Focus Macomb - October 2025

Hello and welcome to the October edition of Focus Macomb!

This past month has seen a lot of positive news for our community. For instance, I was able to attend the ribbon-cutting for the new ZF Lifetec facility in Washington Township. This was a $62 million expansion project for ZF Group – a leader in automotive safety technology – and will provide 480 jobs in the area. Thanks, in part, to the efforts of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, this global leader will continue to make Macomb their home.

Another recent celebration was for the LegaSea Aquarium in Utica, which officially opened its doors on October 4. Tickets are available now for the new indoor, interactive aquarium and zoo, so come on out and witness the wonders of aquatic life up close.

While this month has been one of new beginnings for many in Macomb County, it has also been a month of showcasing continued progress and innovation. Recently, I was able to present at both the State of Macomb County Animal Care and State of Macomb County Roads to highlight this year’s improvements, as well as expectations for the future. More on this work is further in this newsletter.

October 12 was also National Farmer’s Day, a reminder of our Macomb County farmers who work tirelessly to bring quality produce to our markets and homes every season. There are over 400 working farms in our community, covering up to 20% of county land. Thank you to everyone working the farms, for your dedication and resilience!

Lastly, as Halloween draws closer, I ask those who celebrate the holiday to bundle up, stay safe and have a great weekend. Looking for activity ideas? Check out our Fall in Love with Macomb page and Make Macomb Your Home Events Facebook. 

Take care and Happy Halloween,

Mark Hackel

Officials from the Macomb County Executive Office and the Macomb Department of Roads (MCDR) provided an overview of the current state of Macomb County’s roads, highlighted progress that was made in 2025, which included more than $73 million in road, bridge and traffic improvements. With the passage of the state budget and additional road funding signed into law, the agency also previewed plans for 2026. 

“The work of the Department of Roads is essential to enhancing public safety and supporting the transportation infrastructure needs of the County and the growth of the region” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “With the addition of new road funding through the state, Macomb County will continue to make strategic investments using data-driven asset management.” 

As Michigan’s third most populated county and home of the sixth largest road system in the state, MCDR is responsible for the management of more than 1,700 miles of county roadways, 226 bridges, 830 culverts, 900 traffic signals, 350 traffic cameras and 60,000 traffic signs. Macomb County has made significant investments in roads and bridges in recent years while incorporating the use of the latest traffic technology to reinforce MCDR’s existing programs and strategies. 

“Macomb County is continuously exploring, evaluating and implementing technologies, strategies, projects and programs that strengthen our infrastructure and enhance safety for all road users,” said Macomb County Deputy Executive John Paul Rea. “Macomb County is a leader in transportation safety and emerging mobility deployments and is equipped to solve logistical and safety challenges and improve the movement of people and goods in Macomb County.” 

MCDR has made notable progress in recent years, but there is still work to be done. Macomb County estimates $2.6 billion is needed to improve every road and bridge under their jurisdiction. 

2025 Progress 

The Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with the Macomb Regional Housing Partnership, and the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development is announcing its 2025 Macomb County Housing Summit. The event will be held on Monday, November 17 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Macomb Community College South Campus, located at 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren.

The summit will include a presentation on the results of the recently-completed Community and Housing Needs Assessment – a comprehensive county-wide perspective on housing as well as localized observations, challenges and actionable strategies to guide future policy and investments. The summit will also include breakout discussions that focus on priorities that are unique to Macomb County. 

“We’re proud to be able to host the 2025 Macomb County Housing Summit and share the results of the Community and Housing and Needs Assessment,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. “Anyone who attends this event will have the perfect opportunity to hear the results of the assessment first-hand, explore recommendations for action, and take part in discussions that will guide the future of housing in Macomb County. I encourage anyone who is interested in housing in Macomb County to attend.” 

Individuals who are interested in attending this free event can register here. 

Learn more about the Macomb County community and housing needs assessment. 

Manufacturing Day in Macomb County: Connecting students to real careers

Every year, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) helps organize a week of tours where local manufacturers open their doors to high school students. It’s a chance for students to see what modern manufacturing looks like, explore career options, and hear directly from the people who make it all happen. 

What makes Macomb County’s Manufacturing Day unique is that it isn’t just one day. It's extended into a week-long celebration of manufacturing so that more schools and businesses can take part. Over the course of the week, 73 tours took place across 69 different companies, giving nearly 2,000 students the opportunity to experience manufacturing firsthand. Expanding the event allows us to reach more classrooms, more communities, and more future talent. 

Throughout the week, students from schools across the county visited different companies. Each stop gave them something new to experience, whether it was advanced machinery, food production, or beauty product development. What stood out the most were the stories. Many of the employees the students met didn’t take a traditional path to get where they are. Hearing how they built their careers showed students that there’s more than one way to succeed in manufacturing. 

One of the visits was to Ethel’s Baking Company. Here, students got a behind-the-scenes look at food manufacturing. They suited up in the proper gear such as hair nets, gloves, and even beard nets for a few, and walked the floor to see how Ethel’s gluten-free desserts are made and packaged. They also took part in some of the process, which gave them a real sense of what it’s like to work in a facility like that. 

Another stop was PCS Company, a local business that specializes in creating molds for plastic injection manufacturing. The students who attended were studying engineering, so this visit hit home for them. They saw CNC machines in action, learned about mold design, and heard how the work they were seeing connects to what they’re learning in school. The best part was realizing that jobs like these can pay just as well as some white-collar careers, all while building real products right here in Macomb County. 

One other stop was Merit Manufacturing, which focuses on beauty and personal care products. They’re the team behind some of the lotions and hair products most likely bought at Target. Students learned how these products are developed, manufactured, and packaged for retail. The tour also highlighted company culture. Merit places a strong focus on community and long-term growth for its employees. It wasn’t just about production. It was about people. 

Manufacturing Day in Macomb County continues to highlight the strength and diversity of our local businesses. It gives students the chance to see the many paths available in this field and to realize that manufacturing isn’t just part of our history. It’s part of our future. 

MCPED knows that when our businesses succeed, our communities succeed alongside them. Events like Manufacturing Day help to plan for the future by investing in the next generation of talent. Our future is rooted in our children, and MCPED is proud to support them by connecting schools, businesses, and communities across the county.  If you would like to be a part of Manufacturing Day or any other project, find more information on the Macomb Business page on workforce and talent. 

Macomb County Executive submits 2026 budget recommendation to Board of Commissioners

Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel recently submitted his recommended 2026 budget to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. For the 14th consecutive year, Hackel has presented a structurally balanced budget, ensuring that all expenditures are fully supported by forecasted revenues. 

The $1.1 billion proposed budget prioritizes community-focused services and reinforces Macomb County’s long-standing commitment to transparency, responsiveness and fiscal responsibility. It continues the county’s investment in people and programs, driving meaningful and lasting impact through purposeful spending. 

“The foundation of the County’s budget reinforces our commitment to the people of Macomb County,” said Executive Hackel. “By investing in programs that make a lasting difference and supporting the dedicated individuals who deliver critical services, we ensure that every dollar is spent with purpose. This budget isn’t just about balancing numbers, it’s about fostering a future of sustainable growth and opportunity for all. Through careful, practical spending, we are building a stronger, more resilient county.” 

Key budget priorities 

Macomb County residents urged to be on the lookout for Spongy Moth egg masses

This October, Macomb County’s MSU Extension office is asking residents to help protect Macomb’s trees and outdoor spaces by reporting sightings of Spongy Moth egg masses to its Spongy Moth hotline at 586-469-6432. 

These egg masses are easy to spot - they appear as fuzzy, yellow-brown clumps, about 1 to 2 inches long, and are often found on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, playsets, sheds, fences, vehicles, and other outdoor surfaces around your home. If you see an egg mass, don’t ignore it. Call the Spongy Moth hotline to report its location.

MSU Extension also wants to be informed of any sightings found on public property, such as your local park, wooded areas or trails. Once reported, trained surveyors will inspect the area to determine whether suppression treatments will be needed next year. 

Why is reporting Spongy Moth egg masses important? Spongy Moth egg masses are strong enough to survive Michigan winters. In the spring, each egg mass hatches into hundreds of caterpillars that feed on tree leaves, leaving trees vulnerable to disease, drought, and even death after repeated infestations. It is important to keep their population down so tree canopies remain healthy and full. By reporting egg masses now, residents are helping to protect Macomb County’s trees, parks, and neighborhoods from a damaging outbreak next year.

To learn more 

• Spongy Moth – an overview