The following is from Dan Gilmartin, Michigan Municipal League CEO and Executive Director:

Last week the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees voted unanimously to support the Governor’s recent proposal to raise $2.5 billion to invest in repairing the road system in the state.

The board members concluded that supporting the proposal was in the best of interests of Michigan cities and villages as the projected revenue is more in line with the actual needs of the transportation network than anything proposed by state leaders in recent memory. Is it perfect? No, it is not. Is it a bold first step? Yes, most definitely.

As part of the motion to support the proposal, the board authorized staff to advocate on behalf of a more equitable funding formula that enhances the return to municipalities and to increase funding for public transit. Several board members and staff met with the governor and MDOT director the day of the vote and our advocacy team continues to push our position in Lansing every day. We will continue to keep League members apprised of new developments as the budget and road funding discussions evolve. As always, if you have any questions about our work on this or any other topics, don’t hesitate to call me or any of our League staff.

– Dan Gilmartin