Focus Macomb - October 2026

Hello and welcome to the October edition of the Focus Macomb newsletter.

October was another busy month across Macomb County, with opportunities to celebrate our manufacturing industry, support our neighbors and bring our communities together.

We kicked off the month with our 13^th annual Manufacturing Day - a weeklong program put on by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development and the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) to expose students to the amazing innovations and career opportunities offered by our Macomb County manufacturers. More on the event can be read about in the article below.

Our Macomb County Animal Control hosted their second annual HOWL-o-ween Trunk-or-Treat with a great turn out for humans and dogs alike. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and worked behind the scenes to make this trick-or-treat event a dog-gone good time for our four-legged friends.

No matter the season, it's essential to support the many older adults who make Macomb County their home. We were happy to have our Office of Senior Services team up with SMART to deliver Meals on Wheels this month. The program's main mission is to supply nutritional meals and a friendly connection to the doorsteps of those who are homebound and can no longer cook for themselves. If you are interested in volunteering, visit the Meals on Wheels website for more information.

We also had the opportunity to join Christian Financial Credit Union at its Sterling Heights headquarters for a ceremony recognizing its $75,000 donation to MCREST. For over 35 years, MCREST has offered shelter and personalized support to those in the community facing homelessness. It was an honor to attend the ceremony in support of these essential, life-saving services.

Local leaders, military officials and community partners all came together recently to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Selfridge runway project. This $152 million investment in the air base's infrastructure will not only strengthen Selfridge's ability to support current and future missions but also enhance operational readiness and ensure the base continues to serve our nation for future generations.

As the Halloween season draws to a close, I hope everyone enjoys an exciting and safe weekend, whether you're attending a party or trick-or-treating with family and friends. For more things to do in and around Macomb County, check out our Make Macomb Your Home Events Facebook page and website.

Happy Halloween

- Mark Hackel

Officials from the Macomb County Executive Office and the Macomb Department of Roads (MCDR) provided an overview of the current state of Macomb County's roads, highlighted progress that was made in 2026, which included more than $119 million in road, bridge and traffic improvements. With the passage of the state budget and additional road funding now in place, the agency also previewed plans for 2027.

"Road needs are significant, and the work ahead requires smart investments and strong partnerships. We invested more than $119 million in road, bridge and traffic improvements in 2026, and additional state funding gives us the opportunity to accelerate that progress in 2027 and beyond," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "And with an estimated $2.5 billion needed to address our road and bridge needs, we're focused on making every dollar count, finding creative solutions and working with our local communities and state partners to keep Macomb County driving forward."

Macomb County is Michigan's third most populated county and home of the sixth largest road system in the state. MCDR is responsible for the management of more than 1,700 miles of county roadways, 226 bridges, 831 culverts, 900 traffic signals, 350 traffic cameras and 60,000 traffic signs. Macomb County has made significant investments in roads and bridges in recent years while incorporating the use of the latest traffic technology to reinforce MCDR's existing programs and strategies.

MCDR has made notable progress in recent years, but there is still work to be done. Macomb County estimates more than $2.5 billion is needed to improve every road and bridge under their jurisdiction.

MCDR's annual programs are strategically focused on maximizing available funding and utilizing a mix of creative solutions to strengthen and enhance transportation infrastructure under Macomb County's jurisdiction.

"We've made strategic investments to strengthen Macomb County's roads, bridges and traffic infrastructure, and the results are visible in the data and improved pavement conditions," said MCDR Interim Director Scott Wanagat. "With the additional state funding now secured, our team is positioned to accelerate the progress we've made while maximizing every available dollar through strategic investments, creative engineering and comprehensive planning. We know exactly how many assets we have, the condition they are in and how much it will cost to fix them properly."

2026 progress

Through MCDR's strategic programs and transportation asset management practices, the agency invested more than $119 million into Macomb County's transportation network in 2026, which included:

• Road, bridge and traffic improvements on 100 primary and local roads
• 64 asphalt and concrete pavement preservation projects
• 3 bridge and large culvert projects
• 20 subdivision projects
• Improved 270 lane miles of primary and local roads
• More than 1,400 miles of pavement markings applied to county roads
• Treated 328 miles of gravel roads
• Applied 23,540 tons of limestone to gravel roads
• Issued more than 1,270 commercial, utility and residential permits
• Completed an inventory of more than 65,000 roadside assets, including traffic signs and guardrails, to support MCDR's electronic asset management system
• Implemented 580 traffic signal timing changes to improve traffic flow and efficiency during congestion, incidents, and special events
• Expanded MCDR's Intelligent Transportation System through the installation of more than 16 miles of fiber-optic communications infrastructure to improve real-time traffic management
• Modernized 10 traffic signals to meet current design standards and improve operational reliability

Notable projects

William P. Rosso Highway. The project is a partnership between Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Macomb County. The project includes relocating and reconstructing William P. Rosso Highway, constructing a roundabout at Town Center Boulevard, relocating road drainage infrastructure and the Irwin Drain, and constructing concrete box culverts. The road project broke ground in August 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

Broughton Road. In partnership with Macomb Township, the project includes expanding Broughton Road between 23-1/2 Mile Road and 24-1/2 Mile Road. The project will create a new downtown district in the township and includes roundabouts, new water main and sewer, and culvert construction. The project broke ground in July 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

Mound Road. MCDR completed resurfacing work between 8 Mile Road and I-696 in Warren. The $2.5 million (secured through a State of Michigan grant) pavement preservation project included pavement milling (removal of 3 inches of pavement) and a 3-inch asphalt overlay. MCDR resurfaced Mound Road while Macomb County seeks additional funding for the reconstruction of Innovate Mound Segment II. MCDR secured $8.75 million needed for the $100 million reconstruction of Innovate Mound Segment II. Innovate Mound Segment I between I-696 and M-59 opened on time and on budget in 2023.

Dequindre Road. Resurfacing work took place as part of two projects in Warren. Dequindre Road was resurfaced between 8 Mile Road and Maplelane Avenue and between 13 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road. The $2.2 million pavement preservation projects included pavement milling (removal of 2 inches of pavement) and a 3-inch asphalt overlay. The projects were performed ahead of a large Consumers Energy transmission pipeline project coming in 2027 and to allow MCDR time to plan and secure funds for the Dequindre Road corridor reconstruction revitalization.

Metropolitan Parkway. MCDR completed resurfacing work between Mound Road and Van Dyke Avenue, which pavement milling (removal of 2 inches of pavement) and a 3-inch asphalt overlay. The Metropolitan Parkway bridge, which carries Metropolitan Parkway over an active railroad corridor between Mound Road and Van Dyke Avenue, remains a top priority for MCDR. Recognizing Metropolitan Parkway is a critical link through Macomb County, MCDR is choosing to prioritize early involvement while we pursue additional federal grant funding to replace the bridge and revitalize this critical primary road segment.

2027 preview

Looking ahead, MCDR has an extensive mix of work and more than $99 million in infrastructure investments planned for next year. In addition, MCDR will invest $16 million in concrete and asphalt preservation work as well as $8 million in subdivision focused improvements.

A full list of projects that were completed in 2026 and a map of projects that are anticipated to take place in 2027, 2028 and 2029 are available at the Work Zone webpage. The public can stay up to date of what's happening on Macomb County's roadways by signing up for real-time lane closures and construction updates online.

The Macomb County State of the Roads presentation is available online.

Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel has submitted his recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, delivering his 16th consecutive balanced budget and continuing a record of fiscal discipline, long-term planning and responsible investment in County services.

The recommended $399 million General Fund budget maintains essential services, supports public safety and health and human services, advances major infrastructure and capital improvements and strengthens partnerships with communities and organizations throughout Macomb County.

But the County's financial position extends well beyond balancing a single year's budget.

Macomb County enters 2027 from a position of significant financial strength, with a healthy fund balance, a pension system funded above 100 percent and substantial funding dedicated to meeting the County's long-term retiree health care obligations. These achievements reflect years of deliberate financial planning designed to ensure that today's services are not being paid for at the expense of future generations.

In 2026, that financial stewardship received significant independent recognition. Moody's Ratings upgraded Macomb County to Aaa, the highest credit rating available, citing the County's strong financial management, economic position, available fund balance, multi-year budgeting and management of long-term liabilities. The County also received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

"Fifteen balanced budgets tell a much bigger story than what happens in any single year," said County Executive Mark Hackel. "We have worked hard to put Macomb County on solid financial ground while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure our residents depend on. We have strong reserves, our pension system is more than fully funded, we have taken significant steps to address our retiree health care obligations, and we have earned the highest possible bond rating. That gives us the ability to plan for the future rather than simply react to the present."

The 2027 recommended budget continues funding for the County's core responsibilities, including public safety, health and human services, economic and community development, courts and justice operations and other essential government services used by residents every day.

It also continues the County's focus on long-term infrastructure resiliency through investments in roads, facilities, technology and capital assets. These investments are intended not only to maintain County operations today, but to modernize service delivery, protect public assets and prepare Macomb County for future growth.

Another priority is strengthening partnerships beyond County government. The recommended budget supports community-based efforts involving municipalities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and the private sector in areas including economic development, workforce readiness, public health and quality of life.

"Good financial management isn't about growing fund balance for the sake of having a large fund balance," Hackel said. "It's about planning and taking on projects in the future without the need for additional revenue streams. We want to protect taxpayers, maintain the services people rely upon and continue making investments that strengthen Macomb County for the next generation."

Macomb County Finance Director John Scanlon said the 2027 recommendation continues the financial practices that have strengthened the County's fiscal position.

"The County's Aaa bond rating and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award are independent validations of the financial practices we have put in place," Scanlon said. "The 2027 recommended budget continues that approach, maintaining appropriate reserves, addressing long-term obligations and making responsible investments while ensuring the County remains financially sustainable."

The Executive's recommended budget which can be found on the Finance Department Budget Page, now moves to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for legislative review and consideration. The Board will conduct its budget review before adoption of the final Fiscal Year 2027 budget later this year.

Throughout the fiscal year, changing circumstances or items requiring additional attention will continue to be evaluated by the Office of the County Executive and administered through the budget amendment process established under the Macomb County Charter.

A record of financial strength

The 2027 recommended budget builds upon several indicators of Macomb County's financial position:

• 16 consecutive balanced budgets submitted under County Executive Hackel
• Moody's Aaa bond rating, the agency's highest rating
• GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the FY2026 budget
• Pension funding above 100 percent
• Significant funding dedicated to long-term retiree health care obligations
• Healthy General Fund reserves and fund balance
• Continued use of multi-year financial and capital planning
• Continued investment in public safety, infrastructure, technology and essential County services

"Financial stability doesn't happen by accident," Hackel said. "It comes from planning, discipline and people working together. The Board of Commissioners, our elected officials, Finance Department, County departments and employees have all played an important role in building this foundation. Our job now is to protect that progress, make smart investments and continue delivering the services our residents expect, while keeping Macomb County in a strong position for years to come."

The Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with the Macomb Regional Housing Partnership, and the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development is announcing its 2026 Macomb County Housing Summit. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 17 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Macomb Community College South Campus, located at 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren.

The summit will offer a wide range of collaborative and engaging opportunities, including keynote addresses on zoning and land bank strategies, as well as breakout sessions on development and rehabilitation, empowerment, and advocacy and mobilization. Local resources, including financial institutions, developers, utility companies and nonprofits, also will be available.

"We're proud to host the second Macomb County Housing Summit and continue building on the relationships and momentum sparked by last year's summit," said Andrew Cox, director/health officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. "This event is an opportunity to learn more about the key housing challenges and opportunities facing Macomb County and our communities, while connecting with like-minded people to work toward effective solutions. I encourage anyone interested in housing in Macomb County to attend."

There is no cost to attend the Macomb County Housing Summit. To attend, visit the registration website; RSVPs are due no later than Tuesday, November 3.

Learn more:

• Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services
• Macomb Regional Housing Partnership
• Macomb County Planning and Economic Development

Macomb County celebrated Manufacturing Day Week from September 29 - October 2 by facilitating tours of local industry for more than 2,000 high school students. The initiative is coordinated by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) and the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) with the goal of providing opportunities for young people to see area advanced manufacturing facilities and meet people who make things.

"Manufacturing Day here in Macomb County is about opening doors and showing our students what is possible," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "When a student walks into a facility, sees the technology, meets the people behind the products and experiences manufacturing firsthand, it can change the way they think about their future. More than 2,000 students are getting that opportunity this week, and that is only possible because of the incredible partnership between our schools, our local manufacturers and our Macomb County Planning and Economic Development team. We are proud to connect our young people with the people and companies helping build what's next."

Hackel joined students from Chippewa Valley High School at a tour of personal care product developer Merit Manufacturing. Merit is a leading personal care manufacturer that prides itself on its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with meticulous attention to detail, crafting products that exceed industry standards. The company produces items ranging from hair and skin care to laundry and car care.

Merit was one of 70 host sites for the 2026 Manufacturing Day Week. All students who attended received a 90-120 minute guided tour of their site and some combination of the following:

• A briefing by a company leader who provides an overview of the company, the type of manufacturing they do and the customers they serve as well as info about employment opportunities.
• Smaller sub-tours that highlight different work areas and careers.
• Opportunities for students to talk with employees and see the product life cycle in action.
• Opportunities for students to see and touch the machinery, tools and products that are a part of the industrial workplace.

These experiences help the students better understand what a career in advanced manufacturing might look like. Notably, four host sites marked a decade of participation with the initiative. This includes:

• Plastivaloire America Inc.
• L&L Products
• PCS Company
• Lanzen Inc.

"We have phenomenal partners in our Manufacturing Day effort, but the companies who have been with us for 10 years, and those who have been with us even longer, are truly outstanding," said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. "These organizations have shown a real commitment to building our next generation workforce by inspiring young talent and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and support."

2026 marks the 13th anniversary of Macomb County's participation in the event, which has seen more than 24,000 students experience industry through the support of an active planning committee and the generosity of host sites and sponsors. For more information, visit Macomb County's Manufacturing Day/Week webpage.

As leaves begin to fall and outdoor chores increase, Macomb County residents are encouraged to watch for spongy moth egg masses on their property. Spongy moths (Lymantria dispar), formerly known as gypsy moths, are an invasive insect that can cause significant damage to trees and create nuisances for residents.

These egg masses are buff-colored, tear-drop shaped, and typically measure one to two inches in length. They may be found on tree trunks and branches, as well as on outdoor furniture, play equipment, fences, sheds, vehicles, homes, and other protected surfaces.

Macomb County homeowners who believe they have found spongy moth egg masses on their property are encouraged to complete the online survey request form at https://macombgov.org/ReportSpongyMoth. Requests submitted by November 15, 2026, will receive priority consideration for inclusion in the fall survey. Residents can also contact the Macomb County MSU Extension office at 586-469-6432. Homeowners who live outside of Macomb County should contact their local municipality to find out if they have a spongy moth management program.

Why it matters

Spongy moths have few natural predators in the United States, so their populations can grow rapidly. In their caterpillar stage, they can strip trees of their leaves, a process known as defoliation. While healthy trees can often recover from a single year of defoliation, repeated defoliation or additional stress factors, such as drought, can weaken trees and increase the risk of decline or death. Identifying and removing egg masses before they hatch into caterpillars is one of the most effective steps homeowners can take to reduce local populations and help protect trees throughout Macomb County.

For more information about spongy moth identification, life cycle and management options, visit the MSU Extension website

The Community Food Bank of Macomb County is proud to continue its partnership with Scouting America in support of the annual Scouting for Food collection event, a community-wide effort that gives Macomb County residents an opportunity to help provide much-needed food to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

How it works

Saturday, November 7 - Scouting America units will visit neighborhoods throughout Macomb County to distribute collection bags and/or flyers promoting participation in this important community service project. Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with non-perishable food items and place them on their porch for collection the following Saturday, November 14.

Saturday, November 14 - Scouting America units will return to the neighborhoods to collect the donated food. Residents who wish to participate should simply leave their filled bags on their porch (before 9 a.m.) for the Scouts to pick up. For residents that do not receive a grocery bag or flyer on November 7, food donations can also be dropped-off at Weingartz, located at 46061 Van Dyke in Utica.

Food collected on November 14 that is delivered to the Community Food Bank of Macomb or Weingartz in Utica will be sorted and distributed to local Community Food Bank pantry partners that serve families and individuals in need throughout Macomb County.

"This year marks the 15th year of partnership between Scouting America and the Community Food Bank of Macomb County through the annual Scouting for Food collection," said Linda Azar, Division Director at Macomb Community Action. "These collection events typically bring in an average of over 10,000 pounds of food, making a meaningful difference for local families in need. We encourage everyone to join us in supporting this important effort and helping fight hunger in our community."

Details on highly needed items can be found in our food donation guide.