Hollow Hype

Elizabeth Nelson

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.

  1. Episode 1

    “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 first conversation, Heidi didn’t tell the truth. Heidi’s Henry Street project in Ann Arbor:https://www.nuveen.com/greencapital/the-henry MLive/Ann Arbor News coverage of the Henry Street project:https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2019/02/group-living-with-co-working-space-for-young-professionals-coming-to-ann-arbor.html 1980 Pioneer High School yearbook:https://aadl.org/sites/default/files/docfiles/yearbook-pioneer_high_school-1980.pdf Michigan Daily (1982)https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754704/182 Michigan Daily (1983)https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754720/603 Michigan Daily (2025): ‘I would make it up to you’: A local developer, an FBI inquiry and money in Ann Arbor politicshttps://www.michigandaily.com/news/focal-point/a-local-developer-an-fbi-inquiry-and-money-in-ann-arbor-politics/If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com

  2. Episode 2

    “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 rentals (Airbnb). Burns Park & Lower Burns Park (Ann Arbor)https://annarborobserver.com/guide/burns-park-4/ Heidi’s portfoliohttps://www.staysby4m.com/our-listings Meet Kurt Berggrenhttps://aadl.org/N127_0056_073https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1002784 Ann Arbor City Council resolution calling for study of short term rentals (March 2019)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3888770&GUID=856D2FBF-DDA8-4431-89B7-6FB33E60C3F9 South Pasadena home (2013)https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/boards-and-commissions/documents/cultural-heritage-commission/chc-min-121913.pdf If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com

  3. Episode 3

    “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 Nelson. Public meetings re: short term rentals (October 2019)https://a2elnel.com/post/city-to-hold-public-meetings-in-october-about-short-term-rental-regulation/Resolution directing regulation (January 2020)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4286174&GUID=7FF5FC94-EED2-4D64-99C3-901D0AD3CE8D Ordinance approved with six-month delay in enforcement (September 2020)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4589957&GUID=7ACF876A-8A8A-407A-8023-314BB78026F5 MLive reporting on short term rentals in Ann Arbor (June 2026)​​https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/06/ann-arbor-has-nearly-300-short-term-rental-units-they-fetch-up-to-9999-per-night.html If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com

  4. Episode 4

    “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 her concerns, the FBI visits her at home. Ann Arbor City Council meeting minutes (January 6, 2020)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=737701&GUID=2D1F0EB0-3191-498A-A936-E08ED71D51DE Ann Arbor City Council Resolution sponsored by Mayor Taylor (December 21, 2020)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4733989&GUID=7AA9862B-49AD-4541-9831-4FE461B4AF9E Ann Arbor City Council meeting minutes (December 21, 2020)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=749425&GUID=F3C77550-F87F-45C4-B558-3183D4A831D3 Elizabeth Nelson Blog Post "Housing, Profits, and Hypocrisy" (December 27, 2020)https://a2elnel.com/post/housing-profits-and-hypocrisy/ Michigan Daily: ‘I would make it up to you’: A local developer, an FBI inquiry and money in Ann Arbor politics (March 26, 2025)https://www.michigandaily.com/news/focal-point/a-local-developer-an-fbi-inquiry-and-money-in-ann-arbor-politics/If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com

  5. Episode 5

    “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 covering an entire block. Heidi’s wife Marge takes the lead in promoting a rebranded business. 2021 amendments to Ann Arbor short term rental ordinance (May 3, 2021)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4892427&GUID=B937507A-2A1C-4FEB-8F94-9692ED9EBB88&FullText=1 Lisa Sauve joins Ann Arbor Planning commission (July 17, 2018)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=613336&GUID=71AD6B79-E991-465A-92F0-82F5D044D196 4M podcast with Lisa Sauve (April 23, 2021)https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XZRrmeeJnRo9bMsGMoXrW “All About Ann Arbor” promotion of Venue (November 16, 2022)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQlMsjRUtfM “Live in the D” promotion of Venue (September 6, 2024)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7mT4lgh5Wk Marge Poscher promotes Venue & Southtown (April 25, 2023)https://annarborobserver.com/imagining-southtown/ Heidi’s “Tech Talk” for Ann Arbor SPARK (October 24, 2022)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwaX-DFKPFM Ann Arbor Planning commission postpones Southtown (May 16, 2023)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1069300&GUID=522DC576-C1A2-446E-B788-4A07AD4EA209 Lisa Sauve responds to postponement (May 21, 2023)https://annarboraf.com/episode-71-civic-therapy-wtf-planning-with-lisa-sauve-and-scott-trudeauepisode-71/ Michigan State Representative Felicia Brabec endorses Southtown (June 21, 2023)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=12109053&GUID=B8B6B9A7-79B6-4FC2-B66C-4C125F62318C MLive: Police investigation into death of Margaret Poscher (November 14, 2025)https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/11/police-investigating-death-of-ann-arbor-developer-known-as-caretaker-at-heart.htmlIf you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com

  6. Episode 6

    “We can sell that together”

    Residents question Heidi’s plan for more Airbnb near the stadium. Heidi reinvents herself as a sustainability expert to align with power players at Ann Arbor City Hall. Twenty years earlier, Heidi’s broadband scheme was endorsed by members of Congress from both Ohio and West Virginia. Ann Arbor City Council meeting (May 3, 2021)https://youtu.be/MYwyZAJsZO4 Ann Arbor City Council meeting (August 7, 2023)https://youtu.be/OdWTqtEnrds Public engagement meeting for Southtown (September 21, 2022)https://a2elnel.com/post/public-meeting-for-southtown-by-4m-development-sept-21-2022/Ann Arbor City Council meeting minutes (September 5, 2023)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1062180&GUID=5D95AE16-32E0-4256-A9A9-1F9D311ABF33 Elizabeth Nelson video re: Southtown - A2Council Update: Airbnb in Ann Arbor "The absence of community"https://youtu.be/5LLslDzWkOg Dr. Missy Stults presentation (March 2023)https://youtu.be/FklTmEP-UMw News recording (2000)https://youtu.be/yez875CL2Zo Ohio Broadband video (2012)https://youtu.be/wvC3EbRd2b8 Mountain State College promotion (2012)https://youtu.be/ovfFD73YCko SXSW Conference (March 2024)https://annarborusa.org/news/ann-arbor-spark-returns-to-midwest-house-at-sxsw-leads-panel-on-sustainable-innovation/https://youtu.be/Zoj0w5B-HrM If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com

  7. Episode 7

    “Stop being part of the lies”

    Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approves Heidi’s plan for Southtown. City staff recommend negotiating the sale of public property to Heidi’s company, 4M. When residents question the non-competitive deal and the fact that Heidi is a campaign donor to City leaders, she lashes out. If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com Public engagement meeting at Venue (April 4, 2024)https://a2council.com/cranbrook-village-resident-participation-meeting-april-4-2024/ Ann Arbor City Council approves Southtown rezoning (September 5, 2023)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1062180&GUID=5D95AE16-32E0-4256-A9A9-1F9D311ABF33 Heidi’s political donations (city level) Council Member Jen Eyer (2019, 2023, 2024)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/C-2019-0130003.pdf#page=5https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/32273.PDF#page=4https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33029.PDF#page=14 Council Member Dharma Akmon (2021)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/30699.PDF#page=2 Mayor Christopher Taylor (2022)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/29426.PDF#page=65 Mayor Taylor’s Political Action Committee (2023)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/32009.pdf#page=8 Council Member Travis Radina (2024)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33033.PDF#page=5 Council Member Lisa Disch (2024)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/36137.PDF#page=12 Opposition to election/campaign finance reform (2024)https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33546.PDF#page=7https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33752.PDF#page=7 Redevelopment of 415 W. Washington (July 6, 2020)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4414274&GUID=FF0FFBAD-E26E-4148-985B-4CC210477EEC PUD zoning for 415 W. Washington (March/April 2023)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6054963&GUID=41B151CE-10DE-4380-811B-79A5ADFADB3E Offer from 4M to buy 415 W. Washington (March 19, 2024)https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=12979957&GUID=5403E3E3-8DDE-4FFA-A1C6-239777A0DF57 Resolution to negotiate with 4M for sale of 415 W. Washington(June 3, 2024)https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6702495&GUID=3D3CACBD-3295-476D-9A9A-6FC3EB058FAE Elizabeth Nelson blog post: 415 W Washington: A “Unique Opportunity” for a Campaign Donorhttps://a2elnel.com/post/415-w-washington-a-unique-opportunity-for-a-campaign-donor/ Video, Ann Arbor City Council meeting  (June 3, 2024)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guFi0K3e7CY Southtown 4M Bankruptcyhttps://cdn.pacermonitor.com/pdfserver/SCAFTHY/221900929/South_Town_by_4M_LLC__miebke-26-40805__0001.0.pdf

  8. Episode 8

    “I understand, like, less than 50% of it”

    Ann Arbor City Planning Commission and City Council approve a new plan for Southtown. Dr. Missy Stults (director of Sustainability and Innovations for the City) relies on Heidi’s promises for cleaner fuel. Local environmentalists question the plan. Heidi’s former architect says it won’t work. If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com A2 New Tech meeting at The Henry (September 21, 2021)https://youtu.be/YuwBl-iTTLw A2 New Tech meeting at Venue (August 16, 2022)https://youtu.be/TrweBvLFlWs Ann Arbor City Planning Commission approves new plan for Southtown (May 7, 2024)https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-may-7-2024/Ann Arbor City Council approves new plan for Southtown (June 18, 2024)https://youtu.be/MWj5B5ZKGxY Ken Garber quoted in headline (July 2024)MLive: ‘Never seen anything like this.’ Ann Arbor development will generate its own powerhttps://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/07/never-seen-anything-like-this-ann-arbor-development-will-generate-its-own-power.html Southtown in energy news (2024)Energy Changemakers: Going Off-Grid to Tackle Big Problems in Energy and Real Estatehttps://energychangemakers.com/going-off-grid-to-tackle-big-problems-in-energy-and-real-estate/Podcast with Steve Pullins (2024)Energy Changemakers Podcast: Off Grid and Urban: An Apartment Building that Signals the Futurehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-grid-and-urban-an-apartment-building-that/id1750578413?i=1000677609789 Southtown & Trump energy policy (2025)Microgrids Now: How 4 Microgrid Developers Are Trying to Survive Trump Energy Policieshttps://microgridsnow.com/microgrid-developers-trump-energy-policy/Southtown bankruptcy (April 2026)MLive: Despite bankruptcy filing, SouthTown development in Ann Arbor still on with new planshttps://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2026/04/despite-bankruptcy-filing-southtown-development-in-ann-arbor-still-on-with-new-plans.html

See All Season 1 (17)

4.8
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Nelson
  • Episodes
    17
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Ann Arbor Democracy LLC
  • Show Website
    Hollow Hype

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