Mi Business Matters

Housing is a quality-of-life issue – and an economic one. Across Michigan, employers are struggling to attract and retain talent and families are struggling to find homes they can afford.

In this episode, we’re digging into what’s driving the state’s housing shortage and why it matters – and also what it will take to fix it.

Joining us are leaders from across the housing ecosystem to talk about the barriers, the realities and the path forward:
- Brad Ward, Michigan Realtors
- Dawn Crandal, Home Builders Association of Michigan
- Randy Gross, our Michigan Chamber lead on this issue.

Michigan’s political and policy landscape is taking shape for 2026 – from legislative debates to early signals in what will be one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory.

In this episode, Jim is joined by two of the state’s top Capitol insiders and our chief business advocate to break down what’s actually happening, what matters most – and what comes next:
- Zach Gorchow, president of Michigan operations, Gongwer News Service
- Kyle Melinn, editor and co-owner, Michigan Information & Research Service (MIRS)
- Wendy Block, senior VP of business advocacy, Michigan Chamber

Jim leads the discussion on permitting in Michigan – why it matters, where the system works and where it doesn’t. And how a regulatory process that is efficient, transparent and predictable is crucial to job creation and our shared future – all while still protecting our state’s natural resources.

Joining him to break that down:
- State Representative Bill Schuette and Chair of the House Rules Committee and Red Tape Reduction Initiative
- Mike Patwell, Member and Senior Director at Clark Hill
- Mike Alaimo from the Michigan Chamber

In parts 1 and 2 of our legal reform series, we explored why Michigan’s legal climate matters – and how lawsuit abuse is driving up costs for employers, property owners and families alike – as well as new alliance that formed.

In this episode, we move to a couple of specific policy solutions. To do so, we’re joined by two state representatives who are sponsoring legislation to restore balance to Michigan’s legal system. Together, we’ll break down what’s actually in these bills and how commonsense reforms can protect access to the courts while curbing abuse.

Joining us are:
State Representative Mike Harris of MI District 52 (portions of Oakland Co) and bill sponsor of House Bill 5281 tackling what’s known “Third Party Litigation Funding”
State Representative Jerry Neyer of MI District 92 (portions of Gratiot and Isabelle counties) and bill sponsor of House Bill 4582 reinstating what’s known as open & obvious

Jim is joined by Mike Cox, founder of the Mike Cox Law Firm, former State Attorney General and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor.

This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by Tom Leonard, a partner at Plunkett Cooney law firm, former Speaker of the House and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor.

This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by Mike Duggan, leader of our state’s largest city – the second longest serving Mayor in Detroit history. He is also a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor!

This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by State Senator Aric Nesbitt, who serves as Senate Republican Leader representing our state’s 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, and Kent counties. He is also a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor!

This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Joining Jim is John James, who represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and is a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor!

This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined today by a state policy expert and author of a new Tax Foundation study, Jared Walczak, to help move past the rhetoric and focus on the facts of a proposed measure for the November 2026 ballot. Jared is a senior fellow at this nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that’s known for data-driven analysis and earned its reputation for independence and credibility. We’re going to be looking at what the data actually shows for Michigan – who really pays, and what it means for jobs, wages, and competitiveness.