Efforts to Change the Course of Local Governance in Michigan
In a bid to redefine the governance of financially distressed localities in Michigan, State Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) has proposed repealing the state’s emergency manager law. This legislation currently permits the appointment of emergency managers with significant authority over struggling cities and school districts.
According to Senate Bill 929, these managers possess the ability to supersede local officials, modify budgets, and nullify contracts. Although there are no active emergency managers at present, Cavanagh highlights the historical impact on predominantly low-income, majority-Black communities. She argues that rather than providing the necessary support and stability, the law has compromised local democracy, reduced municipal independence, and deprived communities of essential resources.
Cavanagh expressed, “Michigan’s emergency manager law perpetuates that inequity — from selling off public assets for a fraction of their value, to forcing cities to dissolve entire school districts to leading Detroit Public Schools into a deeper deficit, and to the closure of dozens of school buildings in the city. That’s why I’m proud to champion this bill that will restore autonomy to local municipalities and empower communities to make their own governing decisions.”
The city of Detroit experienced emergency management during its bankruptcy proceedings, while Flint was under similar oversight between 2012 and 2015. Decisions made by some of Flint’s emergency managers, particularly regarding the water supply switch to the Flint River without proper corrosion control, played a role in the infamous Flint Water Crisis.
The Flint Mayor’s office stated, “Flint residents know firsthand how destructive the emergency manager law has been. We unequivocally support Senate Bill 929 and would like to see immediate passage. This disingenuous law must be repealed. Rather than providing help, the Emergency Manager Law has severely undermined communities — stripping away assets, silencing local voices, and bargaining away our futures.”
Several other cities have experienced the imposition of emergency managers:
- Pontiac: (2009–2013)
- Benton Harbor: (2010)
- Hamtramck: (2000)
- Ecorse: (2009)
- Allen Park: (2012)
- Highland Park: (2001)
Some school districts have also been under emergency management:
- Detroit Public Schools (2009-2016)
- Muskegon Heights School District (2012-2016)
- Highland Park Schools (2012-2018)
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