December 2025

An informative e-newsletter for the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

“Network” Effects: Michigan Gears Up for Data Center Growth

Scales

By Stephen Campbell, Clark Hill PLC and Justin Ooms, Varnum LLP

Following the state legislature’s passage of sales and use tax exemptions related to qualified data centers and data center equipment through Public Acts 181 and 207 of 2024, Michigan’s two largest electric utilities (Consumers Energy Company (“Consumers”) and DTE Electric Company (“DTE”)) have signaled significant potential growth in data center operations in the coming years.

Legislative Report

View the Report

Register Today

Recent Legislation and Hot Topics on the Horizon
Thursday, January 15, 2026
“Virtual” Program: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Program Chair: Brian Foley, Bodman

Speakers: Roxana Zaha, Butzel Long and Tabitha Zimny, Karoub Associates

Stay up to date on recent legislation and executive orders, and get a preview of new legislation, that may be on the horizon! RPLS Legislative Committee Chair Roxana Zaha will begin with a discussion of new legislation affecting real property that has been passed into law during the last year. Next we will hear from the Section’s lobbyist, Tabitha Zimny. Tabitha will provide an update on bills that are currently pending in the state legislature. This virtual seminar is a must for practitioners who want to remain current on new developments in real property law.

Registration Fees: Section Members $25; Non-Section Members $45

Winter Conference 2026
W Southbeach, Miami
March 5-7, 2026
Program Information

Registration by December 18 and SAVE!

Before December 18, 2026
Section Members: $540
Non-Section Members: $600*
Young Lawyer Section: $250

After December 18, 2026
Section Members: $620
Non-Section Members: $680*
Young Lawyer Section: $325

* The cost to become a member of the section is $55. Become a member and save.

Book your room TODAY!
Book your group rate for Real Property Law Section Winter Conference or call W South Beach Reservations: 1-888-625-4985

Join a Committee!

Take the opportunity to get involved by writing for one of our publications, presenting at a conference or seminar, or joining one of the committees that cover virtually every area in real estate law. See our committees and how you can join or see the committees you're already subscribed to.

Note to Committee Members:
Communication settings for RPLS Special Committee members have been changed to "Daily Digest." This means when a message is posted on your Committee page, you will receive the message the day after it is posted.

Write an Article

Interested in writing an article for the e-Newsletter? Contact co-editors Samuel Kilberg at SKilberg@dykema.com or Glen Zatz at gzatz@bodmanlaw.com.

Can't remember where you saw that e-Newsletter article? Check the e-Newsletter article index.

We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Leslee Lewis at llewis@dickinson-wright.com for suggested topics and ideas.

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors, and they do not reflect in any way the positions of the State Bar of Michigan or the Real Property Law Section. These columns are meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.