Executive Orders Create New Mobility Endeavors for Michigan

MCity test facility

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed two executive orders on February 25 that created new transportation initiatives for the state.

[Above photo by the University of Michigan.]

The first order, Executive Directive 2020-1, formed the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification as well as a chief Mobility officer position to head that office. It will be charged with leading the strategic coordination of all mobility-related initiatives across state government while increasing collaboration between public and private sector partners.

Gov. Whitmer. Photo by NGA.

The second measure, Executive Order 2020-2, formed the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, which will replace the Council on Future Mobility, which is abolished under the order.

It will serve in an advisory capacity for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the governor, and the legislature – providing annual recommendations on changes in state mobility policy, especially pertaining to autonomous and connected vehicle technology, electric vehicle (EV) powertrain technology, EV charging infrastructure, along with shared and transit mobility options.

“In the state that put the world on wheels and that’s home to some of the most innovative, driven workers on the planet, we must continue to work to solidify Michigan as a global leader in mobility,” the governor said in a statement.

“That’s why we’re harnessing our resources in state government to ensure Michigan remains the go-to state to build, test, and deploy the cars of the future,” she added. “I’m excited to work with leaders in the Office of Future Mobility to build on the progress we’ve seen in the last year and cement our status as a hub for innovation and opportunity in the automotive sector.”

Gov. Whitmer noted that those efforts will build on the current successes of the state’s mobility initiatives – including PlanetM, the mobility initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation’s ongoing work with automotive industry partners in developing connected and automated vehicles and its support in the creation of Mcity at the University of Michigan; and the Electric Vehicle Charger Placement Optimization project being led by the Michigan Energy Office.

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