AGP Executive Report

NBA Free Agency: Detroit’s Tobias Harris is reportedly headed to the San Antonio Spurs on a two-year, $31 million deal, after two seasons in Detroit that helped power a 60-win turnaround. Local Housing/Development: Holland City Council voted to terminate a Brownfield Reimbursement Agreement tied to the Black River Flats project and approved Unified Development Ordinance amendments. Public Safety: Extra speed-focused patrols and enforcement for distracted, reckless and impaired driving are underway for the holiday period, funded through federal traffic safety dollars. NHL Market Watch: Free agency continued with goalie and depth moves, including Stuart Skinner agreeing to a two-year, $7.5 million deal with Winnipeg. Michigan Business & Housing Affordability: A Rocket Mortgage analysis finds first-time buyers in Warren, Michigan can save for a down payment in about 3.1 years, while Detroit is about 3.9—highlighting how local markets reshape affordability timelines. Manufacturing Expansion: Barron Industries is acquiring TriTech Titanium Parts’ investment casting assets to expand vacuum-melt alloy casting capacity, targeting operations in Q4 2026. Food Insecurity (West Michigan): A Lowell mom launched the Shame Free Collective, building “take what you need” neighborhood pantries to reduce stigma around getting help. Workforce Policy: Michigan House passed a bill to replace school-issued work permits with employer age verification for minors, aiming to cut red tape for families and small businesses.

NHL Free Agency & Detroit’s Larkin Standoff: With the market opening July 1, the Red Wings still haven’t resolved Dylan Larkin’s trade request after months of uncertainty, while Detroit also moved to address roster needs with early signings and cap planning. NBA Free Agency: Tobias Harris reportedly agreed to a two-year, $31 million deal with the Spurs, signaling a major shift for Detroit’s frontcourt plans. Detroit Housing Finance: Detroit’s affordable housing trust fund gets a funding boost effective July 1, but officials say it won’t instantly trigger a construction surge—more likely it supports planning and future funding rounds. Michigan Courts Modernize Access: Michigan launched the first major redesign of civil court forms since 1979, starting with small claims, aiming to make self-represented filings more understandable and tech-friendly. Energy & Utilities: Consumers Energy offered a concession in its proposed dam sale—putting profits into a maintenance fund—after a judge called the deal “highly problematic.” Business Operations Under Heat: Metro Detroit businesses adjusted hours and menus during extreme heat, balancing customer needs and worker safety. Local Dealmaking: Fleming Brothers Oil sold its Value Market convenience store operations to Blarney Castle Oil & Propane. Sports Media: Spectrum cable customers in southeast Michigan won’t get Pistons games on WMYD-TV next season, with games available via over-the-air or streaming.

Michigan Courts & Gambling: A Michigan judge temporarily blocked Kalshi from offering sports-event contracts in the state, and the Michigan AG secured an order halting Kalshi’s operations—another blow to prediction-market expansion. Detroit & Public Safety Tech: Detroit City Council narrowly voted to renew ShotSpotter’s gunshot detection contract despite opposition, keeping the controversial system in place for now. State Policy & Health Costs: States are preparing for a new Trump Medicaid “medically frail” rule that could tighten exemptions from work requirements, raising coverage-loss concerns for sick and disabled enrollees. Workforce & Economic Development: Southwest Michigan First named Jennifer Owens as its next CEO; and MEDC’s Match on Main awarded $25,000 grants to two Shiawassee County businesses (Fortune House and Tank’s Tavern). Business & Industry: Michigan’s BASF won EPA approval for a cleanup plan, while a new Michigan fiberglass factory (Fibrosan) announced a $16.8M expansion. Auto Sales: U.S. car sales are expected to stay steady despite higher gas prices and inflation pressures, with buyers leaning more toward hybrids.

AI in Lending: Michigan First Credit Union is rolling out Scienaptic AI to speed lending decisions and expand access, aiming to move beyond traditional credit scores. Higher Ed + Tech Infrastructure: Oakland University’s board voted to advance a data center project into due diligence, with Fairmount Properties set to build and operate it at no extra cost to the university. Regulated Cannabis: Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency reports recurring METRC tracking failures as the most common compliance problem in its latest disciplinary update. Student Debt: A federal student loan repayment overhaul begins July 1, with about 140,000 Michigan borrowers in SAVE facing potential payment increases depending on the new plan they choose. Local Economy + Real Estate: Agree Realty set its Q2 2026 earnings release for July 30 and a call for July 31. Public Health + Environment: Michigan issued ozone air-quality alerts for southeast and western regions as heat pushes conditions that can worsen respiratory issues. Weather + Infrastructure: Heavy rain washed out multiple northern Michigan road sections, with MDOT closing several state highways as crews assess damage. Business Growth: Pipestone Golf is investing $2M+ to build a second indoor facility in Stevensville/nearby Lincoln Township. NBA/Local Sports Business: The Pistons reportedly plan to re-sign Kevin Huerter, while Kawhi Leonard’s trade talks keep swirling around the league.

NBA Offseason Watch (Michigan): The Pistons’ Jalen Duren is set for meetings with the Kings and Lakers as free agency opens, with Detroit signaling it wants to re-sign him rather than trade him. NFL Business & Risk: Detroit released cornerback Terrion Arnold after his arrest; the move reshapes the Lions’ cornerback plans heading into 2026. Public Finance & Policy: Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan to give the public direct ownership of AI companies via a sovereign wealth fund funded by a one-time 50% tax on the largest AI firms’ stock. Water & Industry: EPA approved BASF’s cleanup plan for its Wyandotte site to prevent contaminated groundwater from reaching the Detroit River, with construction slated for early 2027. Materials & Manufacturing Costs: Ferrari and BMW are moving toward cheaper aluminum wiring instead of copper, a shift that could affect global copper demand as prices and green-energy/data-center demand pressure supply. Local Economy & Infrastructure: A new compact AM antenna product from Zeeland-based Information Station Specialists is nearing market entry, aiming to help smaller broadcasters replace costly transmitter sites.

Fed Independence Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Lisa Cook can stay on the Federal Reserve for now, blocking President Trump’s attempt to remove her while litigation continues, even as it expanded presidential power by upholding other Trump firings of independent agency heads. Sports Betting Crackdown: Federal prosecutors indicted former NBA player Malik Beasley (and Ed Davis) in a scheme tied to fixing performances for illegal wagers, with allegations that bettors profited while players’ debts were reduced. Michigan Housing Policy: The Michigan House advanced a plan to bar large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, aiming to curb investor-driven bidding wars and protect would-be homeowners. Local Business Watch: Detroit’s Corktown coffee shop James Oliver warned customers it’s in a lease dispute that could force a closing, while planning for a possible new bakehouse location. Data Center Expansion: Hyperscale Data completed a land purchase in Michigan to expand its campus, including a reported 20MW customer deployment expected to be operational in late 2026. Public Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn’s body found in a portable restroom at the Electric Forest festival in Rothbury.

Manufacturing & Trade: A Reuters report on Whirlpool’s “Big Blue” refrigerator plant in Iowa says tariffs haven’t stopped job cuts—down from five assembly lines to one, with 288 more layoffs set for July—undercutting the promise that trade wars would “roar” jobs back. Labor & Auto Supply Chain: UAW president hopeful Will Lehman says Nexteer workers’ TA4 ratification was “fraudulent,” citing intimidation and a fired opponent, and urges rank-and-file committees to push back. Public Finance: Holland, Mich. earned top municipal finance honors from the Government Finance Officers Association, adding to its Michigan Green Communities gold status. Higher Ed & Workforce: A Milken Institute report finds most states’ free community college programs exclude adult learners; it flags Michigan as one of the few that offers tuition support for ages 25+ and argues for a “Second Chance” model. Tech & Data Centers: Michigan lawmakers are weighing data center guardrails as backlash grows over AI power and data-center impacts. Community & Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn’s body found in a portable toilet at Electric Forest in Rothbury.

NBA Trade Shock in Charlotte: The Hornets agreed to send Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and an unprotected 2033 first—part of a rapid roster reset after moving LaMelo Ball. Detroit Sports Business: The Red Wings confirmed Dylan Larkin requested a trade but Steve Yzerman offered no guarantees, while the Wings also wrapped the 2026 NHL Draft with a late trade and added multiple forwards. Michigan Jobs Math Under Scrutiny: A Mackinac Center report says Whitmer’s $1.8B in job subsidies produced just 602 jobs—about $3M per job—fueling renewed debate over economic development deals. Data Center Fight Escalates: Michigan lawmakers are weighing moratoriums and new rules for hyperscale data centers as residents and business groups clash over power, water, farmland, and noise impacts. USMCA Uncertainty: Analysts warn the July 1 review could push the trade pact into annual renewals, adding planning risk for Michigan employers tied to cross-border supply chains. Public Safety Update: Michigan State Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn body found in a portable restroom at Electric Forest in Rothbury.

EV Charging Rollback Reversed: Michigan is restarting its statewide EV charger buildout after a federal funding hold was lifted, with plans for 60 more stations on major routes over three years—though the state still lags far behind its 100,000-charger-by-2030 goal. Data Center Backlash: Rural communities are fighting proposed data centers in public hearings and court, including a Michigan township that reportedly voted “no” twice before a lawsuit pushed the project forward. Healthcare Relief: Gov. Whitmer announced Michigan has erased more than $74 million in medical debt for nearly 72,000 residents, adding to a total of over $200 million wiped since the program began. Workforce Focus: A new push highlights that Michigan’s biggest economic constraint is building and retaining a sustainable, higher-skill workforce—especially for advanced manufacturing and tech. Sports With Detroit Business Ties: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman confirmed Dylan Larkin’s trade request but offered no guarantees, while two Detroit nightlife venues—Spot Lite and UFO Bar—are set to permanently close. Agriculture Watch: A cooler spring is cutting Michigan’s 2026 strawberry yield, tightening supply for local markets.

Hemp Policy: The Trump administration is asking Congress to soften a looming federal crackdown on hemp-derived cannabinoid products, signaling a shift toward tighter regulation rather than a broad ban—good news for Michigan and Ohio businesses built on the 2018 Farm Bill. Jobs & Subsidies: A new Mackinac Center report says Michigan’s $1.8 billion jobs initiative has produced just 602 jobs so far, about $30 million per job, reigniting scrutiny of state economic development deals. Energy Costs & Clean Power: An opinion piece argues Michigan’s Clean Energy and Jobs Act is helping affordability, while warning that rolling it back could raise electricity costs as AI-driven data center demand strains an aging grid. Local Business Closures: Two Detroit nightlife venues—Spot Lite and UFO Bar—are set to permanently close, with UFO Bar rebranding into Detroit Vinyl Bar. Water Infrastructure: The Cheboygan Lock and Dam complex has reopened after April flooding threats and repairs, restoring seasonal access for boaters and commercial traffic. Sports Business: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman addressed Dylan Larkin’s trade request, saying he can’t guarantee it will be met. Consumer Protection/Travel: A report flags Michigan as a top bedbug-risk state, with Warren listed as the highest-risk city.

State Economic Policy: Michigan’s next governor is facing fresh pressure to reform how the state funds economic development incentives, with critics arguing the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s approach needs an overhaul. Flood Recovery & Small Business: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue low-interest disaster loans for businesses, residents and nonprofits after April storms and flooding, while Michigan still awaits a FEMA decision. Housing Market Regulation: A Karl Bohnak-backed bill passed the Michigan House to curb large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, aiming to protect homeownership for working families. Local Water Accountability: Greenville residents are questioning a “violation: yes” line in the city’s drinking water report; the city points to state-required reporting language and a prior EGLE Level 1 assessment tied to coliform testing. Brownfield Redevelopment: EGLE awarded nearly $3.6 million in Brownfield Redevelopment Grants across five projects expected to create jobs and add hundreds of housing units, including major affordable housing in Ann Arbor. Business Growth: Sage Miller Marketing & Communications relocated its headquarters to Escanaba, signaling continued Upper Peninsula business momentum. Sports With Michigan Business Ties: The Detroit Pistons acquired sharpshooter Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City for two future second-round picks, while the Red Wings traded goalie Sebastian Cossa to Utah and drafted Michigan winger J.P. Hurlbert.

Auto & Consumer Watch: University of Michigan consumer sentiment rose to 49.5 in June as gas prices fell, while long-term inflation expectations eased to 3.3%, a sign households are more hopeful about what’s ahead than what’s happening now. Higher Ed Costs: U-M regents approved a 3% tuition/fee increase for in-state undergrads and 6% housing-rate hikes, with out-of-state and most grad programs up 4.9% amid funding uncertainty. Local Economy & Jobs: Fibrosan broke ground on a $16M fiberglass plant in Cassopolis, targeting nearly 35 jobs and adding a new U.S. manufacturing footprint. Energy & Climate Supply Chain: Michigan’s biodiesel coalition is pushing for better public info on distributors and regions to make low-carbon fuel sourcing easier for fleets and local governments. Trade & Talent: The Pistons added NBA shooting help by trading for Isaiah Joe from the Thunder for two future second-round picks, while the draft also brought Detroit’s Ebuka Okorie into the spotlight as a Nigerian-origin prospect. Disaster Relief: Michigan’s congressional delegation urged the SBA to quickly approve an administrative disaster declaration for April storms to unlock low-interest loans for residents and small businesses.

Housing Policy: Michigan House overwhelmingly passed a bill to curb large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes, aiming to protect homeownership for individuals by limiting purchases by entities that already hold big portfolios. Elections & Data Privacy: The Trump administration plans to challenge a Sixth Circuit ruling that Michigan and other states don’t have to share private voter-roll information with the federal government. Public Health & Child Outcomes: A Flint study reports newborn deaths fell 50% after Rx Kids expanded cash assistance for pregnant moms, narrowing the city’s neonatal mortality gap with the rest of the state. Business & Investment Climate: Bank of America warns the “K-shaped” economy may worsen in the second half as consumer sentiment softens and deposit strength could fade. Tech & Industry: Hyperscale Data plans to deploy 143 humanoid robots at its Michigan AI campus, despite growing Washington scrutiny of Chinese robotics. Local Growth: Central Michigan University won final approval for a $100M medical education building in Saginaw, targeting a 2028 opening. Small Business & Community: State Rep. Cam Cavitt’s bill would ease rules for kids’ lemonade stands under $5,000 in annual sales, and Michigan’s small-business groups highlight new scholarship and grant support across the region.

University of Michigan Sustainability: U-M hit a move-out milestone by donating record amounts of materials and keeping 90% of commencement waste out of landfills, with 1,850 pounds of event waste ending up there versus 1,850 pounds diverted into compost used across Southeast Michigan. Rural Infrastructure: USDA Rural Development will invest $250,000 to relocate and renovate Bates Township Hall in Iron County, with a $500,000 total project to stabilize the historic building’s foundation. Downtown Small Business Grants: Michigan’s MEDC Match on Main program awarded up to $25,000 grants to 69 small businesses statewide, including multiple Upper Peninsula recipients aimed at strengthening downtown corridors. Consumer Economy Watch: U.S. consumer spending rose in May by $156 billion even as prices climbed, while Michigan sentiment improved in June—an uneasy mix for households facing still-high borrowing costs. Energy Bill Relief: Consumers Energy says $11 million remains available for Michigan customers through the State Emergency Relief program, offering up to $600 for eligible households. Hospital Cost Oversight: Michigan House committee members reviewed bills that would create a Hospital Cost Review Board to scrutinize nonprofit hospital spending as health costs keep rising. Trade Policy: The EU adopted regulations implementing its U.S. trade framework, cutting tariffs on industrial goods and expanding preferential access for U.S. seafood and select agriculture. Michigan Business & Jobs: The Detroit Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to Memphis for three future second-round picks, clearing salary and reshaping roster flexibility. Local Business Growth: A new McDonald’s opened in Howard City, creating jobs and adding a community gathering spot in Montcalm County.

Data Centers & Local Politics: A “Rally Against the Machine” in Sault Ste. Marie targets AI data center and crypto mining expansion, with speakers citing energy, infrastructure strain, and community impacts. Workplace Policy: Michigan’s proposed “right to disconnect” bill would bar employers from requiring off-hours responses to work messages, with penalties for violations. Public Dollars Scrutiny: Lawmakers are investigating a Clinton Township daycare that reportedly received $1.1M+ in taxpayer childcare reimbursements despite no evidence of operating at its listed address. Energy & Consumer Costs: Metro Detroit drivers face higher gas prices for the Fourth of July, even as there’s a slight dip from Memorial Day. Small Business Growth: Match on Main grants totaling $1.5M+ go to dozens of downtown businesses, including two Branch County winners. Banking Deal: Upper Peninsula banks Keweenaw Financial (Superior National Bank) and Range Financial (Range Bank) announced a merger agreement. Housing Affordability: Sen. Gary Peters’ 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act cleared the Senate, aiming to cut costs and boost supply. Tech Investment in Michigan: Hyperscale Data’s Michigan campus lands a 20MW compute deal tied to a long-term contract that could scale up.

EV Market Watch: Slate Auto, the Jeff Bezos-backed Troy startup, opened preorders for its stripped-down electric truck/SUV lineup starting just under $25,000, aiming to broaden EV demand beyond higher-priced rivals. Banking Deal: Keweenaw Financial agreed to buy Range Financial, uniting two major Upper Peninsula banks and positioning the combined company for stronger lending and customer services. Local Infrastructure: Grand Rapids’ Ford Airport will open a $156 million consolidated rental car facility July 8, designed to streamline pickup, parking, and vehicle servicing under one roof. Workforce & Policy: A Michigan bill would limit when employers can contact workers off the clock, with compensation rules for on-call availability and emergency exceptions. Courts & Property: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a Michigan tax foreclosure case that homeowners generally aren’t owed “full market value” compensation—auction prices are the benchmark. Tech & Energy: Xcel Energy filed a Wisconsin proposal that would require data centers to pay all costs tied to new grid upgrades, a model that could shape Michigan’s data-center buildout debates. Business Growth: Club Pilates is expanding with a deal to add 70 studios across Michigan, New York and Maryland. Entertainment Investment: Sony Pictures will invest $100 million in Cosm, which plans more “shared reality” venues including Detroit.