SEMCOG convenes local governments to set a regional course for high-quality public infrastructure, a skilled workforce, a healthy natural environment, and an enhanced quality of life. Advancing the bipartisan priorities in SEMCOG’s 2025-2026 Legislative Policy Platform depends on the active support of SEMCOG members, partners, and coalitions across the region, state, and nation. Like all SEMCOG’s work, these policy recommendations are grounded in the balancing of sound data with the needs of all who live in our region.
VIEW SEMCOG’S 2025-2026 LEGISLATIVE POLICY PLATFORMThe platform includes references to SEMCOG data and planning documents, which illustrate the need to adopt these policies and build a foundation of knowledge on the important issues facing Southeast Michigan. SEMCOG offers the following resources to empower community leaders, along with our staff experts, to effectively engage with representatives in Lansing and Washington.
SEMCOG’s advocacy is focused in the critical areas of Infrastructure, Communities, Economy and Workforce, and Natural Assets. Below are additional SEMCOG resources on these topics.
Infrastructure
Southeast Michigan’s prosperity depends on modern and well-maintained infrastructure. Our means of transportation are evolving, and our dependency on communications technology is expanding exponentially. There is a critical need to deliver safe and affordable water to residents while minimizing threats to homes and businesses caused by extreme weather events and flooding. Funding and coordinated management of these vital infrastructure assets happen at the regional level, and locally managed infrastructure provides the backbone for shared prosperity and economic development.
Issue one-pagers:
Drinking Water Successes and Needs
Southeast Michigan Roads: Current Conditions and Needs
Fixing Southeast Michigan’s Flooding
Other resources:
Vision 2050: Regional Transportation Plan
Pavement Condition
Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan for Southeast Michigan
Transportation Safety Data and Plan
Bridge Condition
Water Infrastructure Policies and Actions
Climate Resiliency
Green Infrastructure
SEMCOG Broadband Availability and Usage
Multimodal Tool
Electric Vehicles Planning Resources
Electric Vehicles Planning Resources
Traffic Volume
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
Communities
Local governments and educational institutions in Southeast Michigan need strong State and federal partners to ensure a well-trained public sector workforce, provide access to adequate and flexible funding, and respect the priorities of locally elected officials. Deferred local infrastructure investment and reduced services hinder our capacity to build stronger communities.
Issue one-pager:
Other resources:
Equity Emphasis Areas Map
Regional Economic and Demographic Forecast
Residential and Nonresidential Development
Community Profiles
Community Explorer
Economy and Workforce
Where we work and how we learn – along with the challenges of an aging workforce and barriers to employment – are essential considerations for Southeast Michigan’s evolving economy. We know that future-proofing students by preparing them for a rapidly changing economy through education, training, and experiential learning will ensure success in the workplace. Meanwhile, economic development needs to include a focus on placemaking and community investment that benefits residents, workers, and businesses of all sizes.
Resources:
Broadband Availability and Usage Tool
Future Skills
Equity Emphasis Areas
Laborshed – Linking Residents to Workplaces
School District Forecast
Socio-Economic Trends
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Southeast Michigan
Employment Density
Tracking Change – Before/After COVID
Natural Assets
SEMCOG strives for a brighter future by growing our resilience, equity, and economy with nature (GREEN). Preserving and improving our natural assets – the priceless features of Southeast Michigan that have largely defined our past and present – is critical. Bountiful fresh water is the foundation of much of our economy and the cornerstone of a wide range of recreational activities. Clean air is essential to the health and welfare of our residents. Guarding homes, businesses, and infrastructure against extreme weather and flooding is imperative. Managing state and interstate waste streams is critical to the health and safety of the region.
Issue one-pagers:
Fixing Southeast Michigan’s Flooding
Drinking Water Successes and Needs
Other resources:
Parks and Recreation Tools and Analysis
Green Infrastructure
Water Resources
Air Quality
Climate Action
Advocacy Tools
The following resources are meant to empower community leaders, along with SEMCOG staff experts, to effectively engage with representatives and regulatory agencies in Lansing and Washington.
Interactive Legislative District Maps
Interactive County Commissioner District Map
Most Recent Federal and State Legislative Update
State Legislative Tracking Dockets
Michigan Legislature