LANSING, MI (WOWO) Former criminal charges filed against a Michigan Economic Development Corporation board member are drawing renewed scrutiny of the agency’s oversight practices, while top MEDC officials declined to publicly address the controversy during a board meeting Tuesday in Lansing.
The meeting came one week after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against former MEDC executive committee member Fay Beydoun, who is accused of improperly using a $20 million state grant administered through the agency. MEDC CEO Quentin Messer Jr., identified previously as a “potential target” in the ongoing investigation, did not take questions following his remarks to the committee.
Board meeting proceeds without public discussion
The MEDC executive committee met Tuesday in Lansing but did not publicly discuss the criminal charges or criticism surrounding the agency’s handling of the grant program.
Committee Chair Christina Grossi declined to answer questions following the meeting. Messer delivered a roughly 10-minute presentation focused on agency operations, including staff visits to businesses receiving state support and an update on the proposed 2027 budget timeline…