Introduction
Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the most educated communities in the country, but its local government was taken in by a twice convicted felon. In California, Heidi went to prison for fraud. In West Virginia, she was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and narrowly avoided prison. Beginning in 2020, elected leaders and City staff in Ann Arbor promoted Heidi's businesses and embraced her as a community partner. Former Ann Arbor City Council Member Elizabeth Nelson shares what happened in Michigan. She digs through local archives and government records to understand how other communities fell victim to HOLLOW HYPE.
First Episodes
“Don’t you know? Developers lie”
In her first few months on Ann Arbor City Council, Elizabeth Nelson met Heidi, a twice convicted felon who was eager to influence policy at City Hall. In their very fi...
“Investors are pocketing the difference”
Heidi was still on probation when she bought her first property in Ann Arbor. Local residents noticed that she was converting homes and apartments into short term rent...
“I don’t mean a bribe”
Ann Arbor City Council considers a regulation that would impact Heidi’s short term rental business. She makes a desperate phone call to then Council Member Elizabeth N...
“Emergent Industry”
A new Ann Arbor City Council majority wants to weaken the STR ordinance, in order to protect Heidi’s businesses. When then Council Member Elizabeth Nelson publicizes h...
“They’re owed their dues, right? Risk, reward”
Heidi hires a member of the City Planning Commission in Ann Arbor to design her next projects: a former grocery store and more short term rentals in a development cove...