A familiar debate is brewing in Lansing and Detroit, as plans to transform the 5.5 million square-foot site hinge on money from taxpayers. Developers say the RenCen will molder and rot without support.
Business Watch
Follow Michigan’s changing economy — the businesses, jobs, investments and decisions creating opportunities, challenges and change across the state.
Meet the Journalists
Michigan wants to become a hub for hydrogen production, fueling stations
The state needs to build fueling stations and higher-capacity production facilities to support hydrogen-fueled trucks.
Q&A: ‘Grand Rapids is going to be the benchmark’ for Michigan growth
West Michigan’s success is poised to be a national example, economic developer Randy Thelen says.
Consumers Energy seeking a nearly 11% increase in residential gas bills
Michigan’s largest utility company, Consumers Energy, is seeking a $248 million rate increase. If it’s approved, customers’ bills would increase in late 2025.
Report: Michigan mobility jobs grow as traditional auto employment falls
As transportation evolves, job growth needs to focus on the full range of mobility employment, a new report from MichAuto says.
Michigan’s $1B bet on EVs has produced few jobs. Should lawmakers double down?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to increase funding to lure big projects to Michigan, but EV battery plants heavily subsidized by Michigan so far have created far fewer than the 11,000 jobs they promised.
Michigan ski resorts see surge in reservations after two years of little snow
After two years of drought-like conditions in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, ski resorts are starting to see things turn around.
Michigan farms must provide milk samples on request to test for bird flu virus
The US Department of Agriculture has ordered dairy farms, milk transporters and processors to submit raw milk samples on request to test for the H5N1 bird flu virus.
GM sells stake in Michigan EV battery factory subsidized by state
The Ultium Cells factory near Lansing received nearly $200 million in public subsidies. Partner LG Energy Solutions has until 2030 to meet hiring goals.
Michigan’s surplus sale: deals on pans, thermometers, more in time for holidays
Michigan’s surplus sale is Friday: Inventory isn’t just excess office furniture. Shoppers also will find unused toys, cast-iron pans and forehead thermometers left over from the pandemic.
