AGP Executive Report

Data Center Push Meets Local Resistance: A Kentucky farming family rejected a $26.48M offer tied to a planned 2.2-gigawatt hyperscale data center, underscoring how the AI buildout is colliding with land, power, and community concerns. Great Lakes & Invasive Species: Illinois officials stepped up surveillance after hundreds of juvenile silver carp turned up in the Marseilles Pool—about 80 miles from Lake Michigan—prompting more monitoring and plans to resume commercial fishing in September. Michigan Venture Capital: Michigan’s bioscience sector (about 48,000 jobs) is driving a push to train more venture investors, with MVCA’s VentureTrack 2026 set for Sept. 23 in Ann Arbor. Energy & Grid Legal Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll challenge DOE orders keeping a west Michigan coal plant running longer, arguing the agency can’t prove an energy emergency. Local Business & Jobs: GM layoffs tied to Lansing-area plants raise ripple effects for nearby suppliers and small businesses. Back-to-School Consumer Protection: Michigan DIFS rolled out financial and insurance tips for students, including budgeting, credit checks, and renters/auto coverage basics. Scam Tracker Watch: BBB reports show ongoing scam activity across Michigan cities, with Detroit leading statewide totals in July.

Auto & Trade Policy: Detroit automakers are warning that a revamped North American trade deal could raise costs, with Ford, GM and Stellantis pushing back on proposals tied to a 50% U.S.-made content rule and higher North American thresholds. Energy & Infrastructure: Michigan’s DNR is set to buy 4,494 acres on the Keweenaw Peninsula to block private development, while the U.S. Army is also moving deeper into EVs and drone testing with private-sector partners. Workforce & Benefits: Michigan unemployment claimants now must document three work-search activities each week to keep benefits, a change that took effect July 19. Retail & Consumer Pressure: Convenience-store executives point to weaker consumer sentiment and higher fuel prices squeezing discretionary in-store buys, as Michigan’s consumer sentiment reading fell to 51 in August. Logistics & Manufacturing: UFP Packaging plans a $5.31M Upstate factory in South Carolina creating 136 jobs, underscoring ongoing demand for industrial packaging tied to supply chains. Public Life & Community: Lowell’s new Muralocity campaign will add five professionally painted murals, including one highlighting the town’s logging and river history. Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases continue to surge nationwide, with Michigan tied to the broader outbreak as detection and reporting ramp up.

Federal Rail Funding: Michigan DOT is set to receive $145 million in federal grants for rail upgrades, including $98 million for track work between Dearborn and Kalamazoo, bridge replacements along the Michigan line, and new trains for the Blue Water Amtrak route to boost capacity. Auto & Jobs: Unifor says Stellantis is considering selling its Brampton, Ontario plant, a move that could reshape Canadian operations and affect contract talks tied to the Detroit Three supply chain. Energy & Business Climate: Two Michigan opinion pieces zero in on the need for reliable energy and warn that legal fights over major oil could ripple through hiring and competitiveness. Consumer Protection & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data show Sturgis logged three scam reports in July (with online purchase scams driving losses), while Walled Lake reported two, including phishing. Food Safety Oversight: FDA inspection results for a Kent County-area company found Gordon Food Service, Inc. in line with regulations (“No Action Indicated”). Local Industry & Community: AndyS is preparing to open in downtown Ludington after delays, adding a new restaurant, sports bar, and entertainment venue. Defense Tech Access: The U.S. Army is opening test ranges to private drone firms, including Michigan’s Camp Grayling.

Data Centers & Local Power/Water/Noise: Wixom advanced revisions to its zoning rules for data centers after a 180-day moratorium, as officials weigh electricity, water demand, and neighborhood impacts while a proposed 600,000+ sq. ft. complex moves through planning. Housing Costs & Buildability: A new analysis highlights a national paradox: affordable apartments often cost more to build than market-rate units, driven by land prices, financing complexity, and permitting delays—Colorado is cited as a case where costs can be cut. Food Supply Pressure: A fresh-produce report says U.S. fruit/vegetable output has fallen since 2010 while imports rose about 70%, intensifying overlap during key harvest seasons and raising food-security concerns. Michigan Energy Regulation: Michigan’s utility regulator is pushing to change how annual rate cases work, aiming to lower power bills. Agriculture/Health Watch: Michigan is among states reporting a large cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to produce distribution, underscoring food-safety and supply-chain risk. Invasive Species: Michigan’s Tree Check Month urges residents to inspect for the Asian longhorned beetle to catch new infestations early. Michigan Cannabis Industry: Lapeer reports a squeeze on legal marijuana as wholesale prices drop and the new 24% state wholesale tax takes effect. Detroit Green Restoration: Arboretum Detroit has planted 1,800+ trees across 55 vacant parcels in Poletown East, turning scattered lots into connected green space.

Michigan Infrastructure: MDOT says work on the M-129 bridge over Fletcher Creek in Chippewa County will resume soon after fabrication delays; testing is underway and the road is tentatively set to reopen by Oct. 2. State Oversight: Michigan’s insurance regulator (DIFS) earned a five-year NAIC reaccreditation after a financial oversight review. Food Safety: FDA is inspecting Taylor Farms’ Mexico plant tied to a multistate cyclospora outbreak; Michigan health officials previously traced the source to lettuce from that supplier. Public Health & Agriculture: Michigan released more than 4,400 parasitoid wasps to curb invasive scarlet lily beetles, aiming to stop westward spread. Consumer/Business Watch: A Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair mousse recall covers distribution including Michigan due to a packaging defect that could cause cans to leak under pressure. Local Economy & Energy: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Bay County at $4.85 (week ending Aug. 8), with broader Michigan prices easing. Community & Industry Tensions: Cass County residents packed a town hall opposing a hyperscale data center, a fiberglass plant, and solar projects over water and utility concerns.

Consumer Economy Watch: U.S. retail sales fell 0.6% in July and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index dropped to 51 in August, with inflation worries and weaker business expectations weighing on shoppers. Market Pulse: Stocks wobbled after the data, while traders pared back expectations for Fed rate hikes as inflation prints looked softer. Michigan Policy & Business: Michigan AG Dana Nessel reissued data-breach alerts, urging residents to protect against identity theft as breaches hit major health and credit firms. Public Safety & Health: Michigan confirmed a swine flu H1N2 case tied to the Kent County Youth Fair after sick pigs and at least one death; officials urged monitoring for symptoms. Infrastructure & Roads: MDOT starts a $3.1M U.S. 131 repaving project near Cadillac Aug. 17 through Nov. 6, with lane and ramp closures. Legal/Local Courts: Michigan appeals decisions included keeping a district judge off the ballot over false filing claims and ruling a dog-euthanasia order used the wrong standard.

Trade Policy: A U.S. trade court upheld Trump’s move to eliminate the de minimis exemption, keeping the $800 duty-free import rule off the table and dousing hopes for a Michigan-based auto-parts firm to revive it. Auto Manufacturing: Stellantis is weighing closure and sale of its idled Brampton, Ontario plant, with Unifor blaming U.S. tariff pressure—another reminder of how North American trade rules can reshape production plans. Defense Supply Chain: GM and Ford secured U.S. Army prototype tactical truck contracts under new limits on China-sourced materials and software, a policy that could tighten sourcing for defense makers. Workforce & Training: North Central Michigan College will open the Martin Jahn Technology Center, expanding advanced manufacturing, engineering tech, and skilled trades training. Energy Ops: Consumers Energy will test dam emergency sirens Aug. 19 at Rogers, Hardy and Croton dams. Food Safety: FDA investigators traveled to Mexico to continue the Taylor Farms cyclospora probe. Public Health: Michigan reported a swine flu case tied to the Kent County Youth Fair.

Michigan AG Action: Dana Nessel sued Waterford nonprofit Chosen Kingdom Builders, alleging deceptive housing-lease practices that led to evictions and major losses, plus claims the group operated without a required real estate license. Auto Theft Crackdown: Caesar Cooper of Detroit was sentenced to 5–20 years for running a Metro Detroit auto theft ring that targeted vehicle storage lots tied to manufacturers, dealerships, and residences. CDL Driver Privacy Fight: Nessel joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over demands that AAMVA hand over a database of sensitive driver records, arguing federal privacy-law violations and lack of state consultation. Public Health & Community: Oakland County WIC earned a national Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, and the county is hosting a free Baby Cafe breastfeeding event Aug. 17. Consumer Protection: Nessel renewed warnings about bank/credit union imposter scams using caller ID spoofing. Trade Policy Impact: A federal trade court upheld Trump’s move to scrap the de minimis duty-free exemption for goods under $800, a potential hit to Michigan import-heavy supply chains. Manufacturing Training Push: Apple opened a Houston advanced manufacturing center to train small and medium-sized businesses, with Foxconn building assembly lines for Apple output. EV/Industrial Events: Battery Show North America returns to Detroit Oct. 12–15 with an executive summit and major focus on EV batteries, manufacturing, and grid storage.

EV Supply Chain: GM and LG Energy Solution restart Ultium Cells battery production in Warren, bringing about 1,400 workers back after a months-long pause tied to softer EV demand. Road Construction: Lansing’s US-127 rebuild triggers ramp closures and lane shifts starting Friday, with major work continuing through fall 2028. Food Safety & Farming: Taylor Farms faces fresh fallout as jalapeño-linked recalls expand amid Salmonella concerns, while a separate Cyclospora outbreak update shows Michigan nearing 14,000 cases. Trade & Tariffs: A U.S. court backs Trump’s move to end the “de minimis” tariff exemption, a rare win that keeps pressure on low-value import rules. Maritime & Shipbuilding: MARAD awards $35.18M to 45 small shipyards nationwide, with Michigan receiving three grants for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training. Energy Infrastructure: The Sault Tribe condemns federal approval for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel permit, arguing it threatens tribal sites and sovereignty. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Portage with three scam reports in July and Michigan cities continue to rack up losses. Public Health Impact: A study estimates Canada wildfire smoke caused over $6.6B in economic losses in Michigan.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing products tied to a salmonella outbreak, with items sold at major retailers across 26 states; regulators also issued a separate alert for jalapeño-linked meat and poultry products. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Florida reporting 407 cases since May 1 as the CDC tallies more than 13,000 cases and two deaths. Agriculture & Competition: The FTC reached a settlement with Deere in an antitrust case over repair restrictions, aimed at protecting farmers’ right to repair John Deere equipment (pending court approval). Energy & Manufacturing: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells battery plant in northeast Ohio is set to restart EV battery cell production after a seven-month pause, bringing back about 1,400 workers. Michigan Business & Growth: TechTown Detroit announced the 2026 Detroit Elevate cohort, selecting more than two dozen local entrepreneurs for training and pitch support. Environment & Health: EGLE is opening registration for a free Great Lakes Microplastics Summit (Oct. 7-8), focused on detection, risks, and how microplastics move through water systems.

Auto Manufacturing: Ford says it will shift some Lincoln production from China to the U.S. starting in 2030, aiming to strengthen domestic manufacturing as tariffs keep pressure on China-built models. Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the Line 5 tunnel proposal, but Michigan’s dispute is still alive and tribes/environmental groups are pushing back over treaty and review concerns. EV Supply Chain: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells plant in Ohio is set to restart EV battery cell production next week after a seven-month pause, bringing back about 1,400 workers. Food Safety: Whole Foods and other retailers are recalling jalapeño-containing products after salmonella concerns tied to peppers from Mexico; Taylor Farms is already under scrutiny from a separate outbreak. Local Business & Growth: Cold Stone Creamery plans to add 8–12 Michigan locations over four years, with a Plymouth opening this fall. Tech & Community: Dowagiac residents sued a data center operator over nonstop noise after a 2021 conversion to cryptocurrency mining. Franchise Expansion: Another Nine marks its first year of franchising with 80+ territories sold across 16 states, including Detroit among target metros.

Energy Policy: The Michigan Public Service Commission is pushing performance-based utility rate plans and “reining in unnecessary costs” to lower power bills, including tying earnings to affordability and reliability instead of spending. Local Governance & Tech: Wixom is moving from a data-center moratorium toward zoning rules, with council reviewing where facilities can go and what standards they must meet as the six-month pause nears its end. Civic Engagement: A new opinion piece highlights how Michigan residents are using grassroots pressure—like ballot drives against data centers—to force local decisions. Public Health & Safety: A sewer force-main breach in Sault Ste. Marie spilled about 1,000 gallons of raw sewage into the St. Marys River; officials say the intake is upstream and drinking-water concerns are limited. Higher Ed: University of Michigan is adopting pass-fail grading for some first-semester freshmen starting fall 2027, aiming to ease a mental-health crisis. Food & Retail: Domino’s (Ann Arbor-based) is rolling out “The Domino,” a personal Detroit-style pizza for one, debuting nationally Aug. 31.

Energy Policy: Michigan’s utility regulator is pushing performance-based rate plans, tighter control of “unnecessary costs,” and more incentives for competition to help lower power bills. Public Health & Food Supply: The U.S. FDA says Americans can feel confident eating fresh produce as it updates guidance amid ongoing cyclosporiasis and salmonella outbreaks hitting Michigan hardest; Taylor Farms’ jalapeño recall expands. Water & Environment: A sewer main breach in Sault Ste. Marie spilled about 3,785 litres of raw sewage into the St. Marys River; officials say drinking water isn’t affected. Defense & Tech Testing: The Army Reserve tested robotic mine-clearing tech at Camp Grayling and found a mid-demo issue that will drive redesign. Higher Ed & Computing Infrastructure: U-M confirmed its Textile Road site for a major research computing facility with Los Alamos, citing zoning and infrastructure needs despite local pushback. Local Development: Lake City is nearing completion of the $1.8M Grand Central Park waterfront project. Cyber & Data Center Governance: Corunna adopted an ordinance regulating data centers with special-use permits and closed-loop cooling rules. Construction Watch: Michigan Medicine’s Troy specialty-care center is 60% complete, targeting spring 2027 openings. Fraud Signals: BBB Scam Tracker shows Michigan cities with ongoing online purchase scams, with Detroit and Grand Rapids leading recent counts.

Road & Infrastructure: MDOT starts a $900K resurfacing on US-41 in Marquette County Aug. 20, with alternating traffic through Oct. 30. Urban Forestry: Ypsilanti is using a $144K state grant to inventory about 6,000 city-owned trees and build its first urban forest management plan. Industrial Pipeline: Industrial Manufacturing planned projects keep climbing—632 new projects in the last four months, including 165 in July, with Michigan tied to 10 of the top-state highlights. EV Charging Buildout: EVgo opened a new flagship fast-charging site in Warren at a Meijer, pushing more than 40 flagship stalls nationwide and targeting 100+ by year-end. Energy/AI Backlash: A new national look at why data centers face heavy opposition in Michigan and Wisconsin, even as Trump’s administration continues to back the buildout. Great Lakes Shipping: MSC Shipmanagement was fined $6M and put on probation after admitting it concealed a hazardous engine-control issue tied to the MSC Michigan VII runaway incident. Cross-Border Trade: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opened, adding a major Detroit-to-Ontario trucking link via I-75 and Highway 401.

Food Safety & Recalls: Michigan shoppers are getting hit with back-to-back produce warnings as a salmonella jalapeño recall expands while cyclosporiasis tied to pre-bagged lettuce tops 12,000 Michigan cases, with health experts urging careful handling. Water & Cybersecurity: States are renewing calls for stronger rules after cyberattacks on water systems, including a push for mandatory reporting of incidents. Industrial Compliance: Cadillac faces up to eight EGLE violations tied to its industrial pre-treatment program, with officials saying it’s largely paperwork and not river harm. Construction & Crime: Northern Michigan teens are accused in two construction-site break-ins, with about $30,000 in damage and $3,000 in stolen tools. Energy & Power Markets: Indiana Michigan Power is weighing a natural gas plan at the Rockport site while also exploring nuclear options with federal support. Local Business/Real Estate: NFL cornerback Sauce Gardner sues a Michigan contractor over an alleged $935K property deal and a missing $500K renovation deposit. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Muskegon County’s lowest premium gas at $4.99 for the week ending Aug. 1, while Osceola County’s low hits $5.29. Community Spotlight: Jackson is holding a ribbon-cutting Aug. 14 for upgrades at Workers Memorial Park, including a new playground, basketball court, and pavilion.

Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Army is opening five test ranges in Michigan and beyond to private companies via an online request system, aiming to cut weapons testing red tape and speed delivery of drones, counter-drone gear and missiles. Local Food Systems: Michigan named 11 farm businesses from five farmers markets as the first participants in a new “Farmers to Markets” program, pairing vendors with marketing support to boost local sales. Small Business Growth: Southwest Michigan won a $930,000 grant to expand entrepreneur coaching and capital-readiness through regional support organizations. Retail & Consumer Value: Volunteers of America Michigan is running National Thrift Shop Day discounts and raffles at its Marshall thrift store. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeno-prepared foods tied to salmonella risk, while separate Listeria-related pastrami and corned beef recalls hit food service and retail. Workforce & Compliance: Michigan suspended a Northern Michigan University truck driving school over alleged state law violations, including recordkeeping and permit verification. Energy Costs: Michigan gas prices fell 21 cents from last week to an average of $4.15/gal. Tech & Training: Spatio expanded U.S. VR training offerings with custom-built simulations for manufacturers and logistics operators.