Reflecting on Progress: Building Michigan’s Future Through Partnership Over Preemption
By: Don Gerrie – Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie,
October 13, 2025
As I wrap up my term as President of the Michigan Municipal League Board, I find myself reflecting on what makes our work meaningful and what gives Michigan communities their strength. For me, the answer has always been local leadership grounded in collaboration. Progress happens when people come together to solve challenges, not when answers are imposed from above. That’s the principle we championed throughout my time as president—and the spirit behind the League’s MI Home Program proposal. Although my time as president came to an end right when this proposal was taking off, I’m proud to see it carry forward our belief in partnership over preemption.
In Sault Ste. Marie, like in so many communities across Michigan, the demand for attainable housing has grown sharper each year. I’m sure my peers and colleagues know the stories: young families want to grow and stay, employers want to hire in new workers, and seniors want to age in place, but the available housing so often doesn’t match those needs.
I believe the MI Home Program recognizes that every community faces these challenges differently. Its proposal to invest $160 million annually for five years in new and rehabilitated homes gives us the resources to act locally, not react to one-size-fits-all policies. More importantly, it rewards communities that are willing to lead with steps like modernizing zoning, planning responsibly, and working in partnership with the state to expand opportunity. That is exactly the kind of collaboration that has defined the League.
During my time as president, I’ve had the privilege of seeing communities across our state find creative ways to tackle big challenges like our housing needs. And boy do I expect more of that with this new program, because it builds on previous innovation by aligning state investment with local initiative. It’s not just a housing program; it’s a partnership framework that respects the expertise and determination of Michigan’s local leaders.
As I hand the gavel to the next generation of leadership, I do it with tremendous optimism. Our League is strong, our members are tenacious, and our collective voice has never been more important.
Click here for additional information on MI Home and you can list your support for MI Home here.