Detroit Regional Chamber > Advocacy > Detroit Regional Chamber Supports Public Transportation Millages in Oakland and Macomb Counties

Detroit Regional Chamber Supports Public Transportation Millages in Oakland and Macomb Counties

November 4, 2022

DETROIT (Nov. 4, 2022) – The Detroit Regional Chamber, the voice for business across Southeast Michigan, today announced its support for public transportation millages in both Oakland and Macomb counties on the Nov. 8 ballot.

“It’s never been more important to connect people with jobs, and public transit plays a critical role in helping businesses succeed and our residents prosper,” said Brad Williams, the chamber’s vice president of Government Relations. “Public transportation also attracts new businesses and the brightest and best employees to our region. As the leading voice for business across Southeast Michigan, the Detroit Regional Chamber is proud to support these proposals because they will help make our region more competitive and boost the local and statewide economy.”

Research shows public transportation is a vital component of thriving communities and helps boost the local economy — every $1 invested in public transportation creates $4 in economic output by attracting new businesses and expanding the talent pool for local employers.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides an estimated 10 million rides annually. Voting “Yes” on the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage will expand and maintain existing public transit services, including transportation provided by SMART, Western Oakland Transportation Authority, North Oakland Transportation Authority, and Older Persons Commission. Macomb County’s Public Transportation Millage is a renewal of existing services for SMART.

“These proposals also help our most vulnerable residents get where they need to go, whether it’s to work, school, doctors’ appointments, or a trip to Meijer or Walgreens,” Williams said. They help all residents in Oakland and Macomb counties compete for jobs and participate in the economy by providing affordable, efficient public transportation. This includes tens of thousands of essential workers, seniors, veterans, low-income residents, working parents, and people with disabilities across the region. For these reasons, the Detroit Regional Chamber urges residents to vote ‘Yes’ on the Oakland and Macomb County Public Transportation Millages.”

Funding from both millages will be tracked publicly online to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently, with 100% of funds generated staying in their respective counties and subject to annual independent audits to promote fiscal responsibility.

To learn more about these critical public transportation millage proposals, please visit RenewMacombTransit.com and YesOaklandTransit.com.