Public transportation connects people with jobs, boosts economy
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, representing business leaders and other stakeholders countywide, has endorsed the Macomb County Public Transportation Millage renewal on the Nov. 8 ballot because it helps connect people with jobs and boost the economy. The Chamber Board approved a resolution endorsing the proposal at its most recent meeting.
“At the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, our mission statement is ‘Greater Voice, Greater Connections, Greater Value,’ and the Macomb County Public Transportation Millage renewal checks all of these boxes by helping businesses succeed and connecting people with jobs,” said Kelley Lovati, CEO & President with the chamber. “Public transportation helps attract the best and brightest to our area by providing affordable, efficient transit services. As the leading voice for business in Macomb County, our chamber is proud to support this proposal because it helps boost the local economy during difficult times.”
The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides an estimated 10 million rides annually. Macomb County’s Public Transportation Millage is a renewal of existing services for SMART.
“The Macomb County Public Transportation Millage renewal also helps our most vulnerable residents lead productive lives by helping them get to work, school, doctors’ appointments and more every day,” Lovati said. “This millage renewal helps thousands of essential workers, seniors, veterans, low-income residents, working parents and people with disabilities across Macomb County compete for jobs and participate in the local economy and beyond. For these reasons, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce urges people to vote ‘Yes’ to renew the Macomb County Public Transportation Millage.”
Research shows public transportation is a vital component of thriving communities and helps boost the local economy — every $1 invested in public transportation creates $4 in economic output by attracting new businesses and expanding the talent pool for local employers.
Funding from the millage will be tracked publicly online to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and transparently, with 100% of funds generated staying in Macomb County and subject to annual independent audits to promote fiscal responsibility.
To learn more about this critical public transportation millage proposal please visit RenewMacombTransit.com.
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About the Macomb County Chamber (www.macombcountychamber.com)
The Macomb County Chamber of Commerce is an organization of people who know the wisdom of coordinating their efforts under effective leadership for advancement of the community and area. It enables members to accomplish collectively what none would or could individually. Our mission statement is “Greater Voice. Greater Connections. Greater Value.”
For more information, contact Kelley Lovati at 584-493-7600 or kelley@macombcountychamber.com