Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027-2030 Quadrennial Budget adopted
Chief Financial Officer presented the recommended quadrennial budget, focusing on stabilizing 2027 operations amidst economic uncertainties and funding key board priorities.
Federal HUD funding instability
Federal HUD changes threaten up to $3 million in permanent supportive and rapid rehousing funding, with a $432,000 immediate gap starting April. County staff and providers asked the county to lead a bridge-funding response; commissioners signaled support but no vote was taken.
Data center tax revenue uncertainty
The board reversed course, withdrawing its resolution welcoming U-M's computing center at Willow Run after learning U-M closed on the Textile Road site, and instead voted to support local data center moratoriums. Residents from Ypsilanti Township opposed the project over neighborhood impacts, militarization concerns, and safety.
Community Mental Health funding
The board approved a $156.5 million operating budget for Washtenaw County Community Mental Health for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget includes position reclassifications, creations, and eliminations to support mental health services.
Healthcare millage for November 2026 ballot
Multiple residents urged the board to put a healthcare millage on the November 2026 ballot to counter federal Medicaid cuts that could strip coverage from 15,000–18,000 county residents. The board took no vote yet, but the idea drew broad support from community advocates, the Shelter Association, and United Way.
Continuum of Care housing funding gap
HUD's new funding rules could cut the county's $7.5 million in annual CoC funding by 40–100%, endangering permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing that serve 500–600 people at a time. An immediate $432,000 gap hits in April, and a potential $3 million long-term hole could return hundreds of households to homelessness. Commissioners signaled willingness to have the county step in as funder of last resort.