Citizen Portal News Michigan
banner
citizenptnewsmi.bsky.social
Citizen Portal News Michigan
@citizenptnewsmi.bsky.social
A heated debate unfolded as commissioners weighed the pros and cons of using AI for drafting meeting minutes, only to pivot into a closed session over a contentious community property litigation.

Learn more here!

#BirminghamCityOaklandCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #ArtificialIntelligence
Commission debates AI for minutes, then meets in closed session on Community House litigation
Commissioners debated whether to advance use of AI to draft minutes and ultimately declined to move that discussion to the next stage. The commission then voted to meet in closed session under MCL 15.268(8)(e) to discuss pending litigation regarding the Community House and, after closed session, reported that it has filed pleadings including a lis pendens to block a sale.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Birmingham's City Commission just approved a $5.15 million budget for the 48th District Court, but concerns about rising local costs are sparking debate among commissioners.

Get the details!

#BirminghamCityOaklandCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CivilCases #JudicialFunding
Commission approves 48th District Court 2026 budget; Birmingham to pay roughly $2.1 million share
The commission voted to approve the 48th District Court's $5.15 million 2026 operating budget. Birmingham's share was cited at 40.69% ($2,095,535); one commissioner dissented citing concern about local costs and sustainability of the trial-court funding model.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Birmingham's Historic Preservation Master Plan aims to transform how the city protects its architectural heritage, moving from reactive measures to proactive stewardship with exciting new initiatives!

Learn more here

#BirminghamCityOaklandCounty #MI #HistoricPreservation #CivicEngagement
Birmingham staff unveil Historic Preservation Master Plan, commission sends draft for public comment
City Planning Director Nick Dupuy presented a draft Historic Preservation Master Plan calling for a proactive approach to protecting Birmingham’s historic buildings, recommending new tools including a demolition-delay ordinance and a revived heritage-home plaque program; commissioners raised questions about economic impacts and implementation capacity.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Union leader Ryan Bennett calls for city projects to prioritize union labor after discovering a major downtown development was built entirely nonunion, emphasizing the benefits of wages, safety, and community training programs.

Click to read more!

#GrandRapidsCityKentCounty #MI
Union leaders urge city to ensure local projects include union labor after downtown nonunion bids
Ryan Bennett of UA Local 174 told the commission a major downtown development was entirely nonunion and urged the city to invite union participation in future projects to protect jobs and safety standards.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
The Grand Rapids City Commission just made significant strides by unanimously passing an ordinance for 411 Fuller Avenue and implementing new salary structures for key management roles!

Click to read more!

#GrandRapidsCityKentCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityDevelopment
City Commission approves 411 Fuller legal‑description fix and two salary ordinances; consent agenda passes
The Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously adopted an ordinance correcting the legal description for part of 411 Fuller Ave., and approved two salary ordinances affecting non‑represented management and parking/parks classifications; the consent agenda also passed.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:15 AM
The West Michigan Black Business Alliance is calling on Grand Rapids to become a co-champion in a powerful initiative aimed at boosting Black-owned businesses and tackling economic disparities.

Learn more here!

#GrandRapidsCityKentCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #GrandRapidsBlackBusiness
West Michigan Black Business Alliance asks Grand Rapids to co‑champion regional effort and expand support for Black-owned firms
Presenters asked the city to partner with the newly renamed West Michigan Black Business Alliance (formerly Black Business Voice Advisory), citing pilot successes connecting 14 local firms to city contracts and asking the city to help scale a Brookings‑informed regional framework and KPIs; commissioners pressed for clarity on funding and regional buy‑in.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:14 AM
The New Community Transformation Fund has successfully deployed $3.3 million across 12 innovative companies, with a promising $9.8 million commitment for future growth!

Click to read more!

#GrandRapidsCityKentCounty #MI #GrandRapidsCommunity #CitizenPortal #LocalInvestment #StartupSupport
New Community Transformation Fund reports $3.3M deployed; Michigan Strategic Fund conditionally commits $9.8M to Fund 2
NCTF told the commission it has deployed $3.3 million across 12 portfolio companies and that the Michigan Strategic Fund has committed $9.8 million toward a second fund, contingent on matching capital; presenters said the fund complements existing local CDFIs and connects portfolio firms to Grand Rapids activity.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Sterling Heights City Council is diving into the stormwater debate with an $83,700 study that could reshape how costs are allocated—sparking concerns over public engagement!

Get the details

#SterlingHeightsMacombCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #SterlingHeightsStormwater
Sterling Heights approves $83,700 stormwater utility feasibility study amid debate over public engagement
Council approved an $83,700 contract with Rapatelli's Financial Consultants to study a potential stormwater utility and rate structures; one council member opposed, citing concerns about public outreach and process.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Sterling Heights is celebrating a clean financial audit with a $42.7 million net position increase and exciting new library outreach programs!

Click to read more!

#SterlingHeightsMacombCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #SterlingHeightsLibrary #NeighborhoodSupport
Sterling Heights receives clean financial audit; library outreach and neighbor awards highlighted
City auditors issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on Sterling Heights' 2025 financial statements; the council received the annual comprehensive financial report and heard presentations on library outreach programs and NICE Neighbor awards.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Sterling Heights is taking a stand against cryptocurrency scams by introducing new regulations for crypto kiosks, aiming to protect residents from significant financial losses.

Click to read more!

#SterlingHeightsMacombCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SterlingHeightsCrypto
Sterling Heights council introduces ordinance to license crypto machines after police cite local scams
The council voted to introduce an ordinance requiring specialty licenses, annual inspections, transaction logs and limits for virtual-currency machines after police said 27 such units operate in Sterling Heights and residents reported $542,000 in losses in 2025.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Canton Township planners have hit the brakes on Sheetz's ambitious development project due to serious traffic safety concerns and doubts about the feasibility of EV chargers.

Read the full story

#MI #CitizenPortal #EVInfrastructure #CommunityDevelopment #TrafficSafety
Planning commission delays Sheetz PDD after staff flags truck circulation and EV power questions
The commission postponed Sheetz’s PDD at Ford/Lotts Road to allow Wade Trim’s traffic review, a truck‑circulation redesign, a statement of definite benefits, updated market data, and verification of EV‑charger feasibility (DTE correspondence).
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 9:12 AM
The Canton Township Planning Commission has hit the brakes on the controversial Everbrook development after residents raised serious concerns about flooding and maintenance responsibilities.

Get the details!

#MI #CitizenPortal #ActiveAdultLiving #CommunityPlanning
Canton planning commission postpones review of 481‑unit Everbrook active‑adult community after residents raise flood and maintenance concerns
The planning commission postponed action on Pulte/Del Webb’s Everbrook active‑adult proposal (481 units on ~224.5 acres) after extensive public comment about flooding, questions about long‑term creek and pond maintenance, and outstanding traffic and sanitary‑sewer reviews.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 9:06 AM
The Oak Park City Council just took a major step forward in building a new community center by awarding key contracts, but not everyone is on board—find out who voted no!

Click to read more!

#OakParkOaklandCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #OakParkCommunityCenter #CommunityDevelopment
Oak Park awards construction manager and abatement contracts for new community center
Council approved Barton Mallow Builders as construction manager for the planned community center and awarded a $221,077 asbestos‑abatement contract for buildings to be demolished; the CM vote passed 3–1 with Mayor Pro Tem Edgar voting no.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:57 AM
The Oak Park City Council has greenlit a major transformation of the former Forgotten Harvest site into an ice-manufacturing facility, promising a $12 million investment and 73 new jobs!

Click to read more!

#OakParkOaklandCounty #MI #ManufacturingGrowth #CitizenPortal #OakParkJobs #TaxIncentives
Oak Park council approves tax incentive for ice manufacturer at former Forgotten Harvest site
The Oak Park City Council approved an obsolete property rehabilitation exemption for 21800 Greenfield Road, clearing the way for an ice‑manufacturing facility that owners say will invest about $12 million and create roughly 73 full‑time jobs, with a 12‑year abatement capped at $300,000.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:54 AM
The Berkeley City Council has taken a bold step by approving an independent legal review of an ethics complaint against the city attorney, amid growing public demands for transparency.

Get the details!

#BerkleyOaklandCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #BerkeleyEthics #CivicTransparency
Berkeley council authorizes outside legal review of ethics complaint after public demands for disclosure
On Dec. 1, 2025, the Berkeley City Council voted 5–1 to retain Greco Law PLLC to review the city manager's findings on an ethics complaint involving the city attorney; the rate was cited at $165 per hour and the total cost was not yet known. A public commenter demanded disclosure of whether an outside firm (RSJA) had advised the prior findings.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Saginaw is gearing up for an exciting community meeting and facility tour on December 10 to discuss vital water projects and the launch of a Youth Council!

Learn more here

#SaginawSaginawCounty #MI #YouthEmpowerment #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #AgingServices #SaginawWater
City manager sets water-facility open house; Region 7 outlines aging services and asks for outreach help
City Manager Tim Morales announced a Dec. 10 open-house and tour of the Saginaw Water Treatment Facility and the kickoff of a City Youth Council. Region 7 CEO Dinah Altem presented services for older adults and asked council to help distribute outreach materials.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 12:54 AM
The Grand Rapids commission has greenlighted a $1.41 million investment to rebuild the Martin Luther King Jr. Street bridge, promising wider sidewalks and improved safety for all.

Get the details!

#GrandRapidsCityKentCounty #MI #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Commission authorizes $1.41 million local share for MLK Jr. Street bridge reconstruction
The commission approved an MDOT-led reconstruction of the Martin Luther King Jr. Street bridge over US-131 and two railroads and authorized $1,413,100 for the city's Act 51 local share; work is expected to begin in spring with 10-foot sidewalks on both sides.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 12:33 AM
The Adrian City Commission is putting citizens in the driver's seat with a new subcommittee to oversee a game-changing $15 million enhancement grant!

Click to read more!

#AdrianLenaweeCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #GrantManagement #AdrianCitizens #CommunityInvolvement
Adrian commission forms enhancement-grant subcommittee, adds citizen members
Commission created an enhancement-grant ad hoc subcommittee to advise on a $15 million grant; commissioners amended the membership to increase citizen representation, voting to expand the group and include two city residents.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Kalamazoo City just approved a $2.5 million contract to tackle flooding issues and enhance pathways, marking a significant step towards a safer, more connected community!

Learn more here

#KalamazooCityKalamazooCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovements
Commission approves $2.5 million PROTECT grant contract for Arcadia Creek flood mitigation
The commission approved a $2.5 million design contract with Hurley & Stewart, funded through a federal PROTECT grant, to rebuild Arcadia Creek conveyance west to Oliver; city staff said the work will reduce floodplain area, reopen Academy Street and builds on prior Arena Project contributions.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Kalamazoo City commissioners are stirring the pot with a controversial rezoning proposal that could impact the delicate Asylum Lake Preserve—residents are raising their voices for change!

Get the details!

#KalamazooCityKalamazooCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact
Kalamazoo commissioners offer rezoning ordinance for 4301 Stadium Drive after heavy public concern over Asylum Lake
Commissioners offered for first reading a rezoning proposal for 4301 Stadium Drive but removed a scheduled hearing date after residents urged larger venues and clearer public‑participation reporting; many speakers cited Asylum Lake Preserve and asked for the city to better document how public input shapes staff recommendations.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 11:28 PM
The Bay City Housing Commission is set to transfer 193 public-housing units to a nonprofit, unlocking new funding for affordable housing while ensuring current tenants remain protected.

Learn more here!

#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #TenantProtections
Bay City housing commission outlines plan to transfer 193 public-housing units to nonprofit, says tenants won’t be displaced
The Bay City Housing Commission presented a plan Dec. 1 to move 193 scattered-site public housing units into a nonprofit affiliate to free federal authority and pursue new financing for Columbus Avenue development; presenters said tenants would not be displaced, but commissioners and residents pressed for clarity on long-term deed restrictions and utility costs.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 10:59 PM