In the last eight years, roads have taken a pounding, with Michigan spending the least in the nation on road work. Use our searchable database to find the current condition of roads in your community.
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan roads now among nation’s worst
Michigan spends less per capita on roads and bridges than any other state in the nation, and it shows. Experts say the state needs even more than the $1.3 billion requested by Gov. Snyder to make long-term improvements. Legislative leaders aren’t convinced.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Engler’s (political) road not taken
Gov. John Engler was urged by the business community to raise fuel taxes up to 12 cents a gallon to fix Michigan roads and bridges. He agreed to a 4-cent raise. It wasn’t enough over the long haul. Today, MDOT pays $240 million a year on a $2.5 billion debt to repair roads.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Take me out to the (non-taxpayer financed) ball game
At a time when most professional sports stadiums tap public funds for stadiums, the West Michigan Whitecaps built and run a ballpark on private funds alone.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Public shells out for Detroit sports stadiums
Taxpayers have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to help Detroit’s sports teams build stadiums over the decades. A look at some recent deals.
Posted inBusiness Watch
No-fault reform would cut high rates, but beneficiaries fear losing quality of life
A recent Michigan court ruling leaves some brain-injured crash victims unable to afford the vans that get them out of the house. Lansing, meanwhile, is seeking even further restrictions on the state’s generous no-fault auto benefits, citing the high cost to drivers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
At issue: Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance
Michigan unlimited no-fault auto insurance benefits may soon be rolled back. We weigh the savings of such a rollback against the consequences.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Is Michigan in another auto bubble?
Growing inventories and modest sales forecasts raise questions about Gov. Snyder’s pledge to “double down” on auto industry and manufacturing investments.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Immigrants are already saving Michigan
Gov. Rick Snyder has pushed hard to make Michigan welcoming for immigrant entrepreneurs and international students at our colleges and universities. New Census data shows just how valuable well-educated newcomers are to Michigan’s economic recovery.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Like Michigan craft beer? Malt shortage could slow the pour
Farmers are eager to help Michigan’s growing beer and whiskey industry, but the state lacks enough malt operators to reach its potential