Warren council approves $1.33M consulting agreement with AECOM for defense‑industry economic development; some residents object

Warren City Council approved a resolution authorizing a consulting agreement with AECOM Great Lakes Inc. to provide a defense‑industry economic development advisor under a regional alliance with Sterling Heights. The estimated cost is $1,328,644 over three years.

Supporters on the council framed the agreement as an economic development tool to attract federal appropriations, jobs and capital investment to the region. A council member said representatives from neighboring Sterling Heights supported the alliance.

Several members of the public criticized the contract at the meeting’s public comment period. Pete Sutliff said the city should not prioritize the defense industry and urged council to hire firms focused on climate action and sustainable economic development instead. "War is not something we should want to continue forever and ever," Sutliff said, calling for a conscience‑driven approach to economic growth.

Council supporters responded that the agreement establishes a governance framework, stakeholder engagement, and metrics for tracking jobs and investment rather than advocating any political position on war. Councilman Lafferty told the meeting the proposal focuses on talent acquisition, business pairing with the Department of Defense, and measuring economic outcomes, saying the plan "does not once mention the word war or support in any way, shape, or form."

The council approved the consulting agreement on roll call; opponents urged stronger outreach and efforts to diversify economic development strategies.

Next steps include finalizing the agreement and beginning alliance governance and stakeholder outreach as described in the consulting scope.