Contact:
Jessica Weirauch
Michigan Municipal League
[email protected], 734-669-6311

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2026

LANSING, Mich —As the July 1 statutory budget deadline approaches, local governments across Michigan are urging the Legislature and Governor to work collaboratively to enact a timely state budget that provides the certainty, stability, and predictability communities need to effectively serve residents and businesses. 

The following statement may be attributed to Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan Townships Association:

“Cities, villages, townships, and counties rely on predictable and stable state funding to develop responsible budgets, maintain essential public services, support economic development, and make long-term investments in infrastructure and public safety. Timely adoption of the state budget is critical to ensuring local governments can continue meeting these responsibilities without disruption or uncertainty.

We strongly support efforts to invest in revenue sharing and create the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund. Revenue sharing is a critical resource that helps local governments deliver the services residents expect, and it should be protected. This allows communities to plan effectively, make sound financial decisions, and respond to the needs of growing and changing populations. Preserving this commitment should remain a priority throughout the budget process.

At the same time, we do not believe major policy items like broad property tax reform and zoning preemption measures that limit local planning authority around housing should be tied to the passage of the budget. These issues carry major implications for local governments, taxpayers, public services, infrastructure planning, economic development, and housing, and should be evaluated on their own merits.

With limited time remaining before the July 1 budget deadline, there is insufficient opportunity to fully negotiate, analyze, and vet sweeping changes to Michigan’s property tax system or local zoning authority. Both issues involve complex fiscal, legal, and operational considerations that would have long-term consequences for every Michigan community. Finding effective solutions to significant policy questions requires transparency, stakeholder engagement, fiscal analysis, and careful consideration of potential impacts before major changes are enacted.

Local governments stand ready to participate in constructive discussions on tax reform, economic growth, housing affordability, and land use policy. However, these conversations are best advanced through a deliberate and inclusive legislative process that allows adequate time for collaboration, stakeholder input, and consensus-building rather than through budget negotiations under an impending statutory deadline.

We encourage the Legislature and Governor to find consensus on a budget that maintains strong support for revenue sharing, provides communities with the resources they need to continue serving residents across the state, and separates our fiscal requirements from the desire to seek policy change.”

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org. for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org.