On Oct. 7, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an $81 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that intends to make long-term investments in roads and infrastructure vs. short-term fixes. This will include nearly $2 billion for roads, bridges and public transit, $417 million for water infrastructure, and $53.2 million for infrastructure projects that support economic growth and job creation. Commercial real estate properties cannot reach their full economic potential without supporting roads and infrastructure.

The budget also aims to improve government efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. This includes $5 million to streamline permitting processes and digitize required documents within the state’s Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy.