Wayne County Unveils 2026 Vision: Transit Expansion, Debt Relief, and Workforce Programs

County Executive Warren Evans outlines key initiatives to boost economic strength, community safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In his 2026 State of the County address, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans highlighted several major initiatives for the year ahead, including a proposed countywide transit system expansion, a partnership to help residents manage student loan debt, and new workforce development programs focused on aviation and small business support.

Why it matters

The proposed transit system would improve connectivity and access to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation across Wayne County's 43 communities. The student debt relief program aims to alleviate a significant financial burden for over 200,000 residents. The workforce development efforts seek to build a skilled talent pipeline, particularly for the growing aviation industry.

The details

The transit proposal would maintain the current 0.98 mill levy and apply it countywide, allowing all communities to participate in a more unified and efficient regional system. The student debt partnership with Savi will provide tools and support to help borrowers manage and potentially lower their payments. Wayne County is also investing $20 million in the WayneLINC workforce training program and launching a new small business hub to support entrepreneurs.

  • Wayne County Executive Warren Evans delivered the 2026 State of the County address on February 11, 2026.
  • Voters will decide on the countywide transit funding proposal in the August 2026 election.
  • The Rx Kids cash assistance program expanded to Detroit in January 2026 and now encompasses 29 Michigan communities.
  • The down payment assistance program for affordable housing is currently accepting preliminary letters of interest.

The players

Warren Evans

The Wayne County Executive who delivered the 2026 State of the County address outlining the county's key initiatives for the year ahead.

Tiffany Gunter

The SMART General Manager and CEO, who described Wayne County's current transit system as a 'patchwork' that the proposed expansion aims to address.

Savi

A technology startup that is partnering with Wayne County to provide residents with tools and support to manage and potentially lower their student loan debt.

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What they’re saying

“Reliable transportation is crucial for accessing jobs, healthcare, education, and recreational opportunities.”

— Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive (Wayne County Executive Office YouTube page)

“The proposed solution involves maintaining the current millage rate of 0.98 mills and applying it countywide. This would allow all 43 communities to participate in a connected system, improving efficiency and regional coordination with Oakland and Macomb counties.”

— Tiffany Gunter, SMART General Manager and CEO (Wayne County Executive Office YouTube page)

What’s next

Voters in Wayne County will decide on the proposed countywide transit funding model in the August 2026 election. The contract for the student debt relief partnership with Savi has been submitted to the County Commission, with a planned launch later in 2026.

The takeaway

Wayne County's 2026 initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing the region's transportation, financial, and workforce needs. By investing in a unified transit system, providing student debt relief, and developing skilled talent, the county aims to strengthen its economic foundation and improve quality of life for residents.