Current Legislative ActivitiesLocal Government 

Opposing legislation that shifts service delivery from townships to counties
Legislation introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives in House Bill 4780 would significantly impact service delivery in townships. The legislation requires that tax collections, elections, and assessing duties for rural townships be conducted through their counties rather than the township.

SEMCOG has long supported local governments working together to achieve a higher level of efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings. Many of our members are engaged in cooperative service delivery with their neighbors and counties when it makes sound business sense. SEMCOG fundamentally opposes this legislation, and its companion bills because they arbitrarily shift delivery of local government services without consideration of whether those shifts make economic sense. Furthermore, we oppose this legislation even if the population thresholds are lowered.

Local Government Finance Task Force efforts to engage public on local government finance issues
SEMCOG’s Local Government Finance Task Force is working to educate citizens on financial challenges facing local governments. This communication strategy includes: visits with the editorial boards of local and regional newspapers, submitting letters to local newspapers, engaging with members of civic groups, and meeting with key legislators.

SEMCOG is also contributing to the Your Michigan campaign, which focuses on the services - from road and recreational programs to education and public safety - local government units provide to families across the state and emphasizes the return on the dollar for taxpayers. This campaign has several products, including a five-minute video and 30-second audio and video public service announcements. Please find and use the information available at www.yourmichigan.org.