Lansing, Michigan – A $1.3 billion wave of campus projects is moving forward across Michigan, touching everything from engineering labs and skilled-trades centers to libraries, health education buildings and digital-learning spaces. For students, that could eventually mean something very practical: newer places to learn, train and prepare for work.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed eight bills on Sept. 21 tied to higher-education investment and the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The package builds on capital-outlay authorizations covering 27 Michigan universities and community colleges, with the state’s share totaling $524.4 million.
Two measures directly address how Michigan finances those campus projects. Senate Bill 729, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann, creates exceptions to limits on outstanding obligations of the State Building Authority, opening room for additional capital-outlay financing.
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House Bill 5482, sponsored by Rep. Luke Meerman, allows lawmakers to appropriate State Building Authority rental payments for new construction as projects are completed and long-term financing is arranged.
The projects are split between planning and construction authorizations.
Fifteen institutions received planning authorizations. They include Central Michigan University’s Brooks Hall, Ferris State University’s Allied Health Sciences Building, Michigan Technological University’s Center for Convergence and Innovation and the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Computer and Information Science Building. Community-college projects include Delta College’s Student Resource Center/Library, Lansing Community College’s Energy and Utility Training Center and Oakland Community College’s Skilled Trades and Industrial Technology Building.
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Another 12 institutions have construction authorizations. Among them are Michigan State University’s Engineering and Digital Innovation Building, Eastern Michigan University’s Engineering and Technology Complex at Roosevelt Hall, the University of Michigan-Flint’s Innovation and Technology Complex and Grand Valley State University’s Blue Dot Lab. Projects are also moving forward at several community colleges, including manufacturing, automotive technology, mobility, health education and virtual-learning facilities.
“Michigan students deserve to learn in buildings that match their ambition,” State Budget Director Jen Flood said.
“This budget funds new labs, renovated classrooms, and modern facilities so students and faculty across the state have what they need to succeed.”
Whitmer said the legislation continues the administration’s work on both higher education and state finances.
“I’m proud to have delivered eight balanced, bipartisan budgets that invest in our schools, grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and lower costs across the state,” Whitmer said. “These bills will build on our work to improve higher education and balance our state budget.”
The remaining legislation makes several budget-related changes outside higher education. Measures address the Community District Education Trust, internet gaming and sports betting funds, local court funding, transportation collections and transfers under the Public Health Code. According to the governor’s office, those changes are part of balancing the FY2027 budget without increasing taxes.
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The full list of authorized campus projects and legislation is available through the Governor’s Office announcement.