SEMCOG Presents Southfield with Funding for 9 Mile Regional Pathway Connection
(Lilly Crossley, Sept. 9, 2025)
Southfield, MI – During the City of Southfield’s Council meeting on August 25th, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) presented $1,094,801 for the 9 Mile Regional Pathway Connection.
The SEMCOG Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) granted this money for the 2026 fiscal year, and it is intended to improve pedestrian safety and walkability, as well as expand connections to local destinations.
The 9 Mile Regional Pathway Connection, also known as the 9Line, connects 10 communities including Farmington Hills, Farmington, Oak Park, Ferndale, and Hazel Park.
In the fiscal year 2025, SEMCOG TAP presented a grant to construct a segment from Evergreen to Southfield Rd. For fiscal year 2026, the federal funding will be towards a 0.9 mile, 10 foot wide shared use pathway from M-10 to Greenfield Rd.
Not only will the project bring more connectivity across 9 Mile, it will also link to hundreds of miles of trails in Southeast Michigan.
Leaders from different communities and levels of government came together at the council meeting to share their gratitude and celebrate this effective partnership.
Amy O’Leary, the executive director of SEMCOG, explained that the 9Line construction has a “major emphasis on improving safety for users.”
Daniel Klein, an engagement representative of Oakland County, spoke on how “incredibly proud we are of our parks. They are a gem to our state, and the 9Line will be another jewel added.”
Kenson Siver, the mayor of Southfield, shared that there are other people working on funding, such as the Southfield Public Arts Commission, to get artwork on the trail, adding an even more wonderful experience for users.
“This is a tremendous boost that will attract people and businesses on 9-mile,” Siver says of the new construction, “and it takes a team to make these things happen.”
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib was also present, and many leaders gave their gratitude towards her for continuously advocating for the improvement of these communities.
The 9Line is intended for pedestrians to feel safe and welcome, connecting them to local destinations and improving the walkability in their city. The generous donation from SEMCOG will help expand this agenda, connecting even more cities and improving the overall enjoyment of living in Oakland County.
Learn more about the 9Line at https://www.cityofsouthfield.com/sites/default/files/inline-files/NineMileCorridor_FinalReport_7-14-23_sm.pdf
