Washtenaw County voters overwhelmingly approved Washtenaw Community College's operating millage renewal on Tuesday, ensuring continued investment in affordable higher education and workforce development for Washtenaw County residents.
The renewal provides critical operating funding that allows WCC to continue offering the lowest tuition in Michigan while supporting instruction, student services, exceptional faculty, modern facilities, technology and other essential college operations.
The proposal received 72.07% support from county voters. Election results remain unofficial until certified by the Washtenaw County Board of Canvassers.
President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca thanked county residents for their continued confidence in the college, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
"We are incredibly grateful to the voters of Washtenaw County for once again placing their trust in Washtenaw Community College and our mission," Bellanca said. "This vote is an investment in our students, our employers and the future of our community. Every day at WCC, students are preparing to become the nurses, radiographers, skilled trades professionals, police officers, teachers and countless other professionals who keep our communities healthy and safe and drive our economy.
"Because of that investment, WCC will provide affordable, accessible, high-quality education that changes lives while preparing students for in-demand careers, helping local employers build the skilled workforce they need and strengthening Michigan's economy for years to come."
The renewed operating millage supports instruction, student services, technology, workforce development programs, modern laboratories and classrooms, and other essential college operations that benefit more than 25,000 students annually.
"We are excited about what this means for the future," Bellanca said. "Together with our community, we will continue opening doors to opportunity, strengthening our workforce and providing students with the education and skills they need to succeed."
Bellanca also thanked the many community members, volunteers, alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters who helped educate voters about the importance of the millage renewal.
The millage supports:
- $99 tuition, the lowest of any college in Michigan for Washtenaw County residents.
- 25,000 students each year with high-quality instruction to help them enter the workforce, advance or change careers, or transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree.
- Being the No. 1 college choice for Washtenaw County high school graduates.
- Being the top transfer school to the University of Michigan with additional pathways to top universities across the state and country.
- $524 million in estimated overall economic impact and 8,000 jobs annually generated through training and educating students who live and work in our community.
- $23 million of economic impact generated by the 6,000+ trades professionals who train on WCC's campus each year, shop in area stores, stay in our hotels and dine in our restaurants.
- 54,000 tuition scholarships totaling $7.7 million for senior citizens age 65 and older.
- 100,000+ conference services guests at the Morris Lawrence Building and 4,500 community events on campus annually.