LANSING, MICH. – Michigan’s county government leaders commend Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emphasis today on investing in local public assets and services in her “Road Ahead” address at the Detroit Auto Show. 

“What an excellent start to the new year to hear the governor speak about the central role that local public services play in the life of Michiganders,” said Stephan Currie, executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), which represents the state’s 83 county governments. 

“While the speech included discussion on Michigan’s road network, it’s clear that she sees the principle applying across all aspects of Michigan communities, from housing and place-making to the re-use of brownfield sites to spur job creation and our economy,” Currie added. “As Michigan’s original regional governments, our counties are uniquely placed and well-equipped to spearhead such work.” 

To that end, MAC’s policy efforts will again center on fundamental reform of Michigan’s revenue sharing system with local governments, part of a system that the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan has deemed “unsustainable” for local public services. 

This reform would be a dedicated revenue sharing fund, separated from the annual budget politics in Lansing, which is essential to meeting the promise made decades ago by the state to properly share revenue so county leaders can do their jobs. 

Citizens wondering about local resources should note that 25 years ago, the state allocated $228 million to counties via revenue sharing. Had the state simply adjusted that figure for inflation each year, counties would have received nearly $404 million this year, which would be invested in local communities for public safety, public health, roads or a variety of areas which make our communities more attractive.

“The governor’s remarks are a sign of hope that real progress can be made this year in Lansing. Our members are excited to partner with state leaders to turn remarks into reality,” Currie said.