MML Review Magazine Winter 2026

Demolition of Unsafe Structures This case involved three structures—two former residential homes and one barn/garage—that sat unoccupied and generally unmaintained in the City of Brighton for over 30 years. The city informed the owners that the structures were “unsafe” and that it was unreasonable to repair them consistent with the standard set forth in the City's ordinance (i.e., the cost of the repairs exceed the value of the property). The property owners were ordered to demolish the structures. The Michigan Supreme Court held that the City’s ordinance did not deprive a property owner of substantive due process because the ordinance is reasonably related to the City’s legitimate interest in promoting the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. Nuisance ordinances regulating unsafe structures are related to a permissible regulatory objective. Bonner v. City of Brighton Prevailing Wage Ordinance The City of Lansing was found to have the right to pass a prevailing wage ordinance on the basis of the 1963 Michigan Constitution granting cities and villages the authority to enact ordinances relating to municipal concerns, including those regulating wages paid to third-party employees working on municipal construction contracts. The decision was considered to be highly significant and favorable with respect to the scope of home rule powers in Michigan. The Michigan Supreme Court provided an answer to one of the most important questions concerning the authority of Michigan's cities and villages—home rule powers. Associated Builders & Contractors v. City of Lansing Election Law—Campaign Financing Public officials can generally issue communications to voters using public dollars if the communications contain factual information regarding the election, the proposal, and what impact either its passage or defeat will have on the public body. Moreover, the prohibition on using public monies to support or defeat a ballot proposal does not prevent certain high-level officers and employees from expressing their opinions. For example, nothing prevents a city councilmember or city manager from standing up at a public meeting and telling the gathering that, in his or her opinion, the City needs to ask for a millage increase and the voters need to support it. Robert Taylor et al v. State of Michigan

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Kim Cekola is a research specialist/editor for the League. You may contact Kim at 734-669-6321 or kcekola@mml.org.

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