AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Trade: The U.S. is removing tariffs on some Canadian imports, including machinery, refrigeration equipment and packaging materials, from Oct. 30. Detroit–Windsor businesses may get relief, though duties remain on other goods. Bay City Infrastructure: The $112 million Lafayette Bridge replacement is 60% complete, with major beams installed; MDOT says it remains on schedule. Battery Innovation: GM Ventures joined a $108 million funding round for Peak Energy, which is developing sodium-ion batteries for grid storage using GM’s Michigan battery labs. Detroit Investment: Dan Gilbert pledged $1 billion toward redeveloping the Renaissance Center, a major commitment to the city’s commercial core. Rural Connectivity: Michigan signed 23 broadband expansion agreements backed by $1.447 billion, moving projects closer to construction and extending access to underserved areas.

Freshwater Innovation: Eight startups pitched water technologies at Northern Michigan’s first BlueTech Accelerator Showcase, targeting issues from harmful algal blooms to irrigation and utility data. Broadband Buildout: Michigan signed 23 BEAD agreements to move expansion projects toward construction, advancing a $1.45 billion effort aimed at connecting about 200,000 locations. Detroit Development: Dan Gilbert pledged $1 billion to redevelop the Renaissance Center, a major proposed investment in the city’s commercial core. Manufacturing & Resources: Michigan’s forest-products industry contributes $27 billion a year, supporting everything from lumber and paper to materials used in smartphone screens. Retail & Jobs: Michigan retailers reported weaker September sales but greater optimism for the holiday season, while regional jobless rates fell. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy filed for another natural-gas rate increase, days after regulators approved a $139 million increase; Michigan’s Palisades nuclear plant is also preparing to resume fuel loading.

AgTech: Michigan-backed startup Electric Plant raised $11.2 million to develop AI that reads plants’ electrical signals, with potential applications for growers. MDARD is also seeking public input on 2027 specialty-crop grant priorities, due Nov. 24. Water Innovation: Eight founders pitched water-focused startups in Traverse City, where 20Fathoms is offering support to encourage companies to stay and grow locally. Energy Costs: Michigan gas prices jumped about 17 cents a gallon after trouble at an Illinois refinery. Consumers Energy is also preparing another natural-gas rate request, following a recently approved $139 million increase. Logistics: Amazon opened its first Upper Peninsula delivery station in Escanaba, cutting reported delivery times from as long as eight days to two and planning to grow its workforce. Manufacturing: GM is closing its Brownstown battery plant as its lease expires and repurposing a Detroit hydrogen site.

Water Services: Azuria Water Solutions is acquiring Rockford-based Infrastructure Alternatives, adding Michigan water and wastewater operations, engineering and infrastructure support to its business. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy is preparing another natural-gas rate request days after regulators approved a $139 million increase; Attorney General Dana Nessel is also urging regulators to reject the proposed sale of 13 utility dams. Auto Industry: A threatened 50% U.S. tariff on Canadian-built vehicles and parts is set for Jan. 1, 2027, with no trade deal in sight. GM, meanwhile, is closing its Brownstown battery plant as its lease expires and repurposing a Detroit hydrogen site. Manufacturing: Evology Manufacturing is adding a large metal 3D-printing system to meet rising production demand, bringing its fleet to 10 machines. Data Centers: EGLE heard public comments on a wastewater permit for the proposed Saline Township data center, including plans to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River.

Automotive: GM approved a $20 billion share buyback as it closes its Brownstown battery plant, sharpening questions about the gap between shareholder returns and Michigan jobs. The automaker is also positioning for competition with Chinese manufacturers and led a $108 million investment in sodium-ion battery startup Peak Energy; GM is developing the cells at its Michigan battery labs. Detroit Development: Dan Gilbert pledged $1 billion toward redeveloping the Renaissance Center, a major commitment to the city’s downtown future. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy plans another natural-gas rate request days after regulators approved a $139 million increase, putting household and business costs back in focus. Infrastructure: Michigan signed 23 agreements advancing a $1.45 billion broadband expansion, targeting roughly 200,000 locations, with rural communities a priority. Great Lakes: Researchers documented 6,453 oil spills across the basin from 2014 to 2024 and warn that frequent smaller spills may cause lasting harm, while gaps in reporting leave their impacts unclear.

Auto Manufacturing: GM raised its 2026 outlook as Flint prepares to build next-generation heavy-duty trucks, while the automaker’s Brownstown battery plant is set to close and its Detroit hydrogen site will be repurposed. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy plans to seek another natural-gas rate increase shortly after regulators approved a $139 million hike, adding pressure on Michigan businesses and households. Industrial Growth: Automation Alley secured a $7.5 million Army contract to advance distributed manufacturing, and FANUC opened its largest U.S. automation training center in Auburn Hills. Infrastructure: Michigan signed 23 broadband expansion agreements backed by $1.447 billion, with projects aimed at extending access statewide. Agriculture and CBD: Hemp advocates warn proposed federal restrictions could squeeze Michigan’s CBD market as state legislation to ease farmers’ costs remains stalled.

Auto Industry: GM raised parts of its 2026 outlook after third-quarter profit climbed, and says Flint-area operations will support next-generation heavy-duty trucks. The company also approved a $20 billion share buyback. Ports and Freight: MDOT is accepting applications for a new round of commercial port improvement grants, backed by $5 million in one-time funding. Applications are due Dec. 23. Manufacturing: Automation Alley won a $7.5 million U.S. Army contract to advance distributed additive manufacturing. A Michigan plant also produced its first lithium iron phosphate battery cells, a lower-cost chemistry for electric vehicles. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy plans to seek another natural-gas rate increase, days after regulators approved a $139 million hike that takes effect Nov. 1. Aerospace: Michigan launched a statewide Space Innovation Hub to grow the state’s space economy and support new industry opportunities.

Automotive: Detroit-based GM reported higher third-quarter profits and launched a $20 billion buyback, while trimming its full-year earnings range as vehicle sales softened. Connectivity: Michigan’s $1.45 billion broadband expansion is moving toward construction, with 23 agreements expected to bring high-speed service to nearly 200,000 homes, businesses and institutions. Detroit Development: Dan Gilbert pledged $1 billion toward a nonprofit-led Renaissance Center redevelopment. Advanced Manufacturing: FANUC opened its largest U.S. automation training center in Auburn Hills, while a Michigan plant’s first domestic production of lithium iron phosphate battery cells marks a milestone for lower-cost EV batteries. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy customers face a 4.3% natural-gas rate increase starting Nov. 1, adding pressure on household and business budgets. Emerging Industries: Whitmer launched a statewide network to grow Michigan’s space economy, and KMI Space received $3.5 million in state funding for a new spacecraft launch.

Detroit Redevelopment: Dan Gilbert pledged $1 billion to a nonprofit that will own and redevelop the Renaissance Center and riverfront. The wider project is expected to create 8,000 construction jobs and 2,600 permanent jobs. Broadband Buildout: Michigan signed 23 agreements moving broadband projects toward construction. The $1.45 billion expansion aims to reach 200,000 locations, with rural communities a focus. Advanced Manufacturing: A Michigan plant has produced the country’s first full lithium iron phosphate battery cells, while GM is building out critical-mineral-to-motor supply chains. FANUC also opened its largest U.S. automation training center in Auburn Hills. Logistics: Medline plans a major Michigan distribution center, bolstering the state’s role in health-care supply chains. Space Industry: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched a statewide network to grow Michigan’s space economy, and KMI Space received $3.5 million in state funding for a spacecraft launch. Workforce Training: Washtenaw Community College launched a maritime welding program with a $630,000 grant, while Northwestern Michigan College received the same amount to expand maritime workforce training.

Automotive & Manufacturing: Troy-based SPE Automotive Division named finalists for its 55th Automotive Innovation Awards, with winners to be announced Nov. 4 in Livonia. Bridgeport-made Amigo ValueShopper, a motorized shopping cart used by major grocery chains, is also a finalist in the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan contest. Energy & Data Centers: Google won site-plan approval for a Michigan data center despite community opposition. Consumers Energy’s new gas rates take effect Nov. 1 after state regulators approved a $139.2 million increase. New Industries: Michigan is investing $1.2 million to help manufacturers enter the space sector, while a Michigan plant has produced its first full lithium iron phosphate battery cells, becoming the first U.S. facility to make the lower-cost EV chemistry. Workforce: Two Sterling Heights industrial businesses plan to close, affecting more than 200 workers.

Utility Costs: New Consumers Energy natural-gas rates for 1.8 million Michigan customers are set to take effect Nov. 1, following state approval of a $139 million rate increase. Battery Manufacturing: A Michigan plant has produced its first lithium-iron-phosphate cells, becoming the first U.S. facility to make the lower-cost battery chemistry for everyday electric vehicles. Data Centers: Google’s proposed data center near Detroit airport cleared a major approval hurdle as debate grows over local impacts and the state’s approach to large computing projects. Space Industry: Michigan is putting nearly $1.2 million toward helping manufacturers enter the space sector through a new Space Innovation Hub. Farm Energy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared an energy emergency and eased diesel rules for farmers amid a fuel-price surge.

Energy and Utilities: DTE Energy is appealing a $100 million fine tied to pollution on Zug Island, while Consumers Energy customers face a state-approved $139 million rate increase. Advanced Manufacturing: A Michigan plant has produced its first full lithium iron phosphate battery cells, marking a U.S. milestone for a lower-cost EV battery chemistry. The state is also putting $1.2 million toward helping manufacturers enter the space industry. Data Centers: Google’s proposed Michigan data center cleared a major approval hurdle despite local opposition, as debate continues over power demand and community impacts. Infrastructure: Midland crews are set to clear log jams and fallen trees from local drains to improve water flow and reduce flood risk.

Battery Manufacturing: A Michigan plant has built its first lithium iron phosphate cells, marking a U.S. milestone for a lower-cost battery chemistry used in everyday EVs. Data Centers & Power: Google’s proposed Michigan data center cleared a major approval hurdle despite protests, as Consumers Energy won approval for a $139 million gas rate increase. Auto Industry: Stellantis reported a 1% drop in third-quarter shipments, while Ford CEO Jim Farley warned of risks from Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market. Industrial Jobs: Two Sterling Heights industrial businesses plan to close, affecting more than 200 workers. Permitting: A Michigan Supreme Court ruling on Line 5 has renewed concerns about permitting uncertainty for businesses.

Energy Costs: Michigan regulators approved a $139.2 million Consumers Energy natural-gas rate increase, with higher bills taking effect Nov. 1. Data-Center Growth: Google won final site-plan approval for a major Van Buren Township data center despite local opposition, sharpening questions about power demand and community oversight. Manufacturing Jobs: Two Sterling Heights industrial businesses plan to close, affecting more than 200 workers; separately, a Ford supplier is cutting Michigan jobs as some work moves to India. Business Resilience: A nearly $500,000 state grant will help Clam Lake Township businesses affected by PFAS connect to municipal water. Advanced Industry: Automation Alley received $7.5 million for a distributed-manufacturing initiative, while Michigan announced a new Space Innovation Hub to grow the state’s space economy.

Energy Costs: Michigan regulators approved a $139.2 million Consumers Energy natural-gas rate increase, with higher bills starting Nov. 1 — a fresh cost pressure for households and businesses. Data Centers: Google won final site-plan approval for a Michigan data center despite opposition, as debate grows over the facilities’ effects on power bills and local communities. Manufacturing: Michigan is putting $1.2 million toward helping manufacturers enter the space industry, while Automation Alley landed a $7.5 million distributed-manufacturing contract. Workforce: Two Sterling Heights industrial businesses plan to close, affecting more than 200 workers; separately, Stellantis employees are preparing to vote on a strike mandate as bargaining stalls. Michigan Business Climate: A Line 5 Supreme Court ruling has prompted broader concerns about permitting delays and uncertainty for projects across the state. Environment: A report found PFAS in 15 Michigan waterways, underscoring contamination risks for communities and water-dependent industries.

Energy Costs: Michigan regulators approved Consumers Energy’s $139.2 million natural-gas rate increase, adding about $3.92 a month for typical customers starting Nov. 1. Data Centers: Google won site approval for a major Michigan data center despite opposition, sharpening debate over power demand, jobs and local control. Advanced Manufacturing: Automation Alley secured a $7.5 million distributed-manufacturing contract, while a new state Space Innovation Hub aims to help manufacturers enter the growing sector. Auto Industry: Stellantis workers are set to vote on a strike mandate as bargaining stalls; a Ford supplier also plans 150 job cuts after losing business. Agriculture: Whitmer’s energy emergency allows farmers and loggers to use tax-free dyed diesel on roads, offering relief from rising fuel costs. Workforce: Michigan is investing in mechatronics training and skilled-career programs as employers face shortages of trades workers.