Focus Macomb - January 2026

Macomb County automotive industry makes the parts that build the whole 

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan has the highest percentage of auto production in the United States, with Detroit acting as the hub for all things automotive since the early 1900s. Since then, vehicle manufacturing has expanded throughout the metro area.

Macomb County lives 25 miles up the coast from the Motor City and acts as one major cog in the automotive machine here in Southeastern Michigan. While every car is not fully assembled here, our manufacturers help produce many of the parts that make up a vehicle, including some of the most important components, such as the engine, brakes and other electrical parts. In total, Macomb is home to 360 automotive and mobility companies that provide over 57,000 jobs and $40.13 billion in total sales.

The different types of automotive manufacturers within the County can be broken down into eight different categories, pulled from Lightcast data: 

• Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing 

On January 27, the Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Task Force (MCAT) held its second annual Education and Human Trafficking Awareness Conference at the Macomb Intermediate School District headquarters in Clinton Township. The conference brought together community partners from across the region to strengthen awareness, collaboration and engagement in local anti-trafficking efforts. Participants included county government departments, regional service providers, educators, for-profit and nonprofit organizations and agencies within the criminal justice system.

Subject matter experts included educators and leaders from the Michigan Attorney General Office, Turning Point, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Office, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Clinton Township Clerks Office and a film documentary from a local survivor and her lived experience. 

“Human trafficking is not a distant issue. It is happening in communities just like ours, and addressing it requires coordination and education,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “This conference reinforces our commitment to supporting survivors, equipping professionals and working side by side with trusted community partners and law enforcement to prevent exploitation and hold offenders accountable.”

Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of labor or sexual exploitation.  Every year, millions of individuals are trafficked worldwide, including the United States.  It can happen in any community and victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality and traffickers often rely on manipulation, financial vulnerability, false promises or online recruitment to lure individuals into exploitation.

“Protecting our community is a core responsibility of law enforcement,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “Human trafficking thrives in secrecy and fear, and the only way to combat it is through the collaboration of informed communities, and a victim-centered approach. This conference helps ensure our deputies and partners have the tools to identify trafficking, intervene early and support survivors on their path to safety and recovery.” 

The MCAT Task Force works to combat human trafficking through prevention, education, victim-centered response and coordinated law enforcement efforts. MCAT partners closely with local police agencies, prosecutors, health care providers, educators and nonprofit organizations to identify trafficking activity, support survivors and enhance investigative and prosecution strategies.

The conference underscored Macomb County’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and promote a coordinated, community-driven response to human trafficking. For more information on MCAT visit the task force’s website.

Macomb Community Action to host 36th annual Walk for Warmth

Registration is now open for the 36th annual Macomb Community Action Walk for Warmth. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 in downtown Mount Clemens starting at the Macomb County Administration Building located at 1 South Main St. On-site registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m.  Walkers will be able to choose either a 1.5-mile or 3-mile route through beautiful downtown Mount Clemens. All funds raised through the event will be used to assist low-income individuals with heat-related emergencies, like paying a utility bill or repairing/replacing a broken furnace. 

Individuals interested in participating in the 2026 Walk for Warmth can find details and a registration link on our sign-up website. The registration fee is $30 per walker; children ages 12 and under are free. On the day of event (February 28), registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 10 a.m. 

The weather outside has been pretty frightful – and the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) has been moving expertly to prevent accidents due to heavy snowfall and ice. 

What you may need to know

Snow removal performed by MCDR is done on a priority basis. What takes priority, you may ask? According to pre-established guidelines, it goes as follows: 

1. State roads and highways (I-696, I-94, M-3, M-53, M-59, etc.) 

In case you’re on the road during heavy snowfall 

Those who find themselves driving during a snowstorm, please heed these instructions: 

• Buckle up