WCC thanks Washtenaw County voters for approving operating millage renewal
submitted by Fran LeFort, Washtenaw Community College
Based on unofficial election results, 72% of voters last Tuesday overwhelmingly approved Washtenaw Community College’s (WCC) operating millage renewal. The renewal provides critical operating funding that allows WCC to continue offering the lowest tuition in Michigan while supporting instruction, student services, exceptional faculty, modern facilities, technology and other essential college operations.
President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca thanked county voters for their continued confidence in the college, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The renewed operating millage will allow Washtenaw Community College to continue advancing its mission of providing affordable, accessible, high-quality education while preparing students for in-demand careers, helping local employers build a skilled workforce and contributing to Michigan’s economic growth.
“We are excited about what this means for the future,” Bellanca said. “Together with our community, we will continue opening doors to opportunity, strengthening our workforce and providing students with the education and skills they need to succeed.” Bellanca also thanked the many community members, volunteers, alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters who helped educate voters about the importance of the millage renewal.
Official election results will be certified by the Washtenaw County Board of Canvassers.
The millage supports:
- $99 tuition, the lowest of any college in Michigan for Washtenaw County residents.
- 25,000 students each year with high-quality instruction to help them enter the workforce, advance or change careers, or transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- Being the No. 1 college choice for Washtenaw County high school graduates.
- Being the top transfer school to the University of Michigan with additional pathways to top universities across the state and country.
- $524 million in estimated overall economic impact and 8,000 jobs annually generated through training and educating students who live and work in our community.
- $23 million of economic impact generated by the 6,000+ trades professionals who train on WCC’s campus each year, shop in area stores, stay in our hotels and dine in our restaurants.
- 54,000 tuition scholarships totaling $7.7 million for senior citizens age 65 and older.
- 100,000+ conference services guests at the Morris Lawrence Building and 4,500 community events on campus annually.
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce needs.
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