Mayors and city managers from Grosse Pointe area urge partnership with Wayne County on infrastructure and stormwater projects

Summary

A delegation of mayors and city managers from the Grosse Pointe communities and Harper Woods urged Wayne County to prioritize joint dispatch, corridor and seawall improvements, the Harper Woods community center and stormwater management in 2026, noting their five communities contribute more than $35 million in tax revenue to the county.

Mayors and city managers from several Grosse Pointe communities and Harper Woods addressed the Wayne County Commission during the public-comment period to request stronger county partnership and coordination for local infrastructure and stormwater projects.

Michelle Hodges, mayor of Grosse Pointe Park, said five Grosse Pointe communities contribute more than $35 million in tax revenue to Wayne County and urged the commission to work collaboratively in 2026 on joint dispatch, Mac Avenue corridor improvements, Kelly Road upgrades, the Harper Woods community center, Lakeshore seawall repairs, and stormwater-management efforts. Other speakers from the delegation included Rose Pointe and Grosse Pointe Woods city managers and mayors who described recent local projects and requested continued county funding and technical assistance.

Mayor Valerie Kendall of Harper Woods introduced Susan Como, the city's first female city manager, and multiple speakers stressed the need to "stretch each dollar" through intergovernmental partnership. Commissioners thanked the delegation for appearing in force and encouraged continued cooperation across the county's 43 municipalities.