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ACD: More fiber optic internet now available across Michigan

ICYMI: DRC Celebrates Chamber PAC Primary Successes & MORE

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING NEWS WAS ANNOUNCEND DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 3RD-7TH

Data centers are becoming one of the most important and misunderstood pieces of infrastructure in Michigan. In a recent interview with Crain’s Detroit Business, Sandy K. Baruah, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, said that “Michigan has such a strong story to tell around how we’re doing data centers vs. how other states have done data centers because frankly we went to school on what other states did wrong.”

The Michigan for Responsible Data Centers Coalition was a virtual town hall, held Thursday the 13th  to hear from leading experts on data center development and its implications in Michigan.

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.  

Here’s where things stand after the primary:

  • 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.
  • The Chamber congratulates Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Rep. John James (R-MI 10) on advancing to the November gubernatorial election. Longtime Chamber partners, Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, also advanced to the general election.

Looking ahead: 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. A final round of endorsements will be issued ahead of the November general election, in addition to those already made.

 

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Regional Transit Gets Big Boost From Wayne County Voters 

“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,” said Sandy K. Baruah, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer. “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.” 

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.

The Chamber’s role: The Chamber has been a longtime supporter of expanded transit in the Region. On July 15, the Chamber’s Director of Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Adam Majestic, joined Wayne County Transit for All, alongside business and community leaders, including Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, to discuss how expanded regional transit can boost the Region’s economy. 

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Consumer Protection Law, Gutted 27 Years Ago by Supreme Court, Revived in New Ruling

Consumers will again have the ability to allege a business violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act without the business having the power to thwart the complaint through asserting the transaction in question was lawful under a Supreme Court ruling. Read more.

Benson vs. James Matchup Set for General Election

The top of the general election ticket has been settled, with a faceoff between Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James to become Michigan’s next governor. Read more.

LG Candidate Names Start to Swirl for Benson, James

As the general election marches forward, names are beginning to emerge on who the party nominees for governor will pick as their running mates. Read more.

PSC Reviewing Court Ruling on Line 5 Tunnel Permit, No Timeline Yet on Future Decision

The Public Service Commission is reviewing last month’s Supreme Court ruling that will require it to reconsider its approval of a permit for the Line 5 tunnel project to see whether it will review the existing record or reopen it for further evidence from parties. Read more.

Nessel, Whitmer Join Lawsuit Against Trump Administration’s Tariffs

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a lawsuit with 25 other states to challenge President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The lawsuit claims the tariffs are illegal, and that the latest decision to impose tariffs on 80 countries that account for around 99% of all imports in the country will make already high prices on consumers even more of a burden. Read more.

 

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