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Sen. Michael Webber briefs Troy on budget outlook, road funding, housing preemption and sound-wall proposals
Summary
Sen. Michael Webber told the Troy City Council on May 18 that the state budget outlook is mixed, highlighted roughly $3.8 million in new road funding for Troy, and warned that recently introduced housing preemption proposals would limit local zoning authority; he also discussed a proposal to create a state mechanism to fund sound walls and local projects including $421,000 for Smith Middle School and $500,000 for Oakland Community Mental Health renovations in Troy.
Sen. Michael Webber delivered a legislative update to the Troy City Council on May 18, telling local officials the statewide revenue picture is ‘mixed’ after the May revenue estimating conference and that communities should watch several pieces of legislation that could affect local authority and projects.
Webber told the council the state’s revenue is roughly where it was projected but “certainly not as robust as it’s been in the past.” He said the state secured a package that will result in higher road funding to Troy — “Troy is expected to receive over 3,800,000 or 33.1% increase in road funding yearly from the state” — and highlighted two local projects he helped fund: $421,000 for a Smith Middle School driveway and traffic signal and $500,000 for Oakland Community Mental Health’s phase‑2 renovations at its Troy facility.
Why it matters: the senator framed the revenue and project updates as part of the larger budget process that determines how much money cities receive for roads, safety and local infrastructure. He also flagged proposals in the Legislature that could change local planning authority.
Webber described legislation he and colleagues are pursuing on noise mitigation and sound walls, saying the bill would create a state mechanism to fund construction of sound-wall barriers and help communities apply to MDOT for grants. “Currently, Michigan is solely relying on federal dollars and federal projects on sound walls,” he said, and a state mechanism would give localities a clearer path to funding.
He also addressed a bipartisan package in the Michigan House that Webber said “would strip local governments of their decision making authority on housing matters.” Webber said he favors approaches that preserve local zoning while incentivizing housing construction, noting the Michigan Municipal League’s My Home program as a “carrot”‑based alternative to preemption.
Council members pressed Webber on timing and implementation. Council member Hamilton asked whether a preemption law would take immediate effect and change property owners’ obligations under local rules; Webber replied, “I don’t believe there’s been a package in the senate yet… I would hope, if it does get to that point, that there would be some sort of phase in period.” Hamilton also asked whether this year’s budget process would be timelier than last year’s; Webber said he expects better timing and cited ongoing work to finalize a Selfridge supplemental by the governor’s June 1 deadline.
On sound walls and MDOT, Council member Ogun asked if there had been review with MDOT about raising road grades and the resulting need for sound walls; Webber said he would follow up and acknowledged some projects remain dependent on federal funding and MDOT decisions.
The senator closed by directing residents to senatormichaelwebber.com for more information and to sign up for his monthly e‑news.
Next steps: Webber said the revenue‑sharing trust fund and housing proposals will continue through the budget and committee process; he and councilmembers agreed to stay in contact as bills move through the Legislature.
