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.
MI Corporate Subsidies
An enterprise project from March 2024.
Posted inBusiness Watch
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
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.
Posted inBusiness Watch
GM, LG Energy Solution to divvy up state subsidy, still pledge 3,200 new jobs
The state doled out $600 million in its first mega-subsidy deal. Now, sale of a Lansing battery factory has prompted an award split between GM and LG Energy Solution.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Vance to tout ‘industrial resurgence’ at plant whose new jobs pay $20 an hour
The vice president comes to Michigan for the first time since the election on Friday. He’s visiting a Bay City-area plant that received a $1.2 million subsidy from the state to create 93 jobs that pay less than Michigan’s median.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Plans stall for $400M green hydrogen gigafactory in suburban Detroit
An uncertain market and green energy rollbacks prompt Nel Hydrogen to hit brakes on building in Plymouth Township.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge’s Paula Gardner wins national award for Michigan subsidies investigation
The Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing award recognized an investigation into the return on investment for Michigan’s corporate subsidies.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | A strategy for electrification of transportation in Michigan
Key recommendations include improving long-term utility planning to enable grid investments to support charging infrastructure, passing a Clean Fuel Standard and providing more incentives for individuals and businesses seeking to purchase EVs and EV chargers.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Watch Bridge’s Lunch Break on the impact of electric vehicles on Michigan
The latest Lunch Break event featured Bridge Michigan reporters Paula Gardner and Kelly House talking about the economic and environmental impacts of EVs
Posted inBusiness Watch
As Ford downsizes battery plant, Michigan slashes over $600M in incentives
Michigan officials are rolling back a $1 billion incentive package for Ford after it downsized its BlueOval Battery Park. Once planned for over 700 acres, with 2,500 jobs, it’s now slated at roughly 500 acres and 1,700 jobs.