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eDetroiter: All Chamber PAC-Endorsed Candidates Advance to November

100% Primary Success: Detroit Regional Chamber PAC-Endorsed Candidates Advance to November General Election

The Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) achieved a 100% success rate in the primary election, with every endorsed candidate successfully advancing to the November general election.

Following a rigorous screening process evaluating candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan State Senate, and Michigan House of Representatives, the Chamber PAC backed leaders who demonstrate a consistent willingness to move past partisan divisions, build common ground, and prioritize policies that enhance the competitive economic position of the Detroit Region and the state.  

The Chamber PAC thanks all candidates who ran for office and are committed to public service and congratulates those moving forward to the Nov. 3 election.

Stay in the know: Looking ahead, the Chamber PAC will issue a final round of endorsements ahead of the November general election, in addition to those already made. Sign up for the Chamber’s advocacy newsletter.   

Regional Transit Gets Big Boost From Wayne County Voters

Also in the primary election, voters approved the 10-year transit millage proposal backed by Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans and the Chamber. By eliminating opt-out communities in the county, the millage is a major step toward creating a fully connected Detroit Region through public transit, one of the Chamber’s top public policy priorities over the past 20 years. View the Chamber’s 2026 policy priorities.

“Having our three leading counties fully opted into SMART is a major step toward creating the fully connected regional transit system the Detroit Region so desperately needs to grow our economy. We applaud Executive Warren Evans and SMART’s Tiffany Gunter for championing this critical effort as it will greatly improve transit for people and businesses across the tri-counties.” 

– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

What to know: The Wayne County Public Transportation Millage renews existing SMART millage funding for current participating communities while expanding transit opportunities throughout all of Wayne County. For homeowners in communities already receiving SMART service, the proposal represents a renewal of the current millage, not a tax increase. Wayne County officials say SMART would add eight new bus routes, five new route extensions, and on-demand service over approximately three years.

Learn More About the Millage
 

Chamber Launches ‘Open Door’ Program to Provide Basic Needs, Eliminate Barriers to Educational Attainment​

Pictured left to right: Richard Bierschbach, Darienne Driver Hudson, David Knezek, Sandy K. Baruah

Last week, Detroit Drives Degrees, a Chamber education and talent program, launched Open Door, an on-campus, in-person student support program developed in partnership with Henry Ford College, Wayne State University, and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

What it is: The initiative will help students navigate challenges, such as housing instability, financial emergencies, and more.

By the numbers: National research shows that 41% of college students experience food insecurity, and 48% experience housing insecurity. Nearly eight in 10 students who have stopped out of college or considered stopping out cite basic needs or financial challenges as contributing factors.

“We know many students leave college not because of academic challenges, but because of unexpected life circumstances, and the Chamber, with our partners at United Way, Henry Ford College, and Wayne State University, is deeply committed to ensuring students don’t bear those burdens alone or without support,” said Meghan Schmidbauer, Senior Director of Detroit Drives Degrees.

“Open Door is a truly collaborative effort to help more students complete their education and enter the workforce prepared and empowered.” 

Learn More About Open Door

Support Areas​

Open Door provides support in the following areas:

  • Housing stability

  • Financial support

  • Child care

  • Transportation

  • Food Security
 

Learn More

Interested in learning more about the program? Contact Meghan Schmidbauer,  mschmidbauer@detroitchamber.com, to learn more.

 

Save the Date, Aug. 13 | Michigan for Responsible Data Centers: What Every Michigander Should Know

Data centers are becoming one of the most important and misunderstood pieces of infrastructure in Michigan.

Save the date for Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. to join the Michigan for Responsible Data Centers Coalition for a virtual town hall to hear from leading experts on data center development and its implications in Michigan.

Whether you’re a local official, community member, or simply curious about what’s being built in your backyard, this session will provide clear, factual information to engage in the conversation.

Register for the Webinar
 

Michigan’s Largest Hospital Systems Dominate U.S. News Rankings

Photo credit: Scott C. Soderberg/UM Photo Services

U.S. News & World Report recently released its rankings of the best hospitals in Michigan, and the state’s largest health systems dominate the latest rankings, including many Chamber members.

The Chamber congratulates the following members for being recognized among the list of best hospitals in Michigan:

  • Bronson Healthcare Group
  • Corewell Health
  • Henry Ford Health
  • Trinity Health
  • University of Michigan Health
View the List
 

Michigan Public’s Zoe Clark to Receive MAPB Public Media Impact Award​

Pictured: Zoe Clark at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference

The Chamber congratulates Zoe Clark, Associate General Manager and Political Director of Michigan Public, for receiving the Michigan Association of Public Broadcasting (MAPB)’s 2026 Public Media Impact Award.

A long-time friend of the Chamber, Clark has moderated many sessions during the Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference, including the 2026 Chamber PAC Reception.

 

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Upcoming August Events​

 

Join the Chamber for its AI Office Hour next Wednesday, Aug. 12, brought to you by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), to explore how AI is being applied in practical, high-impact ways across various industries and how it delivers tangible business value.

Register Now
 

Join the Chamber, in partnership with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. for a relaxed evening of networking. Refreshments and light bites will be available.

Register Now
 
 
 

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