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Economic Development
Political Donor to Mayor & His Council Allies Benefits From City Zoning Changes Around Briarwood
by P.D. Lesko
2/11/22: This article has been updated with comments from Council member Kathy Griswold (D-Ward 2).
Council member Kathy Griswold's (D-Ward 2) resolution asked City staff for the answers to a few questions: Who owns the…
Public Records Show Millions in Pandemic Grants Distributed Inequitably in Counties Serviced by Ann Arbor SPARK
Businesses in Livingston County received exponentially larger grants than they did to businesses in Washtenaw and Jackson Counties.
by P.D. Lesko
In 2021, between the Washtenaw Small Business Emergency Relief Fund, Michigan Small…
Ann Arbor SPARK Officials Refuse Request for Public Records That Show Where Millions in Public Money Went
by P.D. Lesko
Ann Arbor SPARK receives the bulk of its funding from governmental sources, including state and federal grants, as well as the Ann Arbor LDFA, a tax-increment financing authority that diverts money from public schools and…
Money Runs Out Less Than Two Weeks After Washtenaw United Way Announces Small Biz Emergency Grants
With $1.29 million in funding, $1 million of which was donated by the Song Foundation, the Washtenaw United Way's Washtenaw Small Business Emergency Relief Fund ran dry just two weeks after the modest grants were announced. The United…
Ann Arbor’s Michigan Economic Center Study Reveals Anti-Immigrant Policies Could Derail Michigan’s Economy
by Akaash Kolluri
The Michigan Economic Center (MEC) released a new study yesterday titled "Michigan: We Are All Migrants Here," that details the history of immigrant contributions to Michigan’s economy, and the critical contributions…
New Study: In Michigan “Job Creation” Has Fueled Low Wage Economy
by Lindsay Vanhulle | Crain's
40% of households still unable to afford basic living necessities
To make ends meet as a four-person family in Michigan, with a child in preschool and a baby at home, it's practically mandatory that both…
“Reimagining Washtenaw Ave.” With Project Manager Nathan Voght
by P.D. Lesko
NATHAN VOGHT IS the project manager who wants us to Reimagine Washtenaw Ave. as an economic development opportunity. Like the controversial WALLY commuter train project on which over $32 million in local and state funds…
Hired to Fight the “Good” Fight for Local Businesses in Washtenaw County
by P.D. Lesko
CHRIS GOOD IS a former People’s Food Co-op staff member. He also served as the President of the Co-op’s Board of Directors. In 2013, he brought together 50 businesses and musicians for the “Buy Local” music video project.…
MSHDA Accredits Saline’s Main Street For Second Year Running
SALINE MAIN STREET has been recognized again this year as a Nationally Accredited Main Street community by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Michigan Main Street Center is part of MSHDA’s effort to create vibrant…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Votes of Local Democrats Hurting Education
The Votes of Local Democrats Hurting Education
Ann Arbor is quite often viewed as the liberal hot-spot of Michigan. Ann Arbor is a Democratic stronghold, as one cannot win an election in this town if they are a Republican. Our…
