Commerce Township Pathway Bond & Millage

November 3, 2026 General Election

For the purpose of acquiring and constructing one or more paved non-motorized pathways within the Charter Township of Commerce and the Village of Wolverine Lake as described in the Township’s and Village’s Parks and Recreation Master Plans, including their design and other related improvements, shall the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan borrow a principal amount not to exceed $18.6 Million dollars and issue Unlimited Tax General Obligation bonds for all or a portion of that amount in one or more series payable over not to exceed 10 years from the date of issue?

The estimated new millage to be levied in the first year of the levy is 0.5986 mill ($0.5986 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds over 10 years is 0.5989 mill ($0.5989 per $1,000 of taxable value).

Mapping Proposed Pathways (Red) and Existing Pathways (Orange)

Map of Pathways

Pathway Bond and Millage FAQ

  1. What is the Pathway Bond & Millage?
    A proposed 10-year millage to expand the non-motorized pathway network with additional miles of new paved pathways along major roads, intended to improve access to schools, parks, businesses and the Michigan Airline Trail.

  2.  If approved, how much will it cost and for how long?
    0.6 mills for 10 years ($0.60 per $1,000 of taxable value). Example: A home with a $150,000 taxable value would pay an estimated $90 per year.

  3. If approved, when would construction occur? 
    Projected to begin within 12 months and be completed within 36-48 months, with the goal of building as quickly as possible.

  4. How will project construction be prioritized? 
    Scheduling will depend on design and permitting complexity (for example, projects involving boardwalks, easements etc. may take longer).

  5. Who will maintain the pathways?
    Commerce Township and the Village of Wolverine Lake. Maintenance includes sealing, patching, root-damage repair, vegetation pruning, and other non-weather upkeep.

  6. Why not pave shoulders or add bike lanes instead of building pathways?
    Most routes are on roads under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission for Oakland County, which does not allow non-motorized accommodations on roadways or shoulders.

  7. Why not use the existing ‘Parks & Open Space Millage’?
    That funding is legally restricted to park improvements and land acquisition for public open space.

  8. What are the benefits of expanding pathways?
    If constructed, about 75% of households would be within a 10-minute walk of the pathway network.

  9. How would this improve safety and walkability?
    By providing dedicated pathways and controlled street crossings, reducing the need to use road shoulders and improving access for walking, running, and outdoor activity.

  10. When is the Pathway Bond & Millage on the ballot?
    November 3, 2026.