The American Center for Mobility at the old Willow Run bomber plant was supposed to position Michigan on the vanguard of auto technology. Now, it’s in forbearance on a $35 million loan, and an audit warns bankruptcy is an option.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
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Gotion, tiny Michigan town square off in court over $2.6B battery factory
The EV battery maker sued Green Charter Township over access to water lines. Progress on the $2.6 billion factory stopped while the case is in court.
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Lawmakers try again to get $50M for controversial Copperwood mine in UP
After a state subsidy stalled in approvals, officials now are trying to get the funding through budget earmarks
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Trump to sign executive order offering automakers some relief on his 25% tariffs
The White House says President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. Trump is scheduled to speak later Tuesday in Macomb County.
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Whitmer subsidy record: Companies get $1 billion; jobs fall short of promises
Since Gretchen Whitmer became governor, Michigan has given $995 million to companies that promised to create 65,000 jobs. They’ve produced 13,000 — a rate of $76,000 per job, a Bridge investigation finds.
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Top 10 subsidies under Whitmer: Michigan spends $900M; firms create 4,200 jobs
Ten mega projects have dominated economic development under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Most involve electric vehicles, remain behind schedule and have created one-fifth of the 25,000 jobs corporations promised.
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After $1B and mixed results, Michigan lawmakers cooling on corporate incentives
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has pressed for more money for job-creating subsidies. But after some deals sputtered, lawmakers say it’s time for reforms.
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Michigan OKs $290M in public funding for 2 ‘transformative’ city projects
Developers in Southfield and Muskegon will be reimbursed for more than half the upfront costs of creating large mixed-use neighborhoods. Payback via tax increases could take 30 years.
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Colder winter a hopeful sign for this year's fruit crop, Michigan growers say
This year offers hope for Michigan fruit growers, after fluctuating spring temperatures and mild winters last year. Still, overproduction may lower prices and impact profits.
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Trump tariffs jolt Michigan: businesses eye cuts; shoppers tighten belts
Days into sweeping tariffs, Michigan companies and 401k holders have already lost billions in value, prompting tough choices. But some warn against ‘fear mongering.’