2026 Senate Resolution 145

Whereas, Michigan’s distinctive automotive heritage is preserved, interpreted, and promoted by the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership, Michigan’s only National Heritage Area and a member of the National Heritage Area System of the National Park Service; and

Whereas, The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership tells the story of how Michigan “put the world on wheels” throughout a region encompassing more than 10,000 square miles, 16 counties, and a population of more than 6 million people; and

Whereas, These stories highlight how automotive innovation and manufacturing transformed southeast Michigan, our state, the nation, and the world, while advancing Michigan’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality; and

Whereas, The MotorCities National Heritage Area contains the world’s largest concentration of automotive-related sites, attractions, museums, and events, attracting millions of visitors annually; and

Whereas, The MotorCities National Heritage Area generates an estimated $490 million in annual economic impact, including approximately $40 million in tax revenue and more than 5,300 jobs; and

Whereas, The economic strength, identity, and global reputation of Michigan are deeply connected to the vitality, innovation, and enduring legacy of the automotive industry; and

Whereas, For the thirteenth consecutive year, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership, in collaboration with the Michigan Legislative Automotive Caucus, has organized Auto Heritage Day, bringing together residents, enthusiasts, historians, educators, and industry leaders to celebrate and preserve Michigan’s unique automotive legacy; and

Whereas, The Michigan Legislative Automotive Caucus provides bipartisan leadership to promote the awareness of Michigan’s automotive industry, history, workforce, innovation, and heritage, all of which remain essential to the state’s economy and identity; and

Whereas, October 1, 2026, provides an opportunity for all Michiganders to recognize the people, communities, manufacturers, inventors, and workers whose contributions have shaped the automobile industry and helped establish Michigan as the automotive capital of the world; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize October 1, 2026, as Auto Heritage Day.