The Detroit Regional Chamber hosted its 2025 Meet Southeast Michigan’s County Leaders event to convene the Detroit Region’s three core counties leaders, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. Moderated by Carol Cain of CBS Detroit and the Detroit Free Press, the conversation delved into the pressing issues the Region faces, underscoring the critical need for collaboration in the face of shifting federal policies for Southeast Michigan to continue to thrive.
The Looming Shadow of Federal Policy
The conversation with the county executives didn’t shy away from the current economic climate, particularly the impact of tariffs on the Region. The reconfiguration of global supply chains and the U.S.’s weakening trade relationships have left the region disproportionately vulnerable.
The potential erosion of the long-standing partnerships with Canada was also a significant concern. Coulter noted that current trade partners, including Canada, are beginning to seek new partners for the space the U.S. once filled.
Coulter voiced his concern for this reality based on a recent conversation with the Canadian Consul General, Colin Bird, saying, “It was sobering because what he said was ‘we no longer trust the longtime friendship we have with the United States.’"
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