SEMCOG
Southeast Michigan Council Of Governments

Year in Review: 2025-2026

| member services

Amy O'Leary

Amy O'Leary

Amy O’Leary has been employed at SEMCOG since 1994. She became Deputy Executive Director in 2017 and Executive Director in 2020. She is a Certified Association Executive. She holds leadership positions at Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, and the Executive Directors Council of the National Association of Regions.

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Our 2025-2026 fiscal year was characterized by ongoing progress as well as new challenges and opportunities. I am grateful to SEMCOG’s member communities and the local elected officials and staff who continue to provide local leadership while also contributing at the regional level. The following sections summarize some of our major accomplishments throughout this year.

I encourage you to learn more from watching our Year in Review highlight video and learning more in the Year in Review summary.

The Year in Review video shares stories about local accomplishments throughout the SEMCOG region.

Data Tools and Analysis

Attendees networking at the March General Assembly 2025, Michigan Central Station

Four new applications

Transportation Access to Core Services

This interactive tool allows users to explore transportation access to core services and jobs by county, community, travel mode, and various demographic groups.

Shared Prosperity

SEMCOG’s Shared Prosperity application provides an overview of how economic gains and losses are distributed geographically and by socio-economic groups.

Eco-Planning Tool

Provide early environmental planning indicators for potential development, transportation, and green infrastructure implementation projects.

Infrastructure Coordination Hub

This tool allows communities in the SEMCOG region to feed their capital improvement data into a regional map that supports coordination of infrastructure projects between agencies.

Improved Toolkits

State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit

Updates and enhancements to the Community EV Toolkit include integration of the State’s EV Registration Dashboard, updated funding opportunities, and Michigan-based examples to support community EV readiness.

Building Resilience through Green Infrastructure

Major developments have been underway to update the GREEN Dashboard and expand our planning tools for growing tree canopy, restoring wetlands, protecting green spaces, and mitigating flooding with nature-based solutions.

14 maps and apps updated
Maintaining ADA: We are developing a guide to make maps and apps consistent with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines before migrating SEMCOG resources to follow these guidelines.

Engaging and Educating

Hosted 32 educational workshops, webinars, and implementation team meetings or roundtables.

Member Meetups

A group of people gathered on a brick-paved sidewalk, some holding drinks and engaged in conversation. In the background, there's a brick building with a sign reading 'Chick-fil-A.' Trees and lampposts are visible, suggesting an outdoor urban setting.

Member Meetup Highlighting Downtown Development in Auburn Hills

A group of people gathered on a brick-paved sidewalk, some holding drinks and engaged in conversation. In the background, there's a brick building with a sign reading 'Chick-fil-A.' Trees and lampposts are visible, suggesting an outdoor urban setting.

Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit

A group of people gathers inside the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, listening to a speaker. The exhibit features a rustic wooden cabin and various artifacts. The atmosphere seems educational and engaging.

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

A group of people walking along a riverside path under a cloudy sky. Some individuals are wearing casual jackets and sunglasses. The background features a river with buildings visible on the opposite shore.

Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park

New Groups and Committees

Peer Group Committees

Encourages collaborative planning efforts to develop local strategies, build strengths, and address challenges.

  • Urban
  • Suburban
  • Rural
  • Small

Civic Advisory Committee

Facilitates meaningful and intentional public involvement—particularly around transportation and mobility— in Southeast Michigan.

Plan Adoption and Approval

ADOPTED:

2055 Regional Forecast

Outreach Meetings

  • 228 communities contacted by SEMCOG staff
  • 193 communities responded
  • 62 communities participated in-person and virtual meetings
  • 959 future development site plans collected

Economic and Community Vitality

Large cargo ship sailing on water under blue sky with clouds.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

The 2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) focuses on three main, interrelated pillars as well as supporting policies and actions for recovery and resiliency. The three pillars are: Great Places, Regional Prosperity, and Economic Resilience.

Main Street Handbook

A picture of the cover of SEMCOG's Main Street Handbook.

The Main Street Checklist and Main Street Handbook support effective implementation of main street features across the region.

Economic Development SEMCOG Universities

  • A Guide to SEMCOG’s Shared Prosperity Application
  • Introduction to the Main Street Checklist and Handbook
  • The Impact of Tariffs to Southeast Michigan’s Economy
  • Supporting Small Business and Innovation on Main Street

Evaluating Shared Prosperity Application

SEMCOG’s Shared Prosperity in Southeast Michigan, 2018-2024 application shows how prosperity is distributed geographically and across socio-economic income groups. Working with the latest census data, this application creates a consistent and comparable dataset to analyze income groups across geographies and over time. This application displays data for the total population, as well as by disability status and educational attainment.

In the image, a group of individuals is seated and attentively listening to a presentation at the 123NET Data Center in Southfield, organized by SEMCOG. Another image shows a group of individuals standing together, identified as SEMCOG's Education Peer Group, meeting in March 2026 to discuss higher education issues in Southeast Michigan.

Guiding Investment

Transportation Alternatives Program

a group of 10 standing on a stage, holding a large check made out to the city of farmington

Left to right: William Miller, Oakland County Commissioner, District 16, and Chairperson of the Southeast Michigan Transportation Coordinating Council; Maria Taylor, Farmington City Council Member; Gwen Markham, Oakland County Commissioner, District 15, and SEMCOG Chairperson; Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG Executive Director; Joe LaRussa, Farmington Mayor and SEMCOG Vice Chairperson; Trevor Layton, SEMCOG Communications Manager; Steven Schneemann, Farmington City Council Member; Kevin Parkins, Farmington City Council Member; Jess Westendorf, Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Executive Director; David Murphy, Farmington City Manager.

$18.2 MILLION AWARDED TO 28 COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING:
WARREN | $1.25M
Chicago Road Bridge and Connector
TROY | $1.28M
Wattles to Long Lake Trail
HOWELL | $918,000
Sidewalk Modernization and Accessibility
BELLEVILLE | $552,890
Pedestrian Safety Improvement

Learn more about Transportation Alternatives Program

Completed Projects

'Village of Beverly Hills' with a project amount of $1.5M, featuring sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe access to schools, and 'City of Brighton' with a project amount of $329,500, highlighting sidewalks and safety crossings in critical locations.

Planning Assistance Program

$496,500 MILLION AWARDED TO 13 PROJECTS, INCLUDING:
$40,000 | Stephens Road Greenway Project
$40,000 | Oakland County Stormwater Framework
$34,000 | Westland Norwayne Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan

City of Detroit image: A newly developed road with bicycle and pedestrian paths leading to Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park. Monroe County image: Individuals riding bicycles on the Monroe County Heritage and Loop Trails surrounded by greenery.
Learn more about Planning Assistance Program

Road Safety Audits

11 Road Safety Audits conducted across the region:

  • Port Huron | Gratiot Ave, multiple locations
  • Clawson | 14 Mile from Crooks Rd to Rochester Rd
  • Bedford and Whiteford Townships | Sterns Rd from Memorial Hwy to Telegraph Rd

Transportation and Mobility

Southeast Michigan 2025 Transportation Access to Core Services

  • Report
    • The report evaluates how well people across the region can reach key destinations by walking, biking, fixed-route transit, and driving
  • Quick Facts
    • This resource provides a high-level overview of the key takeaways from the full report, including key findings, sample analyses, and planning implications.
  • Online Tool
    • The online tool provides a user-friendly platform for exploring accessibility analysis.
Learn more about Access to Core Services

Safe Streets

SEMCOG’s Safe Streets Campaign premiered a new video, “Road Wizard” as a part of roundabouts education efforts.

Road Wizard won a 2026 Michigan Emmy for Public Service Announcement.

Learn more about roundabout safety

“Driving Store” Video

SEMCOG’s PSA received multiple awards for its excellence in raising awareness and public interest in transportation safety. In 2025, the video received:

  • 2025 Michigan Emmy Award for Public Service Announcement
  • Gold People’s Telly Award in the General – Regional TV category
  • Silver Telly Award in the General – Public Service and PSA category
SEMCOG hosted a bilingual transportation border working group meeting. Attendees are seated around a large conference table with presentation screens displaying information.

Government Affairs and Advocacy

A group of six people stands smiling indoors. Behind them are framed blue maps hanging on the wall. A caption mentions SEMCOG officers, Southeast Michigan Congressional delegation members, and Governor Whitmer's staff, gathered to discuss federal priorities.

Government Affairs SEMCOG Universities

  • Crisis Management for Local Government Leaders
  • Don’t miss a beat! Ensuring Operational Continuity During Staff Turnover
  • Legislative Lunch and Learn – the Importance of Local Zoning

Housing

A large group of people is gathered in a brightly lit room, standing and facing forward. A person is speaking at a podium, with several others standing closely behind. Flags and a banner featuring Salesforce logos are visible in the background. The room has rows of empty chairs in the foreground.

In 2026, SEMCOG worked to defend local voices against proposed legislation that would upend community authority in residential zoning. In February, the Michigan Legislature introduced a package of bills that would significantly limit local decision-making authority. SEMCOG and partners from across the state immediately took action to voice concerns about the loss of community input on residential zoning decisions. Actions included: hosting a press conference for officials across the region and state; welcoming legislators to a legislative reception; and hosting legislators and local leaders for a lunch and learn on the importance of municipal zoning. SEMCOG remains actively committed to fighting for local control and opposing state overreach.

View the Engagement Toolkit for Local Leaders: Housing

A group of people stand together at a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a building. One individual is holding scissors, poised to cut a red ribbon. A sign in the background references a press event hosted by SEMCOG celebrating a $1.5 million state appropriation for drinking water monitoring equipment.

Environment and Infrastructure

Partnerships

SEMCOG worked collaboratively with local members, regulators, consultants, and environmental organizations to strengthen environmental quality and infrastructure across Southeast Michigan. Key initiatives include:

  • Launched the Flooding Task Force to address regional flood challenges
  • Conducted three flooding workshops on planning, engineering, and emergency response
  • Hosted the Recreation Leaders Summit
  • Engaged EGLE in water infrastructure compliance stakeholder groups
  • Delivered four municipal trainings to support improved stormwater compliance
  • Initiated the $4.2 million Green Infrastructure Community Grant Program
  • Supported EGLE’s ozone attainment request to USEPA
  • Participated in more than 40 County Materials Management Planning Committee meetings and supported community MMP education with video and other materials

Environment SEMCOG Universities

  • Green Infrastructure Grant Program
  • Pathways and Partners for a Healthy Climate
  • Stormwater Utility Guidebook Seminar
  • Eco Planning and Stormwater Planning Tools

Completed

Healthy Climate Plan

The Southeast Michigan Healthy Climate Plan, serving as the region’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP),
outlines data-driven pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance natural systems, improve air quality, and build more resilient communities.

Stormwater Utility Guidebook

This guide provides a practical, process-oriented framework for municipalities considering a stormwater management utility. It summarizes the major steps involved in evaluating feasibility, determining whether to proceed, developing the utility program, adopting necessary documentation, and preparing for implementation.

Staff Highlights

Ally Racisz holding award certificate outside, smiling after receiving recognition.

Ally Racisz, Planner II, Transportation, was recognized as Michigan Transportation Planning Association Junior Planner of the Year.

Kelly Karll, Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, was the recipient of the Regional Resiliency Hero Award.

headshot photo of woman in front of trees

Person holding award in front of PRSA banner backdrop

Sydney Jackson, Specialist II, Communications, was recognized as the Best in Detroit: Young Professional for 2025 by Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Detroit Chapter.

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