by Robert Zimmerman

Washtenaw County is quickly approaching a tipping point.

• For the first time in 100 years, Washtenaw is losing population.
• MLive cites a 6,300 decline. 2020 census to 2023.
• Loss percentage in top ten of Michigan’s 83 counties.
• Others grow. Livingston, Dundee. Up. Even Detroit up, first time in 60 years.

Washtenaw’s astronomical housing costs: THE leading factor for “voting with their feet.”

• Washtenaw’s $401k median home price towers over Wayne’s $190k, Monroe’s $240k, Oakland’s $341k, Livingston’s $369k. (Rocket Homes: August 2024)
• Ann Arbor’s average house priced 55.5% over Michigan average (Bestplaces.net) with total cost of living 15% higher.
• Last 20 years’ census data show Ann Arbor with fewer minority and single female headed households. Ypsilanti has the highest population loss and lowest average household income.

Those most targeted for help from Washtenaw’s social programs find better opportunities elsewhere.

High property taxes discourage economic opportunity.

Michigan’s highest property tax burden? Washtenaw. (Tax-rates.org,)

• Headlee Amendment provides limited protection: Caps increases at higher of 5% or inflation. No cap for rentals, whose rates go up as supply decreases. US Census data shows 67% of Ypsilanti’s housing units and 57% of Ann Arbor’s are rentals.
• Protection for long-term residents, (i.e. senior citizens), may end. The County Administrator floated a proposal overriding Headlee. (A2 Independent)
• “Non-profit” tax-exempt landlords (UofM, EMU) charge as market allows. Others follow.

Elected county board talks a good game, “It’s tough for those at $60,000 to afford it here”.  But millage renewals and new ones seemingly continue unabated.

November’s ballot includes four tax items. Any elected officials questioning “Does this help us compete?” and “What does the fine print really mean?”

BUT I WILL.

So unconscionable:

• Nearly 40% of us live at or near poverty line.
• 78% identify as “living paycheck to paycheck” when government is NOT.

An economic reckoning in the balance?

Washtenaw neglects growing its revenue base. County board discussions focus on taxing and spending, taking taxpayers for granted.

Top priority: Grow the revenue base. Many county government officials have minimal “hands-on” experience in “for-profit” organizations. We need knowledge and experience that understands tax paying businesses.

Provide affordable housing to attract people to move here and stay here.

We need policies to develop:

• Small businesses to start and grow here. Incubator funding!
• Entrepreneurs, many are educated here, too often go elsewhere.
• Skilled trades, vital to build housing, maintaining infrastructure.

County Treasurer is the County’s leading elected financial job: A check and balance serving as YOUR voice.

Financial managerial experience for 35+ years provides you PROVEN FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP:

• CPA certification
• MBA majoring in Finance and Accounting from Northwestern University.
• “Big Four” CPA firm, internal audit managerial experience with two Fortune 200 companies.
• CFO, Operations Controller, Division Controller, and Director-Finance for various automotive suppliers.
• Selected Washtenaw for a startup manufacturing operation. Over 200 new jobs.
• Pension and employee retirement plan oversight.

Requesting YOUR vote! Please share our concerns with family, friends, and neighbors!