2025 Meet Southeast Michigan’s County Leaders: The Regional Impact of Trade and Transit

The Detroit Regional Chamber hosted its 2025 Meet Southeast Michigan’s County Leaders event to convene the Detroit Region’s three core counties leaders, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. Moderated by Carol Cain of CBS Detroit and the Detroit Free Press, the conversation delved into the pressing issues the Region faces, underscoring the critical need for collaboration in the face of shifting federal policies for Southeast Michigan to continue to thrive. 

The Looming Shadow of Federal Policy  

The conversation with the county executives didn’t shy away from the current economic climate, particularly the impact of tariffs on the Region. The reconfiguration of global supply chains and the U.S.’s weakening trade relationships have left the Region disproportionately vulnerable. 

The potential erosion of the long-standing partnerships with Canada was also a significant concern. Coulter noted that current trade partners, including Canada, are beginning to seek new partners for the space the U.S. once filled.  

Coulter voiced his concern for this reality based on a recent conversation with the Canadian Consul General, Colin Bird, saying, “It was sobering because what he said was ‘we no longer trust the longtime friendship we have with the United States.’” 

As for federal funding cuts, Evans echoed the need for the Region to speak with a unified voice when advocating for federal resources, rather than engaging in fragmented competition over their shared goals and grant needs. 

Hackel shared that his county has increased its reliance on nonprofits, such as Advance Macomb, and that continuing to cultivate support across county lines will be mutually beneficial. 

“Let’s face it, Detroit is without a doubt the urban center of the Region,” Hackel said. “If it fails, we all do.” 

Collaboration is Key 

Despite external pressures, the spirit of bipartisanship shone through as a beacon of hope for the executives. The county executives repeatedly emphasized their commitment to working together, transcending county lines to address their residents’ shared challenges.  

Hackel underscored the tangible benefits of this cooperation, particularly in the realm of economic development. The recent announcement regarding the new F15EX mission was a prime example of what can be achieved through coordinated advocacy at the state and federal levels.  

Hackel credited the bipartisan efforts of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and President Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the strategic significance of Selfridge Air National Guard Base. He said, “I think the most important part about that is the recognition of bipartisanship.”  

Road Funding and Regional Transit 

Evans didn’t mince words regarding the inadequacy of the current road funding formula, a system based on criteria established decades ago. He pointed out the stark disparities in funding per resident across different counties, highlighting the need for a more equitable approach that considers factors beyond just the length of roads, and that improved mobility is crucial for the Region’s growth and connecting residents to job opportunities.

“If we’re ever going to grow the Region, we need mobility,” Evans said. “Our young people don’t want to drive, but they want to get places downtown, or from one place to another – whether that be buses or other [modes of] transit.” 

While issues like equitable infrastructure funding and a seamless regional transit system remain works in progress, the county executives offer a sense of optimism that the Region is well-positioned to have better connectivity in the future.