Detroit City Wire

Metro Detroit's county executives recently gathered to discuss regional issues, including political collaboration, road funding, transit improvements, business growth, and community revitalization. The panel featured Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.

During the discussion hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber in Lathrup Village on April 30, Hackel humorously remarked about "working with Google to change the name of Lake St. Clair; it is now the Gulf of Macomb," eliciting laughter from attendees.

The conversation addressed serious challenges faced by Michigan's most populated counties amidst national political shifts and federal funding cuts affecting local communities and businesses. Coulter highlighted how interconnected local, state, and federal governments are. He recounted a recent incident where they were informed that $3.5 million used for staffing nurses in nursing homes was abruptly cut.

"Our CEOs and our businesses' confidence level is in the tank right now," Coulter said regarding concerns over import tariffs under President Donald Trump's executive orders. Despite uncertainties, he noted progress in Oakland County with projects like the Phoenix Center demolition aimed at revitalizing Pontiac.

Hackel discussed developments such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base receiving F-15EX fighter jets after efforts from officials across party lines. Although not invited to the announcement attended by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and President Trump, Hackel emphasized bipartisan cooperation.

On road funding and transit issues, Evans criticized outdated formulas like Act 51 while expressing optimism about reaching a bipartisan road deal this year. Coulter expressed skepticism but shared success stories like increased ridership in western Oakland County following a countywide transit millage approval in 2022.

Coulter underscored regional collaboration for transit improvements: "Swiss cheese doesn't work for transit." He cited progress towards unified systems rather than opt-in/opt-out models previously seen in Wayne and Oakland Counties.

Discussing Detroit's future leadership post-Mayor Mike Duggan's tenure, executives stressed maintaining business-friendly policies and regional partnerships. Evans indicated plans to endorse a candidate in the upcoming mayoral race but has yet to make an official decision.