘feeding frenzy’ in northern Michigan.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer thanks Michigan COVID essential workers with free community college
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer set aside $24 million in federal CARES Act funds to allow people required to work through the height of the coronavirus crisis to receive a free associate’s degree at a local community college.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan businesses struggled during COVID. Customers are coming to rescue.
Spending is up, even amid a pandemic. And many consumers are keeping money closer to home, saving a coffee shop near Saline and increasing traffic in downtowns.
Posted inMichigan Government
Extra $300 Michigan unemployment payouts should reach jobless after Labor Day
Payments will be retroactive to Aug. 1. However, state officials warn they’ll only last up to five weeks.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan lawmakers may tweak unemployment law to help employers amid pandemic
Michigan’s reserves to pay jobless claims are dwindling amid record unemployment claims. Starting Jan. 1, employers would have to pay more into the system, but some lawmakers want to avoid that prospect.