The Houghton City Council passed Resolution 2025-1963 amid its Feb. 26 meeting, condemning what it claims is the Trump administration’s executive overreach. Councilor Craig Waddell’s motion expressly addresses concerns about federal staff cutbacks and budget cuts that affect research institutions like Michigan Tech.
The proposal, originally provoked by public concerns, was put forward at the Feb. 12 council meeting. Waddell recommended that the council codify its stance, which resulted in the preparation and ratification of Resolution 2025-1963.
The resolution’s primary concerns are large-scale reductions in force (RIFs) of civilian federal employees and substantial cuts to research funding. President Trump issued an executive order on Feb. 11 directing federal agencies to begin preparing for mass layoffs, affecting almost 9,000 federal employees in Michigan’s First Congressional District alone. Locally, these cuts affect essential public services and environmental safeguards, such as the fight against invasive species in the Great Lakes.
The resolution also emphasizes a Feb. 7 mandate from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to restrict indirect research expenditures at 15 percent. This move would have a substantial impact on Michigan Tech, which gets around $76 million in government research funding and depends on this money to support critical initiatives and infrastructure. A lawsuit brought by 22 states, including Michigan, has temporarily blocked the act.
During public discussion, three citizens supported the resolution, underlining the greater economic and societal implications of unfettered executive acts. Councilor Mike Needham recused himself due to a conflict of interest, while the other five council members overwhelmingly backed the resolution.
The resolution was criticized for its partisanship, and doubt was cast upon the legitimacy of a municipal council stepping in on federal issues. However, Waddell justified the policy as a necessary response to administrative measures that have a direct impact on the local economy and governmental institutions. “Sound economic policy and constitutionality should not be partisan issues,” Waddell stated. “Every claim in this resolution is documented, providing a resource for citizens to develop their own arguments.”
In the resolution, the council reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional ideals and promised to convey its concerns to state and federal legislators. By taking this stance, the City of Houghton joins a rising number of local governments opposing federal laws they see as overreaching.
