A Michigan Constitutional Convention Could Reshape Local Government Under Article VII

https://crcmich.substack.com/p/a-mich... In this episode of #FactsMatter, Guy Gordon and Research Council President Eric Lupher continue their deep dive into the question Michigan voters will face in November 2026: Should the state convene a constitutional convention? They break down Article VII-Local Government and discuss how Michigan’s local government system has evolved from the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 to today’s sprawling network of 1,800+ counties, cities, townships, villages, and the hundreds of special authorities that have emerged over time. Lupher explains that despite never having been amended, the structure is riddled with unresolved structural issues that a con-con could finally address. He also walks through why this structure creates both local control and major inefficiencies, how state laws have steadily eroded home rule, and why outdated constitutional language no longer reflects how counties operate. Their conversation traces the origins of Michigan’s local government map to the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, explores how townships evolved into major population centers, and examines the proliferation of special authorities—now numbering more than 400 statewide—created to deliver services that individual municipalities can’t efficiently provide on their own. Gordon and Lupher unpack the core tension at the heart of Article VII: efficiency and modernization versus accountability and home rule. They examine how overlapping jurisdictions complicate economic development and how state laws increasingly override local decision-making. The episode also highlights areas where Michigan’s constitution no longer reflects reality—such as outdated provisions on county governance that conflict with “one person, one vote” requirements—and considers whether a constitutional convention could resolve these inconsistencies or rethink the balance of power among county officials. Lupher emphasizes that while Article VII is ripe for review, any reforms must preserve the constitution’s role as a durable framework rather than a detailed policy manual. For policymakers, civic leaders, and anyone interested in Michigan’s governance, this episode offers a clear, accessible overview of the structural questions that could shape a future constitutional convention. 🎧 Facts Matter Podcast — available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.