The SEMCOG model

We just completed the year-long celebration of SEMCOG’s 50^th anniversary. We received numerous congratulatory resolutions from governments and organizations. They are now prominently displayed throughout our office.

One such resolution came from the Michigan Legislature. It was authored by two former local elected officials who were active in SEMCOG prior to their legislative service – Jeff Yaroch, a Republican from Macomb County, and Yousef Rabhi, a Democrat from Washtenaw County.

In presenting the resolution, Yaroch spoke glowingly of his rather unique friendship with Rabhi, despite their positions at opposite ends of the political spectrum. Those differences didn’t matter because there are no “aisles” at SEMCOG. The special tribute acknowledged SEMCOG’s “tireless efforts to find common solutions to the many problems we face together.”

We are proud to tackle issues at the regional level, knowing that regional issues are not partisan issues. Those lessons learned at SEMCOG are worth remembering at the state and federal levels.