Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel tonight delivered the annual State of the County address at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. The event, which was presented by WM, covered a wide-range of topics, with a focus on the county’s transformation since an executive form of government was enacted 15 years ago.
“This new structure — our structure — has allowed us to challenge ourselves, seize opportunities, and plan for the future,” Hackel said. “And because of that, I believe Macomb County is today stronger than ever. We are stronger because we have built this movement with everybody. And I believe this is the mindset that helped us transform Macomb County.”
That transformation through collaboration was highlighted in six core areas, including:
- Fixing finances
- Promoting place
- Protecting quality of life
- Building a competitive economy
- Investing in infrastructure
- Prioritizing public safety, public health and education
For finances, Hackel highlighted the $13.5 million budget deficit that existed when Macomb's Charter took effect, as well as an unfunded retiree health care liability
“Working together, those deficits were resolved,” he said. “Today, we can proudly say that we have delivered balanced budgets every year since. We have fully funded our retiree health care and pension systems. We continue to add to our healthy fund balance. And we maintain a strong AA+ credit rating.”
Hackel continued the address by discussing advancements in quality of life and the local economy. Major points being:
- Enhancements to waterways like Lake St. Clair and the county’s overall tree canopy, which through partnerships and funding secured by Green Macomb, has seen an additional 200,000 plantings in the last 10 years
- Macomb’s $56.4 billion GDP, which is made possible through a dynamic and diversified business environment featuring manufacturing, retail, health care, agriculture and more. For comparison, 15 years ago, the county had a $33 billion economy, making today's number the largest it has ever been in Macomb’s 200-year history
- Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which though collaboration at the local, state and federal levels, will be home to new KC-46 tankers and F-15EX Fighter Jets
Infrastructure was also highlighted. From sewers and drains to roadways, the efforts to improve these systems took collaboration and cooperation.
“For over a decade we have been at the forefront of the conversation about fixing our local roads,” he said. “As a trusted voice we united advocacy groups like SEMCOG, MITA, MDOT and our roadbuilders, all who were committed to helping us find solutions. Because of this relentless advocacy we found ourselves in a position to build consensus during this year’s state budget negotiations. And I’m proud to say that a nearly $2 billion Michigan Neighborhood Roads Fund has been created – leading to approximately $30 million additional dollars annually for the Macomb County Department of Roads.”
Hackel’s final points focused on public safety and public health, highlighting the Central Intake and Assessment Center, the Marine Sheriff facility and services offered through the Health Department, Senior Services and Community Mental Health. He also celebrated progress at Macomb County Animal Control.
“Since day one we set out to be the example of how an animal shelter should operate,” he said. “We focused on creating a safer, more caring facility for our animals, as well as enhancing and promoting the services available for families to adopt them. And it’s because of this approach that we are now credited for having one of the highest save rates in the State of Michigan.”
Hackel closed by reiterating the power of partnerships and collaboration, and how this approach will continue to transform the county.
“The past 15 years have proven what’s possible when a community believes in itself—and in one another,” he said. “And if the past is any measure of what’s to come, then the best chapters of “Macomb with Everybody” are still ahead.”
Tom Lehrer
586-463-3523
lehrer@macombgov.org
