Legislative Policy Platform 2021-2022

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS 2021-2022 SEMCOG Legislative Policy Platform Moving Forward Together SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, represents all levels of local government in Southeast Michigan – counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, and community colleges. With 4.7 million residents, the SEMCOG region is home to 58 percent of the state’s economic activity and nearly half of its residents. SEMCOG convenes local governments to set a regional course for high-quality public infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and an enhanced quality of life with a healthy natural environment. For over five decades, SEMCOG has demonstrated – along with our local members and partners in state and federal government – that Southeast Michigan can best achieve these goals when we move forward together. The following policy recommendations reflect necessary changes to federal and state policy. Enacting these policies is key to Southeast Michigan’s health and economic prosperity. Like all of SEMCOG’s work, these recommendations are grounded in sound data and balancing the needs of all who live in our region – reflecting the consensus of our local government leaders. This platform includes references to SEMCOG data and planning documents, which further illustrate the need to adopt these policies and build a foundation of knowledge on the important issues facing Southeast Michigan. Infrastructure Coordinated, reliable infrastructure is the backbone of economic development. The prosperity of Southeast Michigan’s people depends on modern and well-maintained infrastructure. As we move forward, our means of transportation are evolving, our dependency on communications technolo- gy is expanding exponentially, and there is a critical need to deliver safe and affordable water to our residents. Our future is dependent upon adequate funding and coordinated management of these vital infrastructure assets. Managing Regional Assets • Support data-driven funding for infrastructure projects, using asset management principles while supporting better integration of roadway improvements with other underground infrastructure projects. • Support development of comprehensive coordinated data systems through GIS and other means document the location and condition of all underground infrastructure in order to facilitate strategic investment decisions. • Support for additional resources from state and federal partners to invest in the assessment, repair, and replacement of aging infrastructure. • Support flexibility in the use of state and federal funds so that regional and local needs are better addressed. • Oppose proposals that would require local governments to pay for the relocation costs of private utility facilities located within the public road easement area. Respect the responsibility of local governments to manage use of the public right-of-way. • Support the full deployment of affordable high-speed broadband while requiring coordination with other infrastructure needs when using public rights-of-way. • Support state programs for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of parks in areas easily accessible to the state’s major population centers, especially those areas where the population has limited ability to otherwise enjoy Michigan’s vast natural resource opportunities. Transforming Transportation • Support for the enhancement and diversification of funding sources for the transportation system. • Ensure transportation funds are allocated in an equitable manner. • Ensure the solvency of the federal highway fund and that Michigan receives an equitable share of federal discretionary transportation grants. • Support efforts to make Michigan the leader in implementing the next generation of mobility systems. • Support for secure and efficient international border crossings within the region. • Support funding for a new “Soo” Lock, recognizing its importance to the regional, state, and national economy. 2 SEMCOG Legislative Policy Platform • Support all forms of transportation and associated programs, including walkable communities and complete streets to meet local needs. • Support integrated transit systems that are safe, efficient and effective. • Support efforts to improve traffic safety, especially those programs emphasizing the interactions between motorized vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists. • Reduce the truck weight limit to 80,000 pounds to match the limit found in most other states. Modernizing Water Systems • Clarify local government’s ability to fund stormwater system construction, improvements, and operations using a fee-based mechanism. • Support increased resources for improving municipal wastewater treatment and water supply through grants or programs such as the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Sewer Revolving Fund (SRF) to assist in dealing with emerging water issues. • Require the state to fund replacement of water service lines on private property due to mandates found in the Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule. • Clarify when local governments are liable for damages arising from large-scale rain events. • Support updates to the Michigan Statewide Sanitary code that address sustainable onsite sewage disposal system standards. • Support programs to fund source water monitoring and treatment to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS. • Support state and federal resources to be used for water affordability programs. • Support funding for resiliency programs that reduce or eliminate long term risks to people and property from extreme weather events. Explore SEMCOG Resources Regional Transportation Plan • semcog.org/rtp | Pavement Condition • maps.semcog.org/PavementCondition Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan for Southeast Michigan • semcog.org/bicycle-and-pedestrian-mobility Traffic Safety • semcog.org/safety | Bridge Condition • maps.semcog.org/bridge Water Infrastructure Asset Management & Capital Improvement Project Coordination semcog.org/waterinfrastructure Climate Resiliency • semcog.org/plans-for-the-region/environment/climate-resilience Broadband Availability and Usage • maps.semcog.org/Broadband 3 InfrastructureCommunities Moving forward, we need to re-engage a regional economy that has been greatly impacted by COVID-19. At the same time, we must address the ramifications of deferred infrastructure investment and reduced services, which hinder our ability to build stronger communities. Local Government Finance • Support legislation at the state and federal level to assist local governments in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. • Support local options for more diverse sources of local government revenue - such as local sales taxes and vehicle registrations fees - in order to reduce our reliance on property taxes. • Resolve constitutional problems associated with property taxes, including the permanent loss of ongoing revenue from the Great Recession and needless Headlee rollbacks. • Require the state to return the same proportion of its revenues to local governments as it did when Proposal A revenue was fully realized, in keeping with the intent of Article IX Sec. 30 of the Michigan Constitution. • Reimburse local governments for lost revenues associated with state changes to tax laws. • Support a wide range of tools that enhance economic development efforts, but not at the expense of other local governments. • Stop the ongoing diversion of over $500 million annually from the Statutory Revenue Sharing program into the state General Fund. • Provide financial incentives to encourage voluntary local government and school district collaboration or consolidation. • Provide additional resources and training in the assessment of commercial and industrial properties. • Maintain the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. • Support protections against unfunded mandates that go beyond those currently found in the State Constitution. • Enact new provisions in property tax foreclosure law to reflect new realities created by recent court decisions. • Support state and federal policies that provide resources to communities dealing with environmentally based health issues such as PFAS and lead in water, as well as air quality, especially in areas where the population has fewer financial resources to remedy the problem. 4 SEMCOG Legislative Policy Platform Local Government Operations • Support policies that facilitate renovation and reuse of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. • Increase funding and flexibility of the Community Development Block Grant program to address local challenges. • Support policies and programs to facilitate aging in place, including Medicaid waivers for in-home services, to accommodate the projected significant growth in the number of individuals over the age of 65. • Respect the decisions of local elected governing boards where the needs of communities are best served. • Repeal the state fireworks law, which limits local government control. • Ensure that funding and resources are available to conduct the Decennial Census and American Community Survey to provide necessary detailed demographic and economic data. • Support the modification or elimination of term limits for elected officials at the state level of government. • Support greater resources for physical and mental health care programs, including substance use disorders, for the under-served population within our region to facilitate greater economic vitality. • Support legislation to encourage voter participation, ensure election security and

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