AGP Executive Report

Data Center Rules: Michigan Senate Democrats unveiled an eight-bill package capping data-center water use at 2 million gallons per day, barring projects from raising electricity rates for other customers, and requiring community benefits agreements—positioning it as the “most robust” framework in the country. Student Housing & Rents: High-end, amenity-heavy student apartments are spreading around Ann Arbor and other college towns, with some buildings pushing rents above $2,000 per student per month, raising affordability pressure for schools competing for enrollment. Healthcare & Medicaid Politics: In Nevada’s tight governor race, voters are focused on whether Medicaid coverage could be jeopardized by new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks tied to federal changes. Higher Ed Foreign Funding Scrutiny: A new U.S. Education Department dashboard shows hundreds of colleges reporting more than $72 billion in foreign gifts and contracts, but critics say it lacks key context and could be used politically. Local Business Spotlight: Detroit-area momentum continues as Jeff Daniels’ new JD’s Stage Bistro in Chelsea prepares for a late-July opening with concerts. Gaming Compliance & Payments: Michigan-focused real-money casino promos keep shifting toward mobile-first offers and faster deposit methods, while sweepstakes casinos face heightened scrutiny over required disclosures.

U.S. Steel Labor Talks: One year after Nippon Steel’s $14.9B takeover of U.S. Steel, United Steelworkers District 10 leaders say bargaining is set to start soon as the contract nears its Sept. 1 expiration, with workers pressing for their share of the deal’s promised upside. Detroit Sports Business: The Pistons are leaning into their “core three” of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson as they plan roster moves for the next postseason push. Auto Tech & Security: A China-linked autonomy company tied to Geely is testing U.S. connected-vehicle rules, highlighting how Michigan’s auto-tech ecosystem may be affected by national security limits. Energy Storage Boom: Korean battery makers are accelerating into the U.S. energy storage market, with Michigan production ramp-ups tied to growing demand from AI data centers. Public Health Risk: A Texas farmworker-focused report links Parkinson’s disease risk to pesticide exposure, underscoring environmental health stakes for communities near major agriculture. Local Economy & Events: The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show will feature two of the Marine Corps’ biggest aircraft at Willow Run, with organizers projecting a $2.5M-$3M local economic impact. Michigan Community Sports: PWHL Detroit added Michigan native Mellissa Channell-Watkins and other defenders in recent signings.

Workplace Policy: A Michigan Senate committee is weighing a “right to disconnect” bill that would bar employers from requiring workers to check email, phones or group messaging after hours, with anti-retaliation rules and up to $500 fines—though small-business groups warn it’s too broad for varied schedules. AI & Health Tech: A Michigan Medicine-led FDA-approved study at U-M Health has implanted Paradromics’ Connexus brain-chip in a Michigan woman to restore speech for a motor neuron disease, adding momentum to the microchip-implant race. Data Centers & Water: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is again under pressure as lawmakers push new rules on data centers’ water use and transparency, reflecting the growing national backlash over AI-driven power and water demands. Caregiving & Medicaid: A debate over Medicaid paying family caregivers is raising concerns about household finances and future Social Security impacts. Manufacturing & Geopolitics: Michigan residents are watching the fallout from a Michigan community’s fight against a Chinese battery plant—where local victory could come with major financial risk. Business & Gaming: Regulated online casinos in Michigan and nearby states are expanding live dealer real-money offerings, betting on streaming tech and player engagement to grow market share. Sports Economy: Detroit-area fans keep an eye on NBA trade chatter tying the Pistons to major Giannis-centered multi-team scenarios.

UAW Power Struggle: At its Detroit convention, the UAW advanced nominations for its “one member, one vote” election, with Vice President Rich Boyer launching a six-person presidential bid to challenge Shawn Fain, setting up a high-stakes fight over the union’s direction. Corporate Restructuring: Dow has started notifying employees of global job cuts tied to its “Transform to Outperform” plan, with about 4,500 positions targeted worldwide, including layoffs at its Midland HQ. Energy & Costs: DTE Energy says it wants a 10% rate hike after reporting $1.5 billion in earnings while paying no federal taxes for a 12th straight year, keeping pressure on Michigan utility bills. Health Care Spending: New Medicaid billing data shows sharp local increases in categories like “medicine services and procedures,” including Highland Park’s $514,450 total for 2024. Local Economy & Training: Muskegon County leaders discussed a millage restoration proposal for Muskegon Community College that would raise about $2.1 million annually, aiming to fund security, HVAC, and campus upgrades. Auto & Manufacturing: Blue Oval’s Marshall ramp continues to ripple through local suppliers as the company’s production footprint grows.

Auto & battery manufacturing: Ford has begun initial lithium-iron phosphate cell production at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall, ramping “D-sample” cells for testing and targeting production-ready supply by year-end, with the plant already employing 500+ workers and drawing heavily from nearby communities. AI & chemicals: Novyte Materials and Chemvera Specialty Chemicals signed a manufacturing-and-royalty deal to commercialize an AI-designed specialty chemical for the polymer industry, building an India-based pathway from synthesis to large-scale manufacturing. Consumer costs & taxes: Southern Michigan drivers are increasingly fueling up in Indiana after the Hoosier state’s 30-day gas tax holiday, prompting renewed calls in Michigan for a similar “gas tax holiday” to ease pump-price pressure. Immigration enforcement real estate: DHS is reportedly preparing to transfer or sell seven ICE detention-expansion warehouses after legal and infrastructure pushback, shifting away from the costly conversion plan. Local government & schools: Cadillac Area Public Schools’ board is set to vote Monday on a proposed 2026-27 budget projecting a small deficit while relying on fund balance amid uncertainty over state funding. Business risk & security: A class-action lawsuit claims Madison Square Garden Entertainment was breached after hackers allegedly leaked sensitive visitor records, including biometric and “threat assessment” data. Sports-business crossover: MLB trade-season chatter is heating up with ESPN’s updated list of 100 potential trade candidates ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline.

Detroit Downtown Revitalization: Greektown’s Beaubien Street reopened Friday as part of the $20M Greektown streetscape project, easing a year-plus of construction disruption and widening access for pedestrians and visitors. Local Business & Real Estate: Traverse City’s Downtown Development Authority approved an “Infrastructure First” tax plan that extends TIF-97 for 20 years through 2047, targeting streets, sidewalks, utilities and stormwater with about $114.4M in potential projects. Healthcare Policy: Michigan House Republicans advanced a hospital cost review board proposal aimed at nonprofit hospital pricing, acquisitions and mergers, including limits tied to inflation. Manufacturing & Jobs: Dow began issuing layoff notices tied to its Transform to Outperform plan, cutting about 4,500 jobs worldwide and shifting toward AI and automation. Banking Leadership: First Independence Bank CEO Kenneth Kelly highlighted growth via a multi-state strategy and continued advocacy as the regional banking sector faces consolidation pressure. Energy & Regulation: Michigan Senate Democrats pushed new data center regulation bills, while a separate national story notes ICE abandoned plans to convert warehouses into detention centers. Sports Business: Pistons front office planning continues as Trajan Langdon signals roster changes without “substantial assets,” with trade chatter including Tyler Herro.

Data Centers & Energy Policy: Michigan Senate Democrats advanced seven bills to rein in data center growth, targeting water use and energy rates and requiring projects to prove they won’t raise rates or harm grid reliability. Labor & Economy: Michigan’s unemployment rate ticked up to 5.1% in May as payroll jobs rose but still lagged year-ago levels. Auto Insurance: A Senate committee advanced a measure pushing at least 10% auto premium reductions without benefit cuts, drawing pushback from the insurance industry. Health Costs: Cancer advocates urged lawmakers to back a bill that would count copay assistance toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Business Finance: Hyperscale Data shares slid after-hours following a $300 million at-the-market equity offering tied to expanding Michigan data facilities and other investments. Sports Business: Tigers ace Tarik Skubal said the team must improve or face major deadline changes, with a potential trade option looming.

Michigan Policy & Compliance: The state health department has stopped using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA requests found it couldn’t document federal approval; vaccination sites statewide now must provide parents the MCIR opt-out form before shots. Small Business & Supply Chains: The SBA says Detroit’s 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo—run with GM—drew 600+ small suppliers and 30+ large buyers, with nearly half expecting $250,000+ in new business. Data Center Backlash: Michigan Senate Democrats unveiled bills to tighten data center rules, focusing on water-use permits and protections for ratepayers amid community concerns. Consumer Protection: Rep. Rylee Linting introduced a Michigan House bill to ban “surveillance pricing,” arguing companies use personal data to tailor higher prices. Economy Watch: Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up to 5.1% in May, while the national rate held at 4.3%. Housing & Finance: Ilitch Companies created Ilitch Gaming to manage its casino holdings, including taking full control of Ocean Casino Resort and acquiring Scarlet Pearl in Mississippi. Legal/Workforce: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal government can’t automatically prosecute legal marijuana users for firearm possession, a potential shift for Michigan’s cannabis industry.

Vaccine Policy Fight: Michigan health officials are ending the state’s Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA challenges, saying they couldn’t document federal approval; providers must now use the MCIR opt-out form statewide before vaccinating. Housing & Risk: A housing-policy argument is gaining traction that the crisis isn’t just about building—families are losing affordable homes faster than they can be replaced as repairs, insurance costs, and property issues push them into displacement. Pipeline & Jobs: Enbridge says more than 500 workers are active on a Line 5 reroute in Wisconsin, clearing right-of-way and preparing drilling for a 41-mile segment around the Bad River reservation amid ongoing legal fights. Local Public Safety: Iron Mountain is struggling to fill police vacancies, adding overtime and boosting fire wages while buying two new patrol vehicles. Workforce Housing: Marquette’s “The Chipp” workforce development is now leasing, using brownfield and tax-increment tools to expand attainable inventory. Auto Labor Watch: Unifor says Detroit Three bargaining in Toronto will be its most consequential round, with tariffs, trade uncertainty, and Chinese EV pressure in the mix. Civil Rights & AI: Michigan’s civil rights department is hosting an AI summit focused on preventing discrimination as government and businesses adopt algorithmic tools.

Health Policy: Michigan’s health department is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and will instead require providers to hand parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine, after the state said it couldn’t document federal approval for the old forms. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy is issuing a $1.6 billion, low-interest loan to Detroit-based DTE Energy to modernize Michigan’s natural gas pipeline system, targeting about 800 miles of upgrades and a storage compressor rebuild. AI & Politics: Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan to create a sovereign wealth fund for the public by taxing the largest AI companies’ stock, aiming to fund direct payments and programs like health care, education and housing. Workplace & Talent: Northern Michigan employers met to compare hybrid, remote and in-office strategies, with 58% of surveyed businesses already using hybrid work. Courts & Public Safety: Grand Traverse County awarded a three-year courthouse security contract to Allied Universal after concerns about performance and management turnover with the prior provider. Business Compliance: A Wellston LPG business owner took a plea deal tied to sales tax failures from 2019-2023, agreeing to pay $4.1 million total in taxes, restitution, and related amounts. Local Community: Ypsilanti Little League is bouncing back after vandalism, helped by community support and a viral social media push. Sports Business: PWHL Detroit acquired Hilary Knight in a sign-and-trade tied to the league’s expansion draft, while Caroline Harvey was selected first overall by Vancouver.

Health Policy: Michigan’s health department has stopped using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA requests, saying it couldn’t document federal approval for the long-used forms; vaccination sites statewide will instead provide the official MCIR opt-out form before shots. Sports & Local Economy: Justin Verlander is set to return to the Tigers’ rotation at Comerica Park on Sunday against the White Sox, a notable boost for Detroit’s marquee summer slate. Housing & Credit Stress: New data from ATTOM shows U.S. foreclosure filings rose 14% year over year in May, signaling continued pressure in housing markets even as month-to-month filings dipped. Energy Costs: AAA reports Michigan gas prices are up slightly, while GasBuddy spotlights pockets of cheaper E15 and regular gas across counties—another reminder that volatility is still driving local price swings. Tech & Industry: Innoviz Technologies and AMORPH Systems will demo integrated LiDAR perception in Detroit at ITS America 2026, underscoring Michigan’s pull for mobility and smart-infrastructure suppliers. Education Finance: MSU trustees approved a 3.99% tuition increase for 2026-27, alongside higher housing and dining rates. Business Regulation: The Michigan House advanced a bill to ban local taxes on streaming services, setting up a fight over whether municipalities can charge streaming providers like cable.

Nonprofit Corruption: Stephanie Chatfield, wife of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, pleaded guilty to embezzling $200–$1,000 from the Peninsula Fund and will get probation instead of jail, while Lee still faces major felony counts. Manufacturing & Jobs: French owner Groupe Beneteau will close the Four Winns boat factory plant in Cadillac, citing slow sales and Middle East conflict, with about 232 employees affected as the company seeks a buyer. Energy & Policy: U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett hosted Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Lansing to argue for lower, reliable energy prices as Michigan debates green-energy mandates. Tax System Strain: House Oversight grilled state officials over GenTax glitches that delayed refunds and produced incorrect adjustment letters, with promises of fixes and penalty waivers. Business Impact from Construction: Royal Oak shop owners say Rochester Road roadwork is driving away customers amid lane closures and detours. Finance & Fraud: A Michigan commodities trader pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a $2.7 million scheme involving investor misrepresentations. Banking Deal: Isabella Bank agreed to acquire Grand River Commerce in a $54.6 million cash-and-stock deal to expand into the Grand Rapids market. Healthcare Costs: State Rep. Jennifer Conlin introduced a bill to cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply. Regulation Watch: Federal Republicans are pushing changes that could reclassify some cannabis seeds as marijuana under federal law, raising uncertainty for Michigan’s legal market.

Energy & Utilities: The U.S. Department of Energy finalized a $1.6 billion loan to help DTE modernize Michigan’s natural gas pipelines, targeting about 800 miles of aging infrastructure and projected to save customers more than $700 million over time. Workforce Development: With 250,000+ Michigan teens entering the summer job market, the state is urging employers to build real career pathways—not just seasonal staffing. Health Policy: Michigan health officials are ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements tied to the state’s vaccine tracking system, shifting providers to an official MCIR opt-out form statewide. Corporate Accountability: Microsoft faces a shareholder lawsuit alleging it misled investors about Azure cloud slowdown and AI spending needs; the case was filed in federal court after a major stock drop. Local Government & Taxes: Delta County’s board will weigh an MDOT property grading-rights request and a possible Headlee Millage Override that could restore the operating millage rate. Gaming & Tech: Apple is adjusting how casino apps can operate as legal pressure mounts, while Delaware North’s new Ember Casino iGaming brand launches in New Jersey. Business & Community: A Cadillac YMCA garden is getting a makeover through conservation partners, and the Cadillac Lions Club plans a $300 medallion hunt to draw residents to local businesses.

Banking & M&A: MidWestOne Bank is transitioning to Nicolet National Bank, with full consolidation Aug. 7 and official rebrand Aug. 10—customers will get account-change details ahead of conversion. Retail Restructuring: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, including Michigan locations in Bay City, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Petoskey, St. Clair Shores and Troy. Local Economy & Real Estate: Ann Arbor Housing Commission is buying Avia Lofts for affordable housing, while Grand Rapids is celebrating completion of a Grand River Edges Trail extension that reconnects neighborhoods to the waterfront. Workforce & Community: Gesher Human Services will host a free LinkedIn workshop for job seekers June 23, aiming to help people improve recruiter visibility. Public Policy & Health: Michigan health officials ended Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements tied to the state vaccine tracking system, shifting providers to an MCIR opt-out form. Sports Business: Kentucky hired J Batt as athletics director/CEO of Champions Blue after a year at Michigan State. Tech & Industry: Detroit hosted AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL, underscoring the city’s push to attract major autonomy and robotics trade events.

Health Policy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA requests showed the state couldn’t document federal approval; vaccination sites statewide will instead use the MCIR opt-out form before shots are given. Immigration & Public Safety: Five Michigan Democrats urged DHS to stop a planned ICE detention facility in Romulus, citing lack of local consultation and concerns tied to utilities, infrastructure, and environmental requirements. Great Lakes Research: A proposed NOAA budget cut of $1.3 billion would slash programs researchers say underpin Great Lakes weather, water quality, maritime safety, and recreation. Cross-Border Trade: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening remains delayed as the U.S. and Canada resolve “outstanding issues,” with economists warning the delay can keep trade and traffic bottlenecks hurting Michigan businesses. Energy & Markets: Markets reacted to U.S.-Iran de-escalation talks and hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while SpaceX’s record IPO boosted investor sentiment. Local Economy: Calumet Farmers Market opened with more than 30 vendors, signaling a strong start despite chilly weather.

Health Policy: Michigan DHHS will stop using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and instead require vaccination sites statewide to provide parents the official MCIR opt-out form before shots, after the state said it couldn’t document federal approval for the old forms. Auto & Trade: Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri says the supplier wants to deepen ties with China’s automakers as it builds partnerships, including work tied to XPENG vehicles. Manufacturing Tech: InCabin USA 2026 in Detroit highlighted interior sensing advances, including Aptiv’s camera-only occupant detection system aimed at cutting sensor hardware costs while improving safety classification. Sports Business: PWHL Detroit signed Michigan native Shiann Darkangelo to a two-year deal as part of its expansion phase, adding to a growing roster. Local Economy & Community: Benton Harbor’s Juneteenth Cultural Alliance held its annual celebration, drawing vendors and performances and framing the event as both a milestone and a continued call for equality. Weather & Safety: Michigan City, Indiana, reminded residents of fireworks rules for the July 4 period, including permitted dates/times and escalating fines for violations.