Early August 2025 Newsletter

Majority of Michigan's Local Officials Think the State is on the Wrong Track
More than half of local officials in the state believe the state is on the wrong track, based on statewide surveys from the University of Michigan's Center for Local, State and Urban Policy.

While this dissatisfaction has dropped from a high of 67% unhappy with the state in 2021 and a recent 59% in 2023, this feeling persists higher than on pre-COVID levels, when around 30-35% of local officials believed the state was on the wrong track.

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Light August Election Features 96 Local Money-Ask Questions
A total of 96 local money-related ballot proposals will be in front of voters on Tuesday, with the biggest asks coming out of three Metro Detroit communities, according to a recent spreadsheet compiled by MIRS (Aug. 2025 Local Ballot Proposals.xlsx ).

Romulus Community Schools has the biggest ask, a $153 million bond, followed by bonding requests in Livonia and Novi to replace firehouses at $150 and $120 million apiece.

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The Last Time a Session Produced Fewer Than 6 PAs? Never
Two weeks ago, MIRS published a report that the last time the Legislature’s six bills it sent to the Governor for her signature is the lowest output since 1940, the last calendar year Michigan’s lawmakers didn’t gavel into session.

As it turns out, the light level of inactivity is even more historical.

The 103rd session of the Michigan Legislature has produced fewer public acts between Jan. 1 and July 15 than any other session before it. Ever.

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DCD OUT & ABOUT

Recently Jake German gave a legislative update to the Michigan Green Industry Association's (MGIA) annual meeting at SiteOne Landscape Supply in Sterling Heights. We talked about state budget negotiations, the impact of the 'big, beautiful bill' on local small businesses, and other regulatory concerns facing the green industry in Michigan. Additionally, Jamie Ayers, Director of Victim Services for Common Ground and Rep. Mark Tisdel testified before the House regarding Common Ground's appropriation request.

The D-MAN Foundation is revving up for another incredible year at the Woodward Dream Cruise! Join us as we help make dreams come true for individuals with disabilities by giving them the unforgettable experience of cruising Woodward in classic cars. It's not just about the ride — it's about empowerment, inclusion, and pure joy. We meet at 39533 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, 48304, Dawda Building (back lot), 1/4 mile south of Long Lake Road. Hope to see you there.

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OUR TEAM LEVERAGES OUR MUNICIPAL CONTACTS AND ASSETS AND HELPS INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES NAVIGATE THROUGH ANY REGULATORY ISSUES! WE SPEAK THE DUAL LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT THAT HELP YOU TRANSLATE YOUR VISION INTO REALITY!

ARTICLES OF POLITICAL INTEREST:

Complaints Mount as Whitmer Waits on Vacant Michigan Senate Seat

Michigan Lawmakers Pitch Earmarks--Including A Critic Who Called Them 'Quid Pro Quo'

Report: 'Big Beautiful Bill' Will Blow $1.1 Billion Hole in Michigan Budget

What's on the Ballot in Southeast Michigan for the August 2025 Election?

How A Michigan Program that Gives New Mothers Cash Could Be A Model for Rest of US

Marijuana News, Updates, & Articles of Interest

THE DCD MARIJUANA TEAM: YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE!

DCD continues to exist as the premier resource helping municipalities navigate the waters of cannabis policy. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding medical or recreational cannabis policy, procedure, and more. DCD is available for presentations to municipal boards, for one-on-one meetings, and for consultations.

We are here to help you with: municipal lobbying, license application writing and assistance, business plans, state required operations manuals and compliance, facility design, corporate structure, and design and branding.

We are experts in both medical and recreational cannabis policy and have been in the space for over ten years. We welcome any opportunity to work with you in the future!

ARTICLES OF CANNABIS INTEREST:

Buzz Wears off for Michigan Marijuana Businesses

Michigan State Police Seize Over $10M Worth of Marijuana at Illegal Grow Site

Michigan Regulators Approve First Cannabis Pact With Sovereign Tribal Nation

Marijuana Drive-Thrus in Muskegon Get Approval to Stay Open Until 2AM

Doing Things Differently

DCD is rebranding, and our bottom line is your bottom line. We are striving to create and foster strong relationships with clients and lawmakers, deliver results with strong ethics and class, but above all else, out-hustle and out-smart our competition every day to be the very best. We’re making chess moves while others are playing checkers. Everything we do is with you in mind, we’re doing things we’ve never done before and aggressively pursuing opportunities. The time is now. DCD has taken our firm to the next level and your involvement and investment paired with our knowledge and expertise is going to launch the great state of Michigan forward.