07/21/2026
📢 COMMUNITY UPDATE: I-94 Industrial District Ordinance Referendum 👇
We’ve had a lot of neighbors asking about where things stand with the proposed I-94 Industrial District Ordinance and how the referendum process works. Here is a clear breakdown of where we are in the process and what needs to happen next!
🤔 What is a referendum? 🤔
A referendum is a direct vote that allows registered voters of the municipality to approve or reject a new law or zoning ordinance passed by their municipal government before that law can take effect. When a township board adopts a new ordinance, residents who disagree can temporarily pause the law by filing a notice of intent and gathering valid signatures from registered local voters. If enough valid signatures are collected and verified by the clerk, the ordinance remains suspended and is placed directly on the ballot at an upcoming election, giving the entire community the final say on whether to keep the law or throw it out.
📍 Current Status: First Reading Completed 📍
The Township Board held the first reading on July 13, 2026.
What this means: A first reading is just the introduction. No final vote occurred, which means the ordinance has not been adopted yet.
Can we file a petition right now? Not yet! Under Michigan law, official petition timelines cannot start until the board takes a final vote to adopt the ordinance and a public notice is printed in the newspaper.
🗓️ The 5-Step Referendum Timeline Ahead 🗓️
Once the board moves forward, strict statutory deadlines kick in quickly under Michigan election law:
Step 1: Board Vote to Adopt
The Township Board must hold a second reading and officially vote to adopt the ordinance. This will likely occur at the August 10, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting.
Step 2: Newspaper Publication
After adoption, the Township Clerk has up to 15 days to publish notice of the adoption in the local newspaper of record (like The Macomb Daily). This publication date is "Day 0."
Step 3: Filing the Notice of Intent (7-Day Window)
Within 7 calendar days of newspaper publication, a registered township voter must file an official Notice of Intent with the clerk. Filing this notice suspends the ordinance from taking effect while signatures are gathered.
Step 4: Gathering Signatures (Short 30-Day Window)
We will only have 30 calendar days from the original newspaper publication date to gather and submit all signed petitions.
Target Goal: While state law requires 673 valid signatures (15% of total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election), our goal is to collect 1,350+ signatures (double the requirement) to ensure we easily clear verification!
Every signer must be a registered voter in Lenox Township or New Haven.
Step 5: Putting It to a Public Vote
Once the clerk verifies the petitions, the clock is stopped on the ordinance. At that time, the ordinance will be placed on the ballot at an upcoming election so the VOTERS can vote to approve or reject it.
🤝 How You Can Help Right Now 🤝
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for upcoming Township Board meeting agendas to see when the second reading/final vote is scheduled.
• Verify Your Voter Registration: Make sure you are registered to vote at your current Lenox Township address so your signature will count when the time comes.
• Spread the Word: Share this post with neighbors! When the 30-day clock starts, we will need all hands on deck to collect signatures across the township.
We will share another update the moment a final vote date or publication notice is confirmed. Stay tuned! ❤️🇺🇸
P.S. Please note that these referendum signatures are separate from any recall petition language, so make sure to keep an eye out for both!
*Author: Arianna Welsh People Over Power: Lenox and New Haven United, and board member of Citizens for a Better Macomb County
