AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes & Water Infrastructure: Chesaning is moving ahead with USDA-funded watermain upgrades and replacing lead/galvanized service lines to meet Michigan lead and copper rules, with council approval and no public opposition. Energy Resilience: After a damaging ice storm, northern Michigan utility Great Lakes Energy says it will bury all new power lines to reduce outage risk as extreme weather intensifies. AI Data Centers in Michigan: OpenAI broke ground on “The Barn,” a $16B AI data center in Saline Township tied to Oracle, following a 2025 rezoning fight that ended in a settlement. Consumer Pressure: Retailers report shoppers are still spending but are quietly cutting back—especially lower-income customers—as higher gas and prices add up. Manufacturing/Logistics Watch: Michigan’s M-66 reconstruction update and broader freight/logistics strain coverage point to ongoing delivery pressure. Motorsports (Michigan): Corey Heim won the NASCAR Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway, setting up Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 with qualifying speeds topping 195 mph. Food & Policy: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA funding conditions tied to Trump positions, including impacts on food assistance and agricultural research.

Trade & Border Readiness: DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin told a Senate hearing the Gordie Howe International Bridge is “ready to go,” but final contractor sign-off is still pending, keeping the opening date unclear. Great Lakes & Fisheries: U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Canada’s fisheries team plan sea lamprey control in Michigan’s White River tributaries with lampricide applications June 16–25. Energy Costs for Michigan Families: AAA reports gas is up sharply year over year, and boaters are feeling it too—ethanol-free fuel can run $7/gallon near Detroit-area lakes. Manufacturing Headwinds: Whirlpool says it will lay off 288 more workers at its Middle Amana, Iowa refrigerator plant, bringing cuts to 879 since last summer. Housing & Community Impact: A Detroit civic group, the Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs, is at risk of losing its historic clubhouse after being named among America’s most endangered historic places. Food Safety: Target is recalling multiple Up & Up baby wipe varieties due to reported bacteria contamination and irritation complaints. Auto Industry History: A look at Chrysler’s tech center legacy highlights how the Auburn Hills campus remains active even as the brand structure changed.

Auto & Labor: UAW backed progressive Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, signaling a sharper working-class push in a tight primary. Manufacturing & Jobs: UAW says about 1,000 workers at Dauch’s Three Rivers plant are on strike, with talks still stuck over wages, healthcare, and work-life protections. Infrastructure & Trade: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is “essentially complete,” but lawsuits and political finger-pointing keep a firm opening date out of reach. Retail & Local Economy: Meijer is moving into a Clinton Township shopping center, replacing a vacant Big Lots with a 76,000-square-foot grocery store. Housing & Community Services: Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan launched “Our Calling: We Build More Than Houses” to tackle rural housing shortages across five counties. Energy Costs: New reporting highlights how higher electricity prices are hitting households, with Michigan among states seeing steep year-over-year increases. Local Industry News: Gladstone’s Delfab, a forestry-machinery maker, filed for bankruptcy after 23 years, with equipment set for auction. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Tarik Skubal’s rehab start for the Whitecaps is drawing major attention in West Michigan.

UAW Endorsements: The United Auto Workers backed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and Jocelyn Benson for governor, a major signal in the state’s high-stakes 2026 primaries. Cannabis Shakeout: Michigan’s $3B cannabis market is showing strain as TerrAscend exits and other operators shutter cultivation sites, raising job-loss concerns and questions about how many companies can survive. Data Center Water Push: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and highlighted Michigan partnerships tied to green infrastructure and watershed work. Energy & Rates: Consumers Energy’s proposed $456M rate hike and the return of summer peak electric rates keep affordability in focus for Michigan households and industry. Aquatic Invasives & Access: Elk Rapids opened Michigan’s first permanent non-motorized boat wash plus an accessible launch on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail to curb invasive spread. Industrial Compliance: A Saginaw business was sentenced to $500,000 and probation for asbestos violations tied to illegal demolition work. STEM Pipeline: Nissan brought Michigan-area students into STEM careers via hands-on exposure to testing and engineering at its proving grounds.

Industrial AI & Data Infrastructure: Siemens teamed with HighByte to expand its Industrial Edge ecosystem, aiming to connect factory operations data to AI tools by bridging OT and IT through a unified data layer. Energy & Manufacturing Policy: Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired power plants and exports, using Cold War-era defense authority—an effort tied to grid reliability and thousands of jobs. Auto Industry Watch: Ford is testing prototypes of an affordable all-electric midsize pickup for a 2027 launch, with road testing planned soon in Michigan. Local Housing & Inclusion: Oakland County broke ground on Auburn Oaks in Rochester Hills, an “inclusive” neighborhood with 55 homes, including 19 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mobility Safety: AAA launched an e-bike and scooter safety campaign in Michigan after injury trends rose nationally, pushing helmet use and safer riding habits. Community & Planning: Allen Park denied a 26-megawatt data center site plan after multiple postponements over water use and sound concerns. Michigan Business & Growth: Detroit home values surged over the past decade, with Zillow data showing a sharp rise that could mean higher property taxes for residents.

Michigan Energy & Utilities: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll intervene in Consumers Energy’s $456M electric rate hike request, as lawmakers and residents weigh what higher summer peak rates could mean for households and businesses. Data Centers & Local Control: State Sen. Jim Runestad proposes a one-year pause on Michigan data center projects amid concerns about farmland loss, environmental impacts, and rate hikes; Flint City Council’s committee also approved a 12-month data center moratorium that would halt new permits and reviews while zoning rules are reviewed. Industrial Growth & Jobs: Northern Michigan fabricator Moran Iron Works is expanding hiring across welding, skilled trades, project management and admin roles as it grows work in marine, power, industrial and hydro sectors. Construction & Infrastructure: MDOT holds an open house on US-127 reconstruction between I-496 and Lake Lansing Road, covering pavement repairs, bridge work, drainage upgrades and traffic impacts. Environment & Public Health: EGLE says no Michigan beaches are currently closed or under advisories for bacteria, while Sleeping Hollow State Park lifted an algal bloom no-contact advisory. Local Manufacturing/Tech: Detroit-area supplier and imaging expansion news includes RadX’s outpatient imaging growth backed by Kain Capital, with multiple Michigan centers.

Data Centers & Energy Policy: Amazon is pushing a major data center campus in Wheatfield, Indiana, near a power plant, with a reported $7B investment and a $1.25B plan to offset energy cost impacts for local ratepayers—another reminder of how power and permitting shape the Midwest’s AI buildout. Michigan Utilities & Rates: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll intervene as Consumers Energy seeks a roughly $456M electric rate hike, while the utility also outlines grid upgrades aimed at reducing outages. Mining & Workforce Safety: A Michigan lawmaker visit highlighted mine safety and training, touring Indiana’s Bear Run Mine and a mining simulation lab at Vincennes University—showing how advanced training and safety culture are being built into the pipeline. Manufacturing & Logistics: The U.S. logistics sector kept expanding in May, but cost pressure is rising, with inventory and warehousing prices climbing and transportation costs staying tight. Local Industry & Community: Highland Copper says optimization work at its Copperwood project in Michigan could improve economics ahead of an updated feasibility study. Food Safety: FDA is investigating new foodborne illness outbreaks, including Listeria and Cyclospora cases, as well as additional Salmonella probes. Public Works: Gov. Whitmer kicked off Michigan’s 2026 road construction season, touting a $2B boost for state and local roads.

Utilities & Regulation: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll intervene as Consumers Energy files a new ~$456M electric rate hike request with the MPSC, which would raise residential bills about 9.8% and adds storm-restoration and other charges. Energy Costs: The filing lands as seasonal summer peak pricing resumes, pushing higher costs for air conditioning and other peak-hour use. Manufacturing & Jobs: Sharrow Marine, scaling its Detroit manufacturing facility, named Jordan Hofmann as Director of Sales and Steve Salna as Director of Manufacturing and Production. Local Infrastructure: Detroit held a ribbon-cutting for Avflight’s new Coleman Young airport facility—its first new build in 60 years—adding an FBO terminal, heated hangar, and indoor parking. Public Safety: Dearborn launched an Aggressive Driving Unit using three electric Ford Mustang Mach-E patrol vehicles to target speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving. Environment & Risk: The DNR warned wildfire danger is high across northern Michigan due to dry fuels and limited rainfall. Agriculture Policy: Sen. Elissa Slotkin urged tax policy that keeps farmland in production, calling it a national security asset. Media & Tech: Gray Media will break ground on an expanded WILX-WSYM Lansing facility to modernize local news production and expand streaming/digital capabilities. Business & Finance: Frankenmuth Insurance named Joe Nielsen as CFO.

Septic Code Push: Michigan senators advanced SB 771 to create a statewide advisory path for a septic code, aiming to standardize inspections and long-term evaluations for failing onsite systems. Safe Routes Funding: Iron Mountain is set to build nearly a mile of new sidewalks and crosswalk upgrades with a $1.2M Safe Routes to School grant, with city engineering costs capped at $225,000. Local Food & Farming: The Pure Markette opens its third season June 10 in Baldwin, bringing weekly vendors, food trucks, and community programming through early September. EGLE Internship Win: EGLE earned a Grand Valley State University award for its paid internship program, highlighting a growing talent pipeline. Voting Access: Wexford County commissioners will consider moving early voting from the Lake Street Building to the courthouse foyer ahead of the August primary. Lake Erie Water Quality: Michigan released its annual Domestic Action Plan report for Western Lake Erie, tracking progress toward a 40% phosphorus reduction goal. Auto Supply Chain Labor: A UAW strike at GM axle supplier Dauch/American Axle continues with no talks reported yet, raising near-term production pressure for GM pickup supply. Energy & Rates: Michigan utilities’ summer peak electric rates are back, with households looking for ways to cut costs as bills rise. Food Safety Recall: Champion Foods recalled certain Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread batches due to possible Salmonella contamination. Data Center/Community Tension: Residents in Taylor, near proposed rezoning for light industrial use, are pushing back over potential cold storage development impacts. College Sports NIL Rules: Senators unveiled new regulations on college athletes’ NIL pay, adding another layer to an already shifting compensation landscape.

Childcare Affordability Push: Michigan lawmakers Mai Xiong and Julie Rogers unveiled bills to codify and expand MI Tri-Share and Care-Share with $10 million in supplemental funding, aiming to keep parents working and help businesses hire. Utility Rates & Grid Upgrades: Consumers Energy filed for a $456 million annual revenue increase—its biggest in 20+ years—seeking about a 9.8% hit to residential bills, as regulators and the AG scrutinize costs. Road & Tourism Infrastructure: MDOT will widen M-28 shoulders in Chippewa County with a $2.9M project starting June 8, while Kewadin Casinos rolls out multi-year upgrades including a new waterpark and RV expansions. Data Center Backlash & Planning: A Coldwater master plan draft moves toward a public comment window, and Mason’s proposed data center could more than double city tax revenue—while other Michigan communities keep fighting new data-center pressure. Energy & Farming Policy: A fertilizer hauling Hours-of-Service waiver expands in 34 states, and Hillsdale County township rejected a large-scale Heartwood II solar project after local zoning rules and wetland concerns. Local Business Spotlight: Traverse City’s Milk & Honey Café and Ice Creamery earned top ice cream honors from Foodie.com.

AI & Industry in Michigan: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman visited Saline Township to tout Oracle-backed “The Saline Barn” data center as a “template” for community engagement, stressing ratepayer protection, responsible water use, and union jobs. Energy & Grid Costs: Higher summer electric rates kicked in across Michigan, with utilities charging more during weekday peak hours and urging customers to shift usage; regulators want proof that data centers can lower bills. Auto Supply Chain & Labor: UAW members began a strike at American Axle’s Three Rivers plant, a move that could ripple into GM truck production and adds to mounting labor unrest in auto parts. Agriculture & Water Quality: MDARD awarded $50K in horticulture research grants, while Michigan, EGLE and DNR released progress on the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan aimed at cutting Western Lake Erie phosphorus runoff. Logistics & Manufacturing: Nefab’s PolyFlex opened a Wixom campus expanding returnable packaging and protective shipping materials for automotive and advanced manufacturing. Public Works & Safety: Lane closures continue on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge for routine washing, and Michigan also saw a boil-water advisory in Union Township after a main leak.

Auto Supply Chain Shock: Nearly 1,000 UAW workers struck at Dauch Corp. (formerly American Axle) in Three Rivers, a key supplier of axles and driveline parts for GM’s Flint Assembly pickups. The walkout began after contract talks broke down at midnight, with the union citing wages that fell during the 2008 crisis and haven’t fully rebounded. GM says it’s monitoring potential impacts as truck production ramps. Energy & Rates: Consumers Energy’s Summer Peak Rates start today, with weekday peak-hour pricing jumping 50% through Sept. 30, adding pressure for about 1.9 million customers. Data Centers Debate: Michigan’s data-center push is drawing fresh scrutiny as utilities and tech firms argue projects can help stabilize electricity bills—while regulators and communities demand proof and clearer benefits. Local Broadband Buildout: Spectrum expanded rural fiber service to 900+ locations in Osceola County, adding gigabit options for previously unserved areas. Supplier Connections: SBA and GM plan a Detroit Supplier Matchmaking Expo June 5 to link small manufacturers with major buyers, including DTE Energy and defense contractors. Maritime & Tourism: A new study will measure how Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary boosts northeast Michigan’s recreation and tourism economy, while Coast Guard partners in Traverse City discussed readiness upgrades for Great Lakes response.

Auto Supply Chain & Trade: The Trump administration is pushing USMCA rules that would require 82% regional content for North American-built vehicles, with half produced in the U.S., and it’s seeking to exclude Canada from the content math—raising new pressure for Michigan’s auto and parts ecosystem. Labor & Manufacturing: UAW Local 2093 is counting down to a possible strike at American Axle’s Three Rivers plant over wages and contract issues, a direct risk to Michigan drivetrain production. Energy Manufacturing: A new report says the clean energy manufacturing sector now spans 825 active U.S. facilities, supporting about 215,700 jobs and adding major construction-driven growth—highlighting Michigan’s role in batteries and clean power supply chains. Infrastructure Safety: Michigan’s dam safety push is expanding after past disasters, with more staffing, standardized enforcement, and a $6 million emergency action fund aimed at high-hazard structures. Maritime Readiness: Coast Guard and Northern Michigan partners met in Traverse City to coordinate salvage, marine firefighting, and new tech, including an underwater unmanned vehicle demo. Local Industry Tech: Blaize and Winmate are bringing rugged edge AI concepts to COMPUTEX after debuting together at Michigan’s Defense Expo in Detroit. Transportation Projects: MDOT begins westbound I-696 ramp closures at Woodward Avenue in Oakland County as part of the Restore the Reuther bridge repairs.

Michigan Innovation & Startups: Ann Arbor SPARK says Michigan ranks 32nd nationally for early- and growth-stage startup funding, despite strong research, and points to an emerging innovation ecosystem around the university. Energy Storage & Grid Modernization: DTE and LG Energy Solution are tied to a major Michigan battery storage buildout (about $1.6B), aimed at supporting data centers and improving reliability. Auto & Manufacturing Tech: A Michigan marketplace facilitator tax bill (Sen. Roger Hauck) would tighten sales tax collection rules for short-term rentals sold through platforms like Airbnb/VRBO. Great Lakes Environment: A Tribune investigation highlights how plastic pellets (“nurdles”) and other plastics keep washing into the Great Lakes, with industry pushing for more production while critics warn about risks. Air Quality: IDEM and regional experts warn ozone alerts can spike in summer, with fine particulate matter also influenced by industrial sources and wildfire smoke. Local Outdoor Infrastructure: Sleepy Hollow State Park’s modern campground reopens in stages after renovations, including updated sanitation and solar work.

Data Centers & Local Power: The University of Michigan is pressing ahead with a large supercomputing facility in Ypsilanti Township even as the city and township pass denouncement resolutions and a utility moratorium restricts water and sewer use for data centers; U-M says the moratorium is discriminatory and legally flawed. Community Safety: Metro Detroit is again dealing with a vehicle crash into a high-traffic airport building, renewing calls for stronger protective barriers after similar incidents at DTW. Energy Costs: Michigan drivers are still paying above $4 a gallon as Iran-related oil risk keeps pressure on fuel prices, while the state’s 2026 fuel tax structure shifts how taxes rise with prices. Auto & Repair: Local shops are watching potential E.U. auto tariff impacts that could affect vehicle pricing and repair demand, while at least one Michigan shop expands engine repair services aimed at faster, more precise diagnostics. Workforce/EV Supply Chain: Ultium Cells’ Ohio battery layoffs extend as a return-to-work timeline slips from June to August, tied to EV market reassessment. Childcare Access: A Detroit childcare provider says zoning rules block expansion, adding to a statewide licensed-care shortage. Sports & Local Culture: Lomas Brown helps launch a Michigan school-bus safety PSA campaign, and Consumers Energy’s foundation names small Michigan communities as finalists for grant funding.

EV Supply Chain & Jobs: GM-LG’s Ultium Cells battery plant in Warren, Ohio is pushing back the return of hundreds of laid-off workers to August as EV demand stays weak. Trade & Auto Parts: As USMCA talks begin, U.S. negotiators want higher North American content rules to qualify for lower tariffs, with a big push for U.S.-sourced components. Infrastructure Milestone: The Gordie Howe Bridge in Detroit/Windsor is nearing completion, with opening potentially days away. Recycling & Local Costs: Alpena’s Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority is reissuing bids for a new materials recovery facility after budget cuts forced it to walk away from a prior partner. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Three northern Michigan employers were recognized for Registered Apprenticeship leadership, highlighting local training for electricians, millwrights, and engineering techs. Community Building Trades: Delta-Schoolcraft students unveiled a completed student-built home in Escanaba, showing CTE construction training tied to real housing. Energy Reliability: Consumers Energy scheduled planned Midland outages in June to upgrade the electric grid. Natural Resources: Michigan DNR is urging extreme wildfire caution in northern areas as drought dries fuels. Local Food Safety: A Michigan city’s 2026 food hygiene ratings show most inspected businesses scoring highest, with inspectors focusing on handling, facility condition, and safety management.