Photo credit: Nic Antaya
Reliable transportation is the backbone of a robust regional economy. On Aug. 4, Wayne County voters will decide on a 10-year transit millage proposal that represents a strategic investment in the regional workforce and local business ecosystem.
On July 15, the Detroit Regional 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 Evans, to discuss how expanded regional transit can boost the Region’s economy.
“Businesses succeed when employees and customers can reliably reach them,” said Majestic. “Strong public transportation expands workforce access, supports local small businesses, and makes Wayne County more competitive by giving residents and employers the transportation options they need to thrive.” Watch the press conference here.
Learn more in the news release below.
July 15, 2026
Wayne County Transit for All Encourages Residents to Vote YES on Tuesday, Aug. 4
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, business and labor leaders, and senior and disability advocates, gathered today to discuss the Wayne County Transit for All campaign, a broad-based, bipartisan countywide effort encouraging voters to support the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage on the Tuesday, Aug. 4, ballot.
The event took place at the John D. Dingell Transit Center in Dearborn, where speakers highlighted the critical role public transportation plays in connecting residents to jobs, health care, education, businesses and essential services throughout Wayne County.
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans said the proposal represents an investment in both people and the region’s future.
“Public transportation is about far more than buses — it’s about opportunity,” Evans said. “This proposal protects the transit service thousands of residents already depend on while expanding access to more communities throughout Wayne County. Reliable transportation connects people to jobs, students to schools, seniors to healthcare and individuals with disabilities to greater independence. It also strengthens our economy by helping businesses connect with workers and customers. I encourage every voter to learn more about this proposal and vote YES on Tuesday, Aug. 4.”
The Wayne County Public Transportation Millage would renew existing SMART millage financial support in 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.
Today’s press conference also featured personal stories illustrating how dependable public transportation improves quality of life for residents across Wayne County.
Jason Maciejewski, Chief Executive Officer of The Senior Alliance, spoke about the importance of transit to help older adults remain active and independent.
“For many seniors, public transportation means the freedom to continue living independently, attend doctor’s appointments, buy groceries, visit loved ones and stay connected to the community,” Maciejewski said. “Supporting this millage means supporting dignity, independence and a better quality of life for thousands of older adults throughout Wayne County.”
John Waterman, Founder and Executive Director of Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC), said accessible transit supports the independence of individuals with disabilities.
“Reliable public transportation allows people with disabilities to work, access healthcare, shop for groceries and participate fully in their community,” Waterman said. “This proposal is about more than transportation. It’s about ensuring every resident, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to live independently and stay connected.”
Lisa Franklin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Warriors on Wheels of Metropolitan Detroit, said reliable public transportation is about much more than getting from one place to another. It is instead about having the opportunity to participate fully in life.
“Nearly 30 years ago, I was hit by a drunk driver, and the crash left me using a wheelchair,” Franklin said. “I know firsthand how access to reliable transportation can shape your independence. Accessible public transportation connects people with disabilities to work, healthcare, recreation and their communities, making greater independence possible. That’s why I support the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage and encourage Wayne County residents to vote YES on Tuesday, Aug. 4.”
Business leaders highlighted the economic benefits of investing in public transit.
Adam Majestic, Director of government affairs for the Detroit Regional Chamber, said reliable transportation is essential to helping employers grow and compete.
“Businesses succeed when employees and customers can reliably reach them,” Majestic said. “Strong public transportation expands workforce access, supports local small businesses and makes Wayne County more competitive by giving residents and employers the transportation options they need to thrive.”
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