Voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties will decide on November 3 whether to renew a property-tax millage supporting the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
The proposal seeks to continue the levy for a further ten years at an authorised rate of 0.1 mill – equivalent to 10 cents for every 1,000 dollars of taxable property value. The measure is a renewal rather than a proposed increase in the voter-approved rate.
Detroit Zoo millage renewal explained
The millage was first approved in 2008 and renewed in 2016. County zoological authorities say the funding is used to support animal care, park maintenance, education programmes and day-to-day operations at the 125-acre Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.
Supporters estimate that the levy could generate about 8.8 million dollars in its first year across the three counties. They say the average annual cost for a homeowner with a taxable property value of 100,000 dollars would be about 10 dollars.
Property tax is calculated using a home’s taxable value, which is generally different from and lower than its market value. Residents can find the relevant figure on their tax bill or through their county’s property database.
In Macomb County, the ballot wording proposes renewing the current levy and restoring reductions required under Michigan’s Headlee Amendment, for a total authorised rate of 0.1 mill. The proposed Macomb levy would apply from 2028 to 2037 if approved.
Wayne County’s Zoological Authority says its existing millage is levied at 0.1 mill and is due to expire in 2027. Oakland County has also placed a renewal question on the November ballot.
The money is intended to help care for more than 2,000 animals representing about 200 species, while also supporting school visits, educational activities and other public programmes.
Funding would also continue for the five-acre Belle Isle Nature Center, which focuses on Michigan wildlife, birdwatching and interactive indoor exhibits.
What the Detroit Zoo says is at stake
The Zoological Authority says the zoo attracts visitors from across Michigan and beyond, generating a combined net economic impact of about 190 million dollars for the tri-county region. It has welcomed an average of 1.3 million visitors a year over the past 25 years, according to the authority.
Residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties are also eligible for a 10-dollar discount on zoo memberships. Seniors from the three counties can attend free of charge on designated Senior Days.
The Detroit Zoological Society, the non-profit organisation that operates the zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center, relies on the county authorities’ funding agreements as part of its wider operating income.
When Michigan voters can cast their ballots
The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Michigan began making absentee ballots available to voters on September 24, while the deadline to register by mail or online is October 19.
Early in-person voting is scheduled to run from October 24 to November 1. Voters can check their sample ballot, polling location and absentee-ballot status through Michigan’s voter information system or their county clerk’s office.
