Standing at the crossroads of progress and equity, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has enacted a pivotal legislative change that will reshape the future of transit and taxation in Wayne County. On Friday, Whitmer signed into law a measure that mandates the inclusion of 17 Wayne County communities in countywide transit property tax votes, eliminating their longstanding ability to opt out. The move ensures all 43 communities in the county will now participate collectively in deciding the future of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) bus system—a regional lifeline for many residents.
This decision comes amid a broader slate of legislation signed by the Democratic governor, including a data center tax break package and a measure empowering Visit Detroit to raise its hotel room assessment for tourism promotion in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Whitmer also vetoed 11 bills, all advanced by Democrats, that included proposals to penalize companies moving call centers outside the United States and to require them to notify the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The new law has profound implications for the 17 communities that have long resisted participation in the county’s transit system, including Livonia, Canton Township, and Northville. For nearly 40 years, these areas have opted out of the 0.95-mill tax that property owners in other municipalities pay to fund SMART. This tax amounts to $95 annually for homeowners with a $200,000 house. Moving forward, residents in these communities will be subject to future countywide votes on the transit millage, including the next scheduled vote in 2026. While the opt-out provision provided an escape from the shared financial responsibility of public transit, it often left the most vulnerable residents—those without personal vehicles—without access to vital transportation.
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans celebrated the governor’s decision, highlighting its potential to drive economic mobility and social equity. “I am pleased that Governor Whitmer has signed legislation enabling us to expand transit options across Wayne County. This initiative will not only improve the quality of life for our current residents but also make our region more appealing to individuals and businesses considering relocation,” Evans said. “Expanded transit will provide access to education, employment opportunities, and essential healthcare services, while also offering significant benefits to seniors and individuals with disabilities.”
For many in Wayne County, this legislation represents more than just a logistical change; it is a lifeline to opportunity. Workers in minimum-wage jobs, for example, often find the cost of car ownership—including gas and insurance—prohibitive. For them, reliable public transit means access to job sites, schools, and medical care. As Evans emphasized, “The business community understands the critical role transit plays in recruitment and workforce mobility.”
The elimination of the opt-out provision in Wayne County mirrors a similar policy change already in place in Oakland and Macomb counties. The inclusion of all municipalities in countywide votes aligns with a vision of equitable investment in regional infrastructure. With the next millage vote on the horizon, the 17 communities now incorporated into the process will have a voice—and a stake—in the county’s transit future. However, the scale of support from the rest of the county suggests that these communities will likely face a shift in their financial contributions to SMART.
Whitmer’s legislative actions also extended to economic development and tourism. Among the 35 bills she signed was a measure to allow Visit Detroit to increase its assessment on hotel room charges. Currently set at 2%, the assessment—which generates approximately $18 million annually—will rise to 3.5% in 2025 and 4% in 2031. The additional revenue is expected to bolster tourism promotion efforts across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, further solidifying the region as a destination for visitors and business travelers alike. According to the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency, the 3.5% assessment will bring in roughly $13.5 million more each year.
Education and technology also received attention in Whitmer’s legislative agenda. One of the newly signed laws requires every public high school in Michigan to offer at least one computer science course, a move designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market. Another mandates charter schools to make information about their authorizers, management companies, and teacher salaries easily accessible online, promoting transparency and accountability within the education system.
Additionally, Whitmer signed legislation creating a regulatory framework for peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo, signaling a step toward modernizing Michigan’s approach to innovative business models. “I am proud to sign these 35 commonsense bills that will lower costs for businesses, expand technical education for students, cut red tape, and so much more,” Whitmer said. “Together, we can help our young people thrive and make sure Michigan is the best state to start or grow your business.”
Notably, the governor vetoed several Democratic-sponsored bills from the recent lame-duck session. Among them was legislation that would have disqualified companies moving Michigan-based call centers overseas from receiving state economic development incentives. Whitmer cited existing state laws that already require employers to provide advance written notice of facility closures or mass layoffs, describing the proposed bills as a potential drain on departmental resources. “These bills would likely result in the unnecessary use of the department’s time and resources,” she wrote to lawmakers.
As Michigan moves forward under these new laws, the state’s approach to governance reflects an evolving commitment to regional collaboration and inclusive development. The removal of the opt-out provision for transit taxes underscores the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the needs of a diverse population. From expanded public transportation options to increased tourism promotion and enhanced educational opportunities, Whitmer’s legislative actions aim to position Michigan as a leader in innovation and equity.
While the impact of these changes will unfold over time, the legislation signed on Friday represents a significant step toward a more connected and prosperous future for Wayne County and beyond. For residents navigating the complexities of these policy shifts, the message is clear: progress requires participation, and equitable investment benefits everyone. As Warren C. Evans noted, “Together, we are making meaningful progress toward doing what is best for our residents and creating a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous future.”
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