Emergency Managers Bill Sweeps Toward Final Approval

Emergency Managers Bill Sweeps Toward Final Approval

Michigan’s Controversial Law Allowing State Takeover of Cities

Historical Article

This article documents the passage of Michigan’s Emergency Manager law in 2011. This law would later become central to the Flint Water Crisis and sparked ongoing debates about democracy, local control, and state intervention in struggling communities.

In March 2011, Michigan’s Republican-controlled legislature fast-tracked legislation that would grant unprecedented powers to state-appointed emergency managers — allowing them to void union contracts, dismiss elected officials, and even dissolve entire city governments. The law represented a dramatic expansion of state authority over local communities.

What is an Emergency Manager?

Michigan’s emergency manager system allows the state to appoint a single individual to take control of a city or school district facing financial distress. Under the new law, these managers would have powers far beyond previous versions:

Emergency Manager Powers Under PA 4

  • Nullify Contracts: Void existing union contracts and collective bargaining agreements
  • Fire Officials: Remove elected officials from their positions
  • Dissolve Governments: Recommend dissolution or merger of entire city governments
  • Sell Assets: Sell city property and assets without local approval
  • Set Budgets: Unilaterally set city budgets and expenditures
  • Unlimited Term: No time limit on emergency management

The Legislative Fast-Track

The bill moved through the legislature at remarkable speed, drawing accusations that lawmakers were suppressing debate and public input.

February 2011

Governor Rick Snyder introduces emergency manager legislation as part of budget crisis response.
March 1, 2011

House passes bill with minimal debate. Democrats walk out in protest.
March 9, 2011

Senate approves legislation despite public opposition at hearings.
March 16, 2011

Governor Snyder signs Public Act 4 into law.

The Democracy Debate

Critics immediately labeled the law as an attack on democracy itself. The legislation would allow the state to effectively nullify elections in struggling communities — many of which were majority African-American.

“This is about taking away the rights of people who voted for their elected officials. It’s taxation without representation. It’s exactly what we fought a revolution over.” — State Representative John Conyers III (D-Detroit)

Supporters argued that drastic measures were necessary to save cities from bankruptcy:

“Local officials have had years to fix these problems and haven’t. Someone has to step in before these cities collapse entirely.” — Governor Rick Snyder administration official

Cities Under Emergency Management

The law would eventually be applied to numerous Michigan cities and school districts:

Detroit Largest U.S. city under emergency management
Flint Site of water crisis under EM control

Cities/Districts Under Emergency Management

  • Detroit (2013-2014)
  • Flint (2011-2015)
  • Benton Harbor (2010-2014)
  • Pontiac (2009-2013)
  • Highland Park (2001-2009)
  • Detroit Public Schools
  • Numerous other school districts

The Voter Referendum

In a dramatic twist, Michigan voters rejected the emergency manager law in November 2012:

2012 Referendum Results

Proposition 1 asked voters whether to keep Public Act 4. The result: 53% voted NO, rejecting the law. It was the first successful voter repeal of a Michigan law since 1973.

However, the legislature quickly passed a nearly identical replacement — Public Act 436 — which included an appropriation, making it immune to future referendums under Michigan law.

The Flint Connection

The emergency manager law gained international notoriety during the Flint Water Crisis. Under emergency management, Flint switched its water source to the Flint River in 2014, leading to widespread lead contamination:

  • The decision was made by state-appointed emergency manager Darnell Earley
  • Elected Flint officials had no authority to stop the change
  • Residents were poisoned for months while officials denied problems
  • The crisis exposed the dangers of removing local democratic accountability

Racial and Economic Dimensions

Critics noted that emergency management disproportionately affected African-American communities:

The Numbers

At its peak, approximately 50% of Michigan’s African-American population lived in a city or school district under emergency management — compared to about 2% of white residents.

Legacy and Ongoing Debate

The emergency manager law remains one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in Michigan history:

  • Supporters say: Emergency management saved cities from complete financial collapse and provided necessary restructuring
  • Critics argue: The law undermined democracy, disproportionately harmed Black communities, and led to disasters like Flint
  • Ongoing impact: The debate continues to shape discussions about state versus local control in Michigan

Related Coverage

Learn More About Local Government

Visit the Michigan Department of Treasury for current information about local government finances and state oversight programs.

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