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Wayne Today
By the People, for the People
Wayne County Unveils Student Debt Relief, Transit Funding Plans
County Executive Evans discusses priorities for 2026, including partnerships to help residents manage student loans and expand public transportation.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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In his 2026 State of Wayne County address, County Executive Warren Evans outlined several key initiatives for the year ahead, including a student debt relief partnership and a countywide transit funding proposal. Evans said the county will work with a startup called Savi to help over 200,000 residents with more than $7 billion in student loan debt manage their payments. The county also plans to put a transit funding measure on the August 2026 ballot to create a unified public transportation system across all 43 Wayne County communities.
Why it matters
As the largest and most diverse county in Michigan, Wayne County has struggled with uneven access to public transportation and the burden of student loan debt on many residents. These new programs aim to improve mobility and financial stability for county residents.
The details
The transit funding proposal would keep the current 0.98 mill rate but apply it countywide, allowing all 43 Wayne County communities to participate in a unified public transportation system. County officials say this would improve access, efficiency, and regional coordination. On the student debt front, the county is partnering with Savi, a startup that uses AI to help borrowers manage repayment and access forgiveness programs. This follows a similar initiative in neighboring Oakland County that has already saved residents nearly $30 million per year.
- The transit funding proposal will appear on the August 2026 ballot.
- The student debt relief partnership with Savi is expected to launch later in 2026.
The players
Warren Evans
The Wayne County Executive, who outlined the county's priorities for 2026 in his annual State of the County address.
Tiffany Gunter
The General Manager and CEO of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), which is working with Wayne County on the transit funding proposal.
Savi
A technology startup that helps users manage student loan debt, which is partnering with Wayne County on a new program to assist borrowers.
What they’re saying
“We're the largest and most diverse county in Michigan, with attractions that draw visitors from across the country. And yet some of our own residents haven't experienced these attractions because they have no reliable way to get there.”
— Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive (freep.com)
“The goal is to end today's patchwork approach (to transit) and build a modern mobility network that improves access, efficiency, and regional coordination across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.”
— Tiffany Gunter, SMART General Manager and CEO (freep.com)
What’s next
The language for the transit funding proposal is still being drafted, and county officials say they will provide clear information to voters before it appears on the August 2026 ballot.
The takeaway
By addressing the twin challenges of student debt and public transportation access, Wayne County is taking steps to improve financial security and quality of life for its diverse population. These initiatives could serve as a model for other large, urban counties grappling with similar issues.
