A public hearing is scheduled this Thursday, May 14, in Lansing before the Michigan House Government Operations Committee on a package of bills that would strip local communities, including Harbor Springs, of zoning control.
Thursday is the last moment when public voices carry real weight. That’s why this week matters so much.
State policies should uphold resident priorities, provide flexibility that considers the diversity of Michigan’s communities, and support zoning decisions consistent with infrastructure needs, robust economic growth, and public safety.
I signed my name, and it took me only two minutes!
Sign here: The Michigan Municipal League (MML) makes our opinions easy to deliver to Lansing. mml.org/advocacy/support-local-decision-making
What’s at stake
House Bills 5529–5532 and 5581–5585 would allow Lansing to override the years of Harbor Springs community planning. They are talking about mandated lot sizes as small as 1,500 square feet, dwelling sizes as small as 500 square feet, and duplexes and ADUs allowed by right in single-family neighborhoods — regardless of what our local plans, infrastructure, or voters say.
This is not about being against housing. This is about who decides: Lansing or Harbor Springs.
What you can do RIGHT NOW
👁️ Watch the hearing live — Thursday, May 14 at 9:00 AM The Michigan House streams all committee hearings live on YouTube — no registration required. Watch at: www.youtube.com/@MichiganHouseofRepresentatives Missed it? The full video will be archived at house.mi.gov/VideoArchive
Thursday is a testimony hearing, not a vote. The committee listens — then Chair Rep. Brian BeGole decides whether to bring the bills forward for a committee vote. If they pass committee, they move to the full House floor, then the Senate, then the Governor.
Thursday is the last moment when public voices carry real weight. That’s why this week matters so much.
Ask your legislators to vote NO on HB 5529–5532 and 5581–5585. A phone call carries the most weight.
- Representative Parker Fairbairn Phone: (517) 373-2629 Email: ParkerFairbairn@house.mi.gov Mail: S-1486 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909
- Senator John Damoose Phone: (517) 373-2413 Toll Free: (855) 347-8037 Email: senatorjohndamoose.com/contact Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909-7536
- Representative Joseph Aragona (Committee Chair) Phone: (517) 373-1785 Email: JosephAragona@house.mi.gov Mail: N-994 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909
- Representative Brad Paquette (District 37 )Phone: (517) 373-1793 Email: BradPaquette@house.mi.gov Mail: SHOB 8-886, Lansing, MI 48909
When you call, lead with the bill numbers: HB 5529–5532 and 5581–5585. Ask your rep whether they have taken a position and whether they will sign the Michigan Municipal League (MML) opposition letter. SEE ABOVE LINK
Submit written testimony to the House Government Operations Committee , you do not have to travel to Lansing. Written testimony counts.
Urge our City Council to pass a resolution opposing these bills and send it directly to Lansing.
Over 1,600 local leaders across Michigan have already signed joint opposition letters. Harbor Springs needs to be part of that chorus, loudly and this week.
Local decisions belong to local people. Show up. Speak up.
Write to our City Council
160 Zoll St., Harbor Springs, MI 49740
- Tom Graham — tom@grahamre.com
- Jeannie Benjamin — jeannehscc@gmail.com
- Jamie Melke — jamielynnmelke@gmail.com
- Kathy Motschall — kathy.motschall@yahoo.com
- Wendy Reeve — wendy@reeve4hscouncil.com
Resident Letter Template
Subject: Preserve Local Zoning Control in Harbor Springs
I, [Name], am writing as a resident of Harbor Springs to express my support for preserving our local zoning authority.
Our community has invested thousands of hours in a transparent and inclusive process to create a zoning code that reflects our shared priorities — including a public ballot vote and Planning Commission review. Recent Michigan legislation threatens to override these local decisions, imposing requirements that do not consider our community’s unique needs. Our residents chose their own zoning stipulations in line with our historic neighborhoods, our downtown, and our waterfront.
May 14 is the deadline to reach out before the public hearing, and it is critical.
We urge our legislators to respect the work done by our community and preserve the authority of cities like Harbor Springs to decide what is best for their neighborhoods.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Address] [Email / Phone Number]
More information MML background: mml.org — search “state preemption bills” Bill tracker: legislature.mi.gov — search HB 5529, 5530, 5531, 5532, 5581–5585