Livonia, MI, June 2026 – Citizens Research Council of Michigan recently released Article VII – Local Government, the 10th in a series of 15 papers providing information to Michigan voters ahead of the November ballot question on whether a constitutional convention (con-con) should be held. The series examines each of the 12 articles of the Michigan Constitution and offers historical and other important background on past con-cons.
A constitutional convention may assess how state preemption of local decisions has weakened Michigan’s tradition of home rule, the structure of local government, governance of counties, the use of metropolitan governments and special authorities, and the removal of elected officials.
The most impactful issue a constitutional convention could address in 2027 is balancing the state’s powers to empower, oversee, and control local governments with local governments’ interest in exercising the home-rule powers currently provided in the constitution. Legislative action, administrative rules, and court rulings have eroded the spirit of home rule as it was originally envisioned by the drafters of the 1908 and 1963 Constitutions. Other potential reforms in Article VII include efforts to streamline the structure of local government and create greater flexibility to streamline the administration of county government.
The Research Council’s con-con series aims to provide voters with information to help them decide whether convening a constitutional convention is in Michigan’s best interest. The Citizens Research Council takes no position on whether to call a constitutional convention.
