06/16/2026
June 16, 2026
The Honorable Governor of Michigan
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909
RE: Support for Timely State Budget Adoption and Opposition to Tying Property Tax Reform and Zoning Preemption to the State Budget
Dear Governor,
On behalf of the residents of the City of Dearborn Heights, I respectfully urge the State of Michigan to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 State Budget in a timely manner and to avoid tying unrelated policy proposals, including broad property tax reform measures and zoning preemption legislation, to the state budget process.
Michigan municipalities depend upon predictable and stable state funding to responsibly develop annual budgets, maintain essential public services, support economic development, and make critical investments in infrastructure and public safety. As the statutory July 1 budget deadline approaches, local governments require certainty regarding state revenues in order to effectively plan and deliver services to residents.
For the City of Dearborn Heights, property tax revenues and State Shared Revenue are foundational sources of funding that support the services our residents rely upon every day. These revenues help fund police and fire protection, emergency response services, public works operations, parks and recreation programs, library services, senior services, and numerous other municipal functions that directly impact the quality of life in our community.
Any significant changes to property tax policies should be evaluated independently through a transparent legislative process that allows municipalities, taxpayers, and stakeholders the opportunity to fully understand the fiscal implications. Likewise, zoning decisions have long been matters of local control and should be considered on their own merits rather than being linked to budget negotiations.
As a municipal Treasurer for the City of Dearborn Heights, I strongly support the timely adoption of the State Budget and encourage state leaders to keep the budget process focused on funding priorities that provide certainty for local governments and the residents we serve. Delays or the inclusion of unrelated policy matters create uncertainty and can hinder the ability of municipalities to responsibly manage public resources and deliver essential services.
I respectfully request that the State of Michigan adopt the budget on time and ensure that broad property tax reform proposals and zoning preemption measures are considered separately from the budget process.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued commitment to Michigan's local communities.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Hicks-Clayton
Treasurer
City of Dearborn Heights
