Local Government
112 storiesIn practice, stories range across meeting reports, document explainers, decision timelines and budget and policy analysis, using government accountability and municipal contracts as evidence anchors. Local Government makes clear which facts are confirmed and which questions remain open.
Nine Michigan groups named 2026 Child Care Champions
Nine Michigan organizations have been named 2026 Child Care Champions for projects that add child care spaces, support working families, and strengthen local economies across the state.
Michigan House backs school credit for full-time skilled trades work
Michigan high school seniors could soon earn academic credit for full-time jobs in skilled trades, thanks to a bill that just passed the state House and now heads to the Senate.
Jeffersontown welcomes national council leaders for economic growth tour
City officials in Jeffersontown, Kentucky opened their doors to Suburban Municipalities Council leaders, giving them a close look at local economic growth, public safety, and community programs during a national leadership event.
Michigan lawmakers weigh year-round E15 fuel sales
A bill in the Michigan House could open the door to E15 gasoline at pumps all year by dropping summer vapor pressure limits. If lawmakers approve it, drivers across the state may see new fuel options.
Michigan Proposal 2: Voters Weigh Campaign Money Limits Amid Daily Struggles
This November, Michigan voters face Proposal 2, a plan to curb political donations from utilities and big contractors. But with rising costs hitting families now, the real impact of the measure may not show for years.
Hart Solar Project now powers over 21,000 Michigan homes with clean energy
The Hart Solar Project in Oceana County is now generating enough renewable electricity for more than 21,000 Michigan homes. Local schools and services are seeing new funding and cost savings from the project.
Northern Michigan Counties Receive State Disaster Relief After Winter Storms
Seven Northern Michigan counties will get over $700,000 in state disaster relief to help repair roads and public buildings after severe winter storms caused power outages and flooding.
Michigan Aeronautics Commission honors leaders shaping state aviation
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission and MDOT have named Cheryl Bush and Eaton RESA Career Preparation Center as 2026 Award of Excellence winners for their impact on Michigan's aviation sector and workforce development.
House Passes Water Infrastructure Bill, Bringing $115 Million to West Michigan
The U.S. House has approved the Water Resources Development Act 2026, which includes $115 million for water infrastructure projects in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties, along with new support for Muskegon Heights and the Muskegon River.
Flint triples recycling with new carts and sets city record
Flint's recycling rate has reached an all-time high after the city gave out more than 68,000 free waste and recycling carts to residents in 2024, changing how people recycle and making it easier for everyone to take part.
Michigan Starts Sending Out Neighborhood Roads Funds for Local Projects
Michigan has begun distributing nearly $2 billion in annual Neighborhood Roads Funds to help repair and upgrade local roads, bridges, and transit systems across the state. The first payments are now reaching agencies and communities.
Zeeland solar farm proposal sparks debate over farmland and local control
A $300 million solar project planned for Zeeland and Jamestown townships could power 34,000 homes but faces pushback from residents and a township lawsuit as Michigan shifts approval authority to the state.
Michigan Prisons to Add 870 High Security Beds in Major Expansion
The Michigan Department of Corrections is moving forward with projects to add 870 high-security beds across five facilities, aiming to improve safety, inmate placement and accessibility as part of its Safe Prisons Initiative.
Rising National Debt Limits Michigan Infrastructure and Health Services
Michigan's $40 trillion national debt burden is forcing rural communities to make tough choices as interest payments crowd out funding for bridges, broadband and hospitals. Local leaders warn that essential projects may be delayed or cut as federal dollars shrink.
Michigan Awards $1.5 Million for Clean Transportation Pilots
Ten Michigan projects will split $1.5 million to test hydrogen fuel, EV charging, and mobility tech in real-world conditions as part of the state's push to modernize transportation and infrastructure.
Michigan Court Freezes Stadium Funding, Puts State Earmarks Under the Microscope
A Michigan court has stopped payments for two minor league baseball stadiums, drawing attention to billions in state earmarks that may violate constitutional rules and raising questions about what happens to unspent taxpayer funds.
Lawsuit Over Denied Youth Center Permit Splits Leland Township
Youth for Christ's lawsuit against Leland Township over a denied permit for a youth center has stirred debate among residents, many of whom support the township's zoning decision and question the group's approach.
Federal Lawsuit Accuses Leland Township of Religious Discrimination Over Youth for Christ Permit
A federal lawsuit claims Leland Township in Michigan discriminated against a Christian youth group by denying a permit for a downtown clubhouse. The dispute raises questions about zoning rules and constitutional rights.
Michigan Iron Workers Can Now Earn College Credit for Apprenticeships
A new Michigan program lets iron workers and other skilled trades earn college credit for completing registered apprenticeships, reducing the time needed for an associate degree at participating community colleges
Livonia halts new police headquarters project after funding collapse
Plans for a new Livonia police station have been shelved indefinitely after city officials confirmed that funding options have dried up and contracts with architects and builders have expired, leaving the 1961 facility in continued use
Federal Job Cuts Reduce Services for Michigan Veterans and Families
Michigan has lost thousands of federal jobs in the past year, affecting veterans, nurses, inspectors and local economies as service delays and longer wait times become more common across the state
Kalamazoo Brownfield Site to Become Affordable Recovery Housing by 2027
A former industrial site in Kalamazoo will be transformed into 48 affordable apartments and support facilities by fall 2027, backed by a $1 million Michigan EGLE grant for environmental remediation and redevelopment
Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports
State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive
Birmingham Residents Criticize New Gateway Sign on Woodward Avenue
A new $700000 gateway sign in Birmingham has drawn criticism from residents who say its spiked design feels unwelcoming and hard to read while city officials have declined to comment on possible changes
Oak Park Halts New Short Term Rental Licenses for Six Months
Oak Park has stopped issuing new short term rental licenses through February 2027 while city officials review safety rules and gather resident feedback after a fatal shooting at a rental property
Oakland County Approves Funding to Keep Crisis Response Unit Operating
A $500000 allocation from Oakland County will keep the sheriff's Crisis Response Unit running through September 2027 after officials warned the program faced shutdown without new funding
Thousands of Huron River Mussels Relocated Ahead of Ypsilanti Dam Removal
Nearly 3,000 native mussels were moved downstream of the Peninsular Paper Dam in Ypsilanti to shield them from sediment disruption as the city prepares for dam removal as early as 2027
Detroit Police Chief Faces Scrutiny Over Call to Activist
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison is under public scrutiny after contacting activist Jahdante Smith about social media posts involving city officials, raising questions about the boundaries between personal and official conduct
SMART to Add New Bus Routes Across Wayne County After Millage Approval
SMART will launch new bus routes and service improvements in Wayne County after voters approved a 10-year transit millage expected to generate at least $570 million for regional transportation upgrades
Southeast Michigan Survey Seeks Resident Input on Urban Deer Issues
Residents in Farmington Hills and neighboring cities are being asked to weigh in on deer-related problems, from car crashes to property damage, as part of a new regional survey open through November 1
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