Wayne County Zoological Authority — Renewal of Wayne County Zoological Authority Millage in Support of the Detroit Zoo

What it does

In 2008 and 2016, pursuant to Public Act 49 of 2008, Wayne County voters renewed a 10-year property tax millage to fund zoological services through the Wayne County Zoological Authority, supporting animal care for more than 2,000 animals and 200 species, educational and senior programs, and facility maintenance at the Detroit Zoo. To continue providing these services, the Authority seeks to renew and restore the millage to the original voter-approved rate of 0.10 mill (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value). This proposal would renew the millage at 0.0982 mill and restore the remaining 0.0018 mill that was reduced due to required rollback, for a total authorized rate of 0.10 mill on taxable real and personal property for ten (10) years. If approved, the millage rate would be unchanged from those approved by voters in 2008 and 2016. Funds will be disbursed to the Authority and transferred to the Detroit Zoo as permitted by law. All funds are subject to annual independent audits. It is estimated that $6,145,462 will be collected in the first year. Ballot Question: Do you approve the renewal and restoration of the levy of 0.10 mill on all taxable property in Wayne County for a period of ten (10) years, from 2028 through 2037?

A YES vote means

Wayne County would renew and restore a 0.10 mill tax for ten years, 2028 through 2037, for the Detroit Zoo through the Zoological Authority, raising about $6,145,462 the first year.

A NO vote means

The Wayne County zoo millage would not be renewed for 2028 through 2037.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

Under Michigan's Zoological Authorities Act (Public Act 49 of 2008), a county zoological authority may levy up to 0.2 mill for up to 20 years to fund an accredited zoo, but only if county voters approve; the proposal must be adopted by resolution of the authority's board and certified to the county clerk at least 60 days before the election.

According to the ballot language, Wayne County voters approved the 10-year zoo millage in 2008 and 2016; this proposal would renew it at 0.0982 mill and restore 0.0018 mill lost to the required rollback, for 0.10 mill from 2028 through 2037.

The ballot language estimates first-year collections of $6,145,462, to be transferred to the Detroit Zoo and subject to annual independent audits.

Put on the ballot by Wayne County Zoological Authority board (resolution certified to the Wayne County Clerk under MCL 123.1173).

From official source 1, official source 2.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Wayne County ballots

• Southeast Michigan Public Historical Museum Authority Millage Proposal (Wayne County)

All Wayne County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Wayne County Zoological Authority mean?

Wayne County would renew and restore a 0.10 mill tax for ten years, 2028 through 2037, for the Detroit Zoo through the Zoological Authority, raising about $6,145,462 the first year.

What does a NO vote on Wayne County Zoological Authority mean?

The Wayne County zoo millage would not be renewed for 2028 through 2037.

How many votes does Wayne County Zoological Authority need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Wayne County Zoological Authority?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.