July 24, 2026

Michigan Transit Millages Head to Voters in Busy Election Cycle

Michigan voters will consider at least 18 transit-related ballot questions during the August 4 election, highlighting the continued importance of local millages as the primary funding source for many public transportation systems across the state. Proposals range from township-level transit renewals to major countywide initiatives that could reshape how transit is funded in some regions. Historically, Michigan transit millages have been highly successful, passing at a rate of more than 90 percent statewide.

Several proposals stand out this year. Wayne County and Delta County voters will consider countywide transit millages for the first time, replacing existing patchwork funding arrangements with broader countywide support. Ogemaw County voters will decide whether to restore transit funding two years after a transit millage was defeated.

Meanwhile, ALTRAN (Alger County), the Saugatuck/Douglas Interurban Transit Authority, Flint MTA, Kalamazoo Metro, and Manistee County Transportation are all seeking voter approval for increased funding levels. Most remaining proposals are renewals or renewal-and-restoration measures intended to maintain existing transit services. 

The August election is only the beginning of what is expected to be an active period for transit ballot questions. Additional transit-related proposals are anticipated in November 2026 and throughout 2027 as more local transit millages approach expiration. To help agencies prepare, MPTA continues to expand its Millage Toolkit resources, including an updated statewide transit millage reference list, communications templates, sample materials, and other guidance for local systems considering ballot questions. 

Conference attendees will also have an opportunity to review and discuss election outcomes during a dedicated Transit Millage Results Recap session at the Michigan Public Transportation Conference. The session will examine statewide election results, emerging trends, and lessons learned from communities across Michigan as agencies continue to rely on local voter support to sustain and improve public transportation services.

Annual Conference Approaches with Fantastic Sessions, Training, Networking, Activities, Live Music, and more!

We're three weeks away from gathering Michigan's transit community at Crystal Mountain, and we can't wait to see you there. Registration is exceptionally strong this year, with outstanding participation from attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and industry partners.

The conference agenda is available and will continue to be updated as additional details are finalized. View the latest schedule, speakers, events, and exhibitor activities on the conference agenda page.

A few important reminders:

• Exhibitor registration closes soon! We are working on the layout for our biggest and best exhibitor show yet.
• Attendees are now able to access the Whova app to build schedules, connect with peers, and receive conference updates.
• Crystal Mountain lodging is quite limited. If your preferred room type is unavailable, we encourage you to explore overflow lodging options and contact Crystal Mountain at 1-855-520-2974 to inquire about waitlist or cancellation-list opportunities.
• Please see the articles below regarding the Annual Membership Meeting, including the election of directors and officers, and opportunities to contribute items for the conference silent auction.

We look forward to welcoming transit leaders from across Michigan for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration on August 17.

MPTA Updates Membership Structure to Better Serve Michigan Transportation Providers

At its June meeting, the MPTA Board of Directors approved recommendations to modernize the association’s membership structure and better reflect the variety of transportation providers serving Michigan communities. 

The recommendations include replacing the current Specialized Services membership category with a broader "Other Transportation Provider Member" category and retiring the association’s Constitution in favor of updated bylaws. MPTA members will consider the proposed Constitution retirement and bylaw amendments at the Annual Membership Meeting during the August Conference.

The new category is intended to better represent organizations that provide transportation services but are not traditional public transit agencies. This includes many Section 5310 transportation providers, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, intercity bus operators, and other community-based transportation organizations. While these providers have different missions and funding structures, they often face similar opportunities and challenges and can benefit from stronger connections with peers across the state.

MPTA already provides a variety of resources that are valuable to these organizations, including advocacy, collaboration with MDOT, training and conference opportunities, committee participation, industry updates, benchmarking resources, and peer-to-peer networking. The association believes there is significant opportunity to expand these benefits and create even greater value for transportation providers that may not have traditionally viewed themselves as part of the broader transit community.

Looking ahead, MPTA hopes to grow membership among transportation providers across Michigan, develop more targeted training opportunities, increase access to available resources, and ensure that these organizations have a stronger voice in association activities and transportation policy discussions. As part of this effort, MPTA is also working to verify member information—including vehicle inventories and eligible operating expenses—ahead of the upcoming membership renewal season to ensure a smooth transition to the updated membership structure.

Please click here for a copy of the proposed bylaws changes and the prior MPTA Constitution that is proposed for retirement.

Notice of Annual MPTA Meeting & Board Nominations Slate

Per the MPTA bylaws, the MPTA’s Officers and Directors are elected at the association’s annual meeting, which will take place this year during the Michigan Public Transportation Conference at Crystal Mountain Resort.

Wednesday, August 19 at 8:00am
(beginning with board of directors meeting, followed by membership meeting at approximately 8:30am)

For background, the MPTA’s Board of Directors comprises 16 members:

• Three officers: the President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer
• Eleven at-large directors representing both urban and rural transit systems
• One ex-officio director representing associate members
• The immediate Past-President of the association also automatically holds a seat

All FY2027 board members will serve one-year terms (renewable) concurrent with the MPTA’s membership year beginning October 1st, 2026.

The Nominating Committee – appointed by the current MPTA Board President – reviewed applications and nominated the candidate slate below. Attention was given to achieve an equitable balance of representation among the various sizes and characteristics of the voting transit system members. Those nominated for FY2027 include:
Officers:

• President – Harmony Lloyd - SMART
• Vice President – John Stapleton – Delta/Schoolcraft Transit Authorities
• Secretary/Treasurer – Mallory Avis – Battle Creek Transit
• Immediate Past President (Automatic) – Heidi Wenzel – Ionia Dial-a-Ride

Directors At Large:

• Kelly Bales – Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority
• Ed Benning – Mass Transportation Authority of Flint
• Andrew Brieschke – Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA)
• Robert Cramer – DDOT / People Mover
• Rick Collins - Isabella County Transportation Commission (I-Ride)
• Sean McBride – Kalamazoo Metro
• Mary Rice – Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency (SATA)
• Steve Schipper – Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid)
• Adam Baranski - Livingston Essential Transportation Service (LETS)
• Jeff Pfeifer - Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (The Ride)
• Whitney Ehresman – Allegan County Transportation
• Associate Member (non-voting) – Steve Bolin – Hoekstra Transportation

Please note that, per the MPTA bylaws, individual nominations to any of these positions may be made by any voting member from the floor prior to the actual election at the annual meeting. Election to office at the annual meeting may be by viva voce vote or by written ballot.

A majority of the votes cast for each office shall be necessary to win an election. Each transit system is entitled to one vote by a designated representative and may further designate another person or system as a proxy voting representative if unable to attend the meeting.

Start Planning Your Conference Silent Auction Basket!

The MPTA PAC Silent Auction will return to this year's conference, and now is a great time to start thinking about your basket contribution. Whether it's a collection of local favorites, a themed experience, sports memorabilia, Michigan-made products, gift cards, or another creative idea, every basket helps support transit advocacy in Michigan. 

New this year:

• The auction will run Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., closing during the Tuesday Reception to maximize participation and bidding activity.
• All items will also include a Buy It Now option for those who can't wait around to bid!
• Contributors are encouraged to keep baskets in the $50–$300 range, and larger donations may be divided into multiple baskets to create even more bidding opportunities.
• We'll also recognize a Most Creative Basket Award, chosen by conference attendees.

Basket donations should ideally be delivered during conference registration on Monday, with all items due no later than Tuesday at 9am.

Thank you for helping make this fun fundraiser a success while supporting the MPTA PAC's efforts to advance public transit throughout Michigan.

Michigan Transit Jobs & RFPs

Have a Job or RFP to post? Post it directly through our online Member Portal or by emailing it to us.

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