Business Bridge

Cities facing large unfunded health and pension benefits for government workers say they’re already making changes, without need for state intervention

Here are the basics on 8 measures activists are fighting to get on the 2018 ballot in Michigan, delivered in just over a minute.

Petition drives to stop gerrymandering or end prevailing wage laws are going strong. Others, like an effort to allow pot even for minors, not so much. A quickie guide to 8 potential ballot issues.

The current economic expansion is nearing record lengths, but it won’t last forever. How are business and government leaders, and 2018 candidates for governor, preparing for the day Michigan’s economy heads south?

The governor’s fiscal reforms have left the state financially more secure. But budget squeezes loom, even without a recession on the horizon.

Democratic candidates argue that GOP policies have left Michigan workers behind. But the leading Republican candidate won’t even mention the R word.

The companies best prepared for the next recession have used the current expansion to invest smartly in talent and technology

Cities that are preparing now for ride-sharing and self-driving cars will be more attractive for jobs. State business leaders, meanwhile, are trying to coordinate the state’s patchwork of career and technical training.

Michigan employers increasingly view child care as critical to attracting and keeping quality workers

Michigan’s business leaders are discovering a strong connection between affordable child care and happy, productive workers.

Bills would prevent cities from using local zoning laws to restrict where short-term rental businesses like Airbnb can operate in a city

State tourism officials say the promotional campaign will endure, with a few changes.

The homegrown actor said he took offense to being asked to repeat his narrative lines. Later, Allen grew to appreciate the direction.

From state park campsite reservations to national park visits, from Mackinac Bridge crossings to hotel stays, tourists are driving a solid Michigan summer for the tourism industry, data show.

The state selects Indianapolis-based Strategic Marketing and Research Insights to measure the ad campaign’s return on investment. Toronto-based Longwoods International had the state contract for years.

The senators send complaint letter to Gov. Snyder, citing delayed action, fines and permit requirements. Republicans want a DEQ with a “customer service mindset.”

A plan to have the private sector pay for construction and maintenance of part of the busy I-75 corridor in Oakland County will be the largest public-private transportation project in state history.

Critics say the ruling goes against the spirit of last year’s energy law

State deals have led to at least $4.3 billion in investments and 6,700 jobs through August, Bridge analysis shows.

Jobless rate at lowest since 2000. But teenagers aren’t working as much as their parents did, and many high-school dropouts have left the labor pool.