Wayne County residents file lawsuit over transit millage meeting, ballot language

May 12, 2026

A group called Not Smart Wayne has filed a lawsuit challenging a proposed Wayne County transit millage scheduled for the August ballot, alleging officials violated transparency laws and designed confusing ballot language. The millage would fund expanded SMART bus service throughout Wayne County, including 17 communities currently opting out, at a cost of approximately $8 monthly for a $200,000 home. The opposition group, consisting of 20-30 volunteers primarily from western Wayne County and Downriver areas, claims the timing is poor for new taxation and accuses county officials of withholding meeting information and FOIA requests.

Who is affected

Wayne County residents and voters
Not Smart Wayne (opposition group of 20-30 volunteers from western Wayne County and Downriver)
Matthew Wilk (plaintiff, Northville resident and lawyer)
Residents of 17 Wayne County opt-out communities (including Canton Township, Plymouth Township, and Livonia)
Wayne County officials and the Wayne County Transit Authority
SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation)
Transportation Riders United (Detroit-based advocacy nonprofit)
Current transit users (seniors, people with disabilities, and residents relying on public transportation)
Wayne County Board of Canvassers

What action is being taken

Not Smart Wayne has filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court
Wayne County voters will decide on the millage on August 4
The lawsuit is seeking court declarations regarding alleged violations and prevention of the millage from appearing on the ballot

Why it matters

This matters because it involves public funding for expanded transit services across Wayne County, potentially affecting transportation access for tens of thousands of residents, particularly seniors and people with disabilities who rely on public transit. The lawsuit raises fundamental questions about government transparency and whether proper legal procedures were followed in advancing the ballot measure. The outcome will determine whether 17 opt-out communities gain access to expanded fixed-route transit service and whether residents face approximately $8 monthly in additional property taxes. Additionally, the case tests the balance between expanding public services and taxpayer concerns about costs and government accountability.

What's next

Wayne County officials and SMART stated they will "vigorously defend any allegations" once served with the lawsuit
The court will determine whether defendants violated Michigan's Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, election law, and General Property Tax Act
If the millage proceeds to the ballot and is approved by voters on August 4, service would be "rolled out in phases" with community input

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com