Midwest Strategy Group warns Lansing budget impasse could affect state projects; cites Nowicki Park priority

Adam Wright of Midwest Strategy Group briefed the Rochester Hills City Council on Aug. 11 about the ongoing budget stalemate in Lansing, potential implications for local projects and several bills under consideration that could affect municipalities.

“It’s the biggest news,” Wright said, summarizing the central issue: the legislature missed a self‑imposed July 1 deadline to pass a state budget. He said the Senate has passed a full budget and the House has passed a school‑aid budget, but differences remain and a consensus revenue estimate has complicated the Senate’s position. Wright said the governor has linked passage of a roads funding package to finalizing the budget and that competing proposals differ on whether to raise new revenue or achieve reductions. “There has to be compromise,” Wright said.

Wright told council that Representative Tisdale had made Nowicki Park a priority in appropriations requests and that the project has advanced in ranking for possible funding. He noted fiscal deadlines: the legislature must pass a budget before Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown; past shutdowns have been short but disruptive.

Other legislative topics Wright raised that could affect Rochester Hills included: - Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund bills under Senate consideration that would allocate additional funds to communities based on violent‑crime statistics. - A proposed revenue‑sharing trust fund that would guarantee revenue‑sharing dollars by earmarking a portion of the state sales tax. - A possible fix for disabled‑veteran property tax costs that shifts some local burdens to the state in a phased approach, with estimated long‑term costs. - Reintroduction of bills affecting housing regulations and local control — measures discussed include statewide standards for duplexes, accessory dwelling units and parking/setback maximums; Wright said access to capital and current interest rates remain larger obstacles for developers than local zoning in many cases. - A renewed stormwater utility proposal that would provide a dedicated funding mechanism for stormwater collection and treatment; Wright referenced the Bolt v. City of Lansing court decision and said proposed legislation would address the legal issues raised by that ruling.

Wright also flagged potential statewide ballot initiatives that councilmembers should watch, including proposals on ranked‑choice voting and an income surtax proposal sometimes summarized as a “tax the rich” initiative (a proposed higher rate on incomes above specified thresholds to fund the school aid fund).

Councilmembers asked questions about ranked‑choice voting implementation, stormwater utilities’ intended uses and the likelihood of a budget before Oct. 1. Wright said implementation of ranked choice would require enabling legislation for local governments, that a stormwater utility would create a stable funding mechanism for flood and drainage projects, and that while a budget can be reached he emphasized the compressed timetable for negotiations.

The briefing informed the council’s ongoing discussions about state advocacy and local priorities such as Nowicki Park funding; the administration said it would keep the mayor and council updated as Lansing negotiations progress.