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A Chicago-based environmental law group is launching a new initiative this year to work with Michigan utilities and local governments on potentially repurposing closed or soon-to-retire coal plants with public amenities and renewable energy generation.

Economic development organization Lakeshore Advantage Corp. last month released a report highlighting growth among companies in Allegan and Ottawa counties despite ongoing labor and supply chain headwinds.

West Michigan’s economy and workforce have largely rebounded from the pandemic-induced downturn of early 2020, according to a recent report from economic development organization The Right Place Inc.

Ottawa County commissioners last week signed off on a $32.7 million spending plan that will direct federal stimulus funding to two dozen local projects.

A survey of more than 300 West Michigan business leaders shows that talent availability and inflation are their biggest barriers to growth, while investing in automation and raising prices will be key measures to overcome risk.

State House lawmakers late last week passed a series of bills that aim to make it easier for developers to build much-needed projects through various tax incentives.

The Biden administration last month proposed new rules for employers that could have sweeping implications for small business owners who rely on independent contractors.

West Michigan economic development agencies have spent the past eight months inventorying more than 100 sites across the region and selecting the top 10 that could be most suitable for large projects.

Affordable housing was a key theme among proposals submitted to county officials by organizations seeking a share of $127 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Kent County officials are in the process of narrowing down hundreds of funding requests for more than $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

A recently created statewide economic development fund created to distribute incentives continues to dole out funding for major projects.

A long-discussed plan for a large solar project at the former Butterworth landfill in Grand Rapids could be moving forward under a recent settlement agreement approved by state energy regulators.

Steelcase Inc. and MillerKnoll Inc. — the two largest players in office furniture manufacturing — are experiencing lower order volumes as corporations delay return-to-office plans, and are both responding with cost-cutting measures in the coming weeks.

Local officials in Mecosta County on Monday night approved long-term tax incentives for a potential electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant eyed for the Big Rapids area.

State and local economic development officials are in the process of luring a major Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer to Mecosta County that could result in thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment over the next decade.

First-half financial data for BHSH System show a nearly $100 million loss for Beaumont Health was offset by stronger performances by Spectrum Health and Priority Health in West Michigan.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this month signed three pieces of legislation into law that begin to roll back workplace protections for both employers and employees before eliminating them entirely by July of 2023.

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to sign off on the next state fiscal year budget, the administration and GOP-led Legislature will now shift their attention to reaching a potential compromise on tax relief for the public.

The recently announced state budget deal between top Republican lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer includes hundreds of millions of dollars for economic development and mental health care projects.

State House lawmakers last week advanced a four-bill package to help alleviate housing shortages statewide by incentivizing developers to build projects across varying price points.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently appealed to the U.S. Department of the Interior for help in resolving an “unworkable” timeline as two tribes separately make economic development efforts.

Four food manufacturing companies with operations in West Michigan are on the front lines of the ongoing baby formula shortage that is causing significant challenges for families with infants.

Very few Grand Rapids cannabis businesses are fulfilling social equity promises they made three years ago to gain an advantage when applying for a city license, though some city officials say the program is filled with “unattainable” goals.

Consumers Energy announced plans today that it will issue 200 rebates over the next two years to help offset the cost for site hosts to install electric vehicle charging stations.

City officials in Grand Haven are considering a Zeeland-based developer’s proposal to reconfigure Chinook Pier in downtown.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican legislators have offered competing tax cut proposals in recent weeks as a result of budget surplus and an influx of federal stimulus funding.

State lawmakers moved quickly last week to advance new economic development incentives, with the House and Senate passing legislation to create new funds and programs to attract major advanced manufacturing projects.

GRAND RAPIDS — Regional economic development organization The Right Place Inc. recently announced new partnerships that would bring its services and expertise to Mason and Mecosta counties in West Michigan.

GRAND RAPIDS — Bell’s Brewery Inc.’s announcement last week that it’s selling to the parent company of New Belgium Brewing Co. sent shockwaves through Michigan’s craft beverage industry. It also represents the latest in a series of high-profile deals involving Michigan craft beverage companies.

GRAND RAPIDS — A venture capital fund that plans to invest in minority-owned businesses has named Ollie Howie as its first managing director.