Midland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Midland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Sidewalk Improvement Assessments (Bay City Road and Dublin Avenue)
The council is set to award Contract 13 under the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement Program, continuing the city's ongoing sidewalk construction and repair work.
MSHDA Housing Readiness Incentive Grant
The city won the maximum $50,000 state grant to rewrite the administrative sections of its zoning ordinance — the rules for PUDs, variances, site plans and appeals. It's the next step in a seven-part overhaul of the 2004 zoning code guided by the 2024 master plan. Parking, landscaping, and sign ordinance updates are already in the pipeline.
Affordable housing expansion at 3400 Isabella Street
The Affordable Housing Alliance is replacing its old bank-branch office with 10 below-market rental units — part of a bigger county push to renovate 69 units and build 60-70 new ones. The parking math only works if City Council passes the new parking rules in November, so there's some risk attached.
Freedom of Information Act appeal
The council backed the city attorney's refusal to fully release records from two September FOIA requests. Residents seeking those records now have the appeal path exhausted at the local level.
Transition from MERS to city-run retirement system
The city is weighing whether to end its agreement with the Municipal Employees' Retirement System, which affects retirement benefits for city employees. A MERS representative addressed the council before any decision.
Bay City Road corridor rezoning
Jason Orvosh wants to rezone 3020 Bay City Road so an existing house-and-shop combo can become a walkable neighborhood business like a coffee shop or corner store, while the house is rented out separately.