Highland Park council gives tentative OK to Michigan Week parade on Woodward, with MDOT and permit conditions

The Highland Park City Council on March 2 voted to give tentative approval for the Michigan Week parade to move to Woodward Avenue in 2026, but attached several conditions requiring further logistics work and approvals.

Council President Thomas said the council wanted ‘‘a mountain of evidence’’ before issuing a final permit and stressed the need to protect public safety and mobility. The council inserted ‘‘tentative’’ language into the resolution and required organizers to return with MDOT concurrence, permit applications, engineering and public-safety sign-offs.

Sydney, identified as a leader of the Parker Pride Alumni Foundation, which is sponsoring the event, told the council the group would not ask the city for money and mainly needs ‘‘approval to utilize MDOT, which is Woodward.’’ She described plans for barricades, entertainment and working with police and DPW to manage the route and staging.

Council members pressed organizers on logistics: rerouting buses, impacts on residents on staging streets, whether Wayne County or state police would assist, and contingency plans if MDOT declines. Councilwoman Martin asked specifically whether the city would need to supply police or other services; Sydney said organizers would seek state and city police assistance as needed.

Legal counsel confirmed MDOT requires at least 60 days’ lead time after formal council approval to process the request; council members said they wanted the application and MDOT response before issuing a final permit. The council amended the resolution so the Parker Pride organization may revert to the traditional Hamilton route if MDOT does not approve Woodward.

The clerk called the roll on the amended, tentative resolution and the chair announced that the motion carried. Council members said they would likely call a special meeting to consider the final permit once organizers return with the required documentation.

Next steps: organizers must file the MDOT application, produce traffic and safety plans, confirm police support and demonstrate resident/business outreach; council will consider a final permit after those materials are provided.