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.
This episode details Heidi's illegal activities and past tactics, revealing her capacity for manipulation and deceit.
6 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Bespoke Financial Advisory”
Host Heidi explores the complex financial maneuvers and potential investor involvement surrounding Southtown's impending bankruptcy resolution.
29 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Is the money going to be there?”
Investigative journalist Heidi Jones and financial analyst Marge Smith explore the financial collapse of Southtown and the lavish lifestyles maintained through bankruptcy.
22 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT
“The wave of the future”
Host Heidi uncovers how filing mistakes and reluctant witnesses complicate a Southtown bankruptcy plan, revealing a complex web of past activities.
15 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Less than good reputations”
Host Heidi investigates questionable financial dealings and misleading appraisals, revealing how elected leaders are sometimes involved in securing funds.
8 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT
“It’s how much? 13 million”
Host Heidi explores the complex financial implications of the Southtown bankruptcy, revealing how millions in cash or equity transfer control of shared businesses.
1 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Compelling equity investment opportunity”
Host Heidi investigates a compelling equity investment opportunity in Southtown's bankruptcy, uncovering potential investor value.
25 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
“The most diverse Council we’ve had in Ann Arbor history”
Host of Hollow Hype, [Host Name], investigates allegations surrounding Heidi's political activities and community relationships, revealing potential conflicts of interest.
18 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
“I get a lot of calls from NIMBYs”
Student journalists at The Michigan Daily investigate campaign finance reform and a developer's alleged criminal past, uncovering local news silence and elected officials' defenses.
11 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
“I understand, like, less than 50% of it”
Dr. Missy Stults and Heidi's promises for cleaner fuel in Ann Arbor's Southtown development face scrutiny from environmentalists and former associates.
4 Aug 2026
“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 (mailto:%20HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
Public engagement meeting at Venue (April 4, 2024)
https://a2council.com/cranbrook-village-resident-participation-meeting-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 (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=5 (https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/C-2019-0130003.pdf#page=5)
https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/32273.PDF#page=4 (https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/32273.PDF#page=4)
https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33029.PDF#page=14 (https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33029.PDF#page=14)
Council MemberDharma Akmon (2021)
https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/30699.PDF#page=2 (https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/30699.PDF#page=2)
Mayor Christopher Taylor (2022)
https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/29426.PDF#page=65 (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 (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 (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 (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=7 (https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33546.PDF#page=7)
https://campaignfinance.us/docs.washtenaw.mi/33752.PDF#page=7 (https://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 (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 (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 (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 (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 Donor
https://a2elnel.com/post/415-w-washington-a-unique-opportunity-for-a-campaign-donor/ (https://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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guFi0K3e7CY)
Southtown 4M Bankruptcy
https://cdn.pacermonitor.com/pdfserver/SCAFTHY/221900929/South_Town_by_4M_LLC__miebke-26-40805__0001.0.pdf (https://cdn.pacermonitor.com/pdfserver/SCAFTHY/221900929/South_Town_by_4M_LLC__miebke-26-40805__0001.0.pdf)
28 Jul 2026
“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 (https://youtu.be/MYwyZAJsZO4)
Ann Arbor City Council meeting (August 7, 2023)
https://youtu.be/OdWTqtEnrds (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/
(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 (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 (https://youtu.be/5LLslDzWkOg)
Dr. Missy Stults presentation (March 2023)
https://youtu.be/FklTmEP-UMw (https://youtu.be/FklTmEP-UMw)
News recording (2000)
https://youtu.be/yez875CL2Zo (https://youtu.be/yez875CL2Zo)
Ohio Broadband video (2012)
https://youtu.be/wvC3EbRd2b8 (https://youtu.be/wvC3EbRd2b8)
Mountain State College promotion (2012)
https://youtu.be/ovfFD73YCko (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://annarborusa.org/news/ann-arbor-spark-returns-to-midwest-house-at-sxsw-leads-panel-on-sustainable-innovation/)https://youtu.be/Zoj0w5B-HrM (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 (mailto:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
21 Jul 2026
“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 (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 (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 (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XZRrmeeJnRo9bMsGMoXrW)
“All About Ann Arbor” promotion of Venue (November 16, 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQlMsjRUtfM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQlMsjRUtfM)
“Live in the D” promotion of Venue (September 6, 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7mT4lgh5Wk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7mT4lgh5Wk)
Marge Poscher promotes Venue & Southtown (April 25, 2023)
https://annarborobserver.com/imagining-southtown/ (https://annarborobserver.com/imagining-southtown/)
Heidi’s “Tech Talk” for Ann Arbor SPARK (October 24, 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwaX-DFKPFM (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 (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/ (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 (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.html
(https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/11/police-investigating-death-of-ann-arbor-developer-known-as-caretaker-at-heart.html)
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com (mailto:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
14 Jul 2026
“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 (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 (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 (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/ (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/
(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 (mailto:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
6 Jul 2026
“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/
(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 (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 (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 (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 (mailto:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
6 Jul 2026
“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/ (https://annarborobserver.com/guide/burns-park-4/)
Heidi’s portfolio
https://www.staysby4m.com/our-listings (https://www.staysby4m.com/our-listings)
Meet Kurt Berggren
https://aadl.org/N127_0056_073 (https://aadl.org/N127_0056_073)
https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1002784 (https://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 (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 (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 (mailto:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
6 Jul 2026
“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 (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 (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 (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 (https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754704/182)
Michigan Daily (1983)
https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754720/603 (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 politics
https://www.michigandaily.com/news/focal-point/a-local-developer-an-fbi-inquiry-and-money-in-ann-arbor-politics/
(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 (mailto:HollowHypePodcast@gmail.com)
Inside a recent episode
“All of the framework to do something illegal”
Published 13 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] The MOVRC and auditors from the West Virginia Development Office weren't able to spot what was going on. So how was Heidi caught? She got caught because once she got money for herself, she walked away. From 2000 to 2004, Heidi was the founder and CEO of Sequel Communications Alliance. In 2004, she resigned, moved to Columbus, and became CEO of Mentorgen. The Sequel broadband project was nowhere near completion, and the board of directors that Heidi left behind could not proceed. Heidi advised that they should just file for bankruptcy. Instead, they filed a lawsuit. In 2005, the board of directors for Sequel filed a complaint in Wood County, including details about how Heidi had misled them, hidden her criminal background, and had embezzled at least $1.5 million from the company. […]
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