Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Local Election Results
The local election results are in, and the winners are now set to make decisions on Washtenaw County roads, budgets, and services. If you live here, this is the crew deciding how your tax dollars get spent and what gets fixed first.
Barrier busters municipal contributions
Commissioners asked for a breakdown of which local municipalities contribute to barrier busters and at what level. Ypsilanti Township's contributions (ARPA-funded) ended in 2025, and staff will report on cost recovery percentages.
Law enforcement response to mental health crises
Residents pressed the board on how deputies handle mental health crises, calling for better crisis response.
General Election Results
Washtenaw County’s 2026 general election results are rolling in, and they’ll decide who leads the county plus which local ballot measures pass. If you care about county government or local rules and spending, this is the outcome to watch.
Election Day Voter Information
Election Day is Tuesday in Washtenaw County, and voters need to know where and how to cast their ballots. Local races and ballot measures are on the line, and they can shape county services.
Countywide Free Fare Elections Pilot Program
The county approved a free transit fare program for election day, ensuring that lack of transportation does not stop anyone from voting.
Draft Board Rules Changes
A Ypsilanti Township resident asked the board to shorten its own debate time rather than shrink public comment, and commissioners traded views on restructuring comment periods.
AFSCME 3052 2026 compensation agreement
County workers in AFSCME 3052 have a tentative 2026 compensation deal that the board approved.
Saline Township solar project host agreement
The county will receive a one-time $300,000 payment for hosting a 150-megawatt solar farm, directed to a new Community Energy Fund. Comm. Lyte asked whether the payment could be negotiated as annual instead.
County administrator selection
A Pittsfield Township social worker questioned whether Interim Administrator Derrick Jackson should get the permanent job, citing his failed sheriff's race and ethics concerns. Commissioners pushed back, with Somerville noting he came close to winning and has 20+ years of county leadership.
PA 152 health care cost exemption
The board chose the 'exemption' option for 2027, letting the county pay health care costs above the state cap rather than capping them, and ratified the labor coalition's health insurance deal.
Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan
The board ratified the Sheriff's Office $3.14 million community corrections plan for next year, mixing an $850,000 state grant with local General Fund, millage, and fee dollars. It funds alternatives and services within the criminal legal system.
Health Department nurse and social worker recruitment crisis
Commissioners pressed Health Department staff on why the county can't fill nurse and social worker jobs — compensation is the core problem, with hospital systems paying far more. Commissioner Sanders asked staff to add net position-change figures to future budget reports.
Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
The Board unanimously appointed members to the committee that will guide how opioid settlement funds are spent countywide.
Water Resources 2025 annual report
Driskell's office spent $2.5 million on drain maintenance, advanced the Bryer Dam removal with $3.5 million in state grants, and runs food-waste and school recycling pilots — funded mostly by parcel assessments, not general taxes.
Road Commission Stipend Increase Request
Road commission board members requested a stipend increase, arguing their pay has been stagnant for 23 years despite increased responsibilities.
County broadband expansion nears completion
The county's broadband gap-filling project has connected 7,152 of 7,734 target locations, aiming to make Washtenaw the first county in Michigan at 100% coverage. Mercury Broadband's default on its federal RDOF commitment left 416 locations in Bridgewater Township unbuilt, and completing that area could cost $2-3 million.