Supervisor Chris Barnett

18/03/2026

If you asked the little boy in the first photo of Orion Township, Michigan’s recent post what he wanted to be when he grew up, he would’ve said a firefighter, just like his dad. He never could have guessed that he’d become Township Supervisor or that 13 years in, it would be his dream job, serving his dream community alongside his dream team.

Here I am watching my dad speak to his fire battalion.

And here’s the link to the Township post I mentioned: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G5Z21xV3h/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/03/2026

Today, I’m checking in from our Orion Veterans Memorial with a lot of gratitude (for our troops, for our township employees, and for all of you) and a couple reminders (re: our Hometown Hero Banner Program and calling your state elected officials to oppose their proposed zoning preemption bills…more info for both linked below).

Hometown Hero Banner Program: https://www.oriontownship.org/_T7_R100.php

Proposed Zoning Preemption Bill information: https://www.oriontownship.org/_T7_R101.php

Happy Friday, Orion Township, Michigan!

04/03/2026

A great reminder of the thoughtful zoning work that takes place at the local level here in Orion Township, Michigan. Our boards and commissions work hard to balance responsible growth with protecting the character and welfare of our community.

We’re grateful you chose Orion Township, Alec, and especially grateful for your service on the ZBA!

25/02/2026

There are few places I’m looking forward to being more than at the table with you at Township Talks this Friday (okay, maybe with my grandson in Nashville this weekend, but after that, nowhere I’d rather be!).

We can discuss the proposed zoning legislation I shared yesterday, or anything and everything else.

I will point out the Zoning picture behind me though, framed like the artwork it truly is. It represents collaboration, community voices, and the understanding that no two communities’ zoning portraits would, or should, look the same.

Supervisor Chris Barnett has had strong media presence these past few days—but this Friday, he's looking forward to being present with you at 2026 Township Talks!

And while he's more than happy to discuss the proposed zoning legislation* he's been advocating against, residents are encouraged to bring any questions, ideas, and concerns to the table.

We look forward to seeing you at 9:30 a.m. in the Baldwin Room this Friday!

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*If you would like to read more about the proposed legislation, you can view additional information on the Orion Township website here: https://www.oriontownship.org/_T7_R101.php

24/02/2026

Today, it's critical that we make our local voices heard at the state level.

I'm grateful to the many elected officials who joined me in opposition of the one-size-fits-all zoning preemption bills (Proposed House Bills 5529-5532, linked below) currently under consideration in the Michigan House of Representatives.

This morning, Macomb Township Supervisor Viviano, Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, and I sat down with Nick Monacelli on WDIV Local 4 this morning (https://youtu.be/_4LxUtg7gu0), then we continued the conversation—together with a broad coalition of other elected officials and staff—during a press conference at SEMCOG, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tpQ1MqJAtA).

I'll keep the dialogue going soon on FOX 2 Detroit. Tune in at 5:30PM.

The response from local government has been unprecedented. In my 13 years of service, I've never seen a call to action evoke such an immediate and unified response — over 1,500 elected officials have weighed in, nearly all in strong opposition. We've yet to find one local leader in support of this package of bills.

Thank you to Donni Steele - State Representative, for standing with us against the proposed legislation.

I urge you to please contact the legislators in the Regulatory Reform Committee and The House of Representatives to let them know why they should do the same:

Rep. Joe Aragona, Chair
(517) 373-1785
[email protected]

Rep. Parker Fairbairn, Majority Vice Chair
(517) 373-2629
[email protected]

Rep. Tullio Liberati Jr., Minority Vice Chair
(517) 373-1776
[email protected]

View other representatives here: https://house.mi.gov/Committee/HREGU

Review the proposed bills here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5529

More media coverage from today is linked here:

WWJ Newsradio 950: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1868588987174815

Crain's Detroit Business: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/local-governments-push-back-statwide-michigan-zoning-bills

20/02/2026

We are illuminators! ✨ Thank you to the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to join so many LOcal lights this morning at the Annual Member Appreciation Breakfast. It was an to honor hang out with all of you who make Orion shine.

20/02/2026

Lots of exciting updates to share (soon), but a moment of personal pride to the share with you the cutest grandson I ever did see, Mr. Cole Hansen😍

19/02/2026

The Lake Orion Hydra Dragons FTC #23623 gave the best presentation I've seen in 13 years at our Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday evening.

Awesome work, Carter, Augusto, and Natalie, and congratulations to all of our Hydra Dragons! We can't wait to cheer you on at World Championships next month.

19/02/2026

These will sell out quickly! Let’s honor our heroes! Also, if you’d like to sponsor a hero, let me know.

Introducing our Hometown Hero Banner Program, created to recognize the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving our country in the United States Military or as first responders.

To honor our local heroes, and support our Orion Veterans Memorial, personalized banners will be proudly displayed along the Baldwin Corridor from Memorial Day through Veterans Day in the year they are purchased.

Banners cost $100 each, and all proceeds benefit the Orion Veterans Memorial.

The application deadline for 2026 banners is April 18.

Applications are linked below. Any questions may be directed to Lizzie at [email protected].

https://cms9files.revize.com/oriontwp/Community/News/Hometown%20Heroes%20Banner%20Program%2003272026.pdf?t=202603270940400&t=202603270940400

06/02/2026

My Month in Review for January is more of a reflection, but what stood out to me is how much kindness shows up every day in Orion Township.

We see it in big acts and initiatives, like the lifesaving efforts of our first responders, fundraisers, and events such as last month’s Cell Out at Official: Lake Orion High School and OrionONTV’s fundraiser for Oxford/Orion Food Lantry Fish(ending today!). But we also see it in the simple acts that make a big difference.

As Jack Lovat for Orion Trustee says at all of our Board Meetings, and as you’ll hear and see in this recap, do something kind for a neighbor.

Speaking of neighbors, this month we also hosted our first Township Talk with Orion Township Clerk - Julia Dalrymple, which had an awesome turnout and great conversation. Kindness can mean sharing ideas and information, too. 🙂

(Note: You may notice the “Do Something Kind for a Neighbor” shirts featured in this video. These shirts were created as part of a fundraiser for Trustee, John Carson, and are available for purchase at Custom Apparel on Baldwin.)

Now that we’re in the month of LOve, let’s be intentional about showing it — in our words (both online and in person), in our actions, and in how we support one another.

LOve = Lake Orion Values Everyone.

Let’s keep it going.

Do something kind for a neighbor.

05/02/2026

We are honored to be recognized as a five-star community in University of Michigan-Dearborn's eCities research study.

Our Board of Trustees is deeply invested in this community, not just professionally but personally. When we move forward with projects, whether they're focused on development, recreation, or both, we're always thinking about residents' return on investment. We want Township investments, like the Orion Recreation Center or the Baldwin Corridor, to serve a real purpose while also strengthening property values for residents and business owners.

This recognition reflects the dedication of the people who live, work, and invest in Orion Township, and we thank everyone who invests their time, energy, and resources to help our community thrive.

Orion Township has been recognized as a five-star community in the University of Michigan-Dearborn's eCities study. We're honored to be one of 86 communities statewide acknowledged for supporting business growth and economic development, and we're grateful to UM-Dearborn College of Business for research that reflects how thoughtful, long-term investments contribute to a strong and resilient community.

The eCities study examines five-year trends in growth, public investment, and the cost of doing business. Communities earning five-star recognition demonstrated not only growth in property values and commercial activity, but also a commitment to reinvesting in long-term community assets such as road projects, park and trail improvements, and other infrastructure that supports residents and businesses alike.

We're proud of this recognition and thankful for everyone who helps make Orion Township a great place to live, work, and do business.

Read more about the eCities project here:
umdearborn.edu/ecities

17/12/2025

Moments like yesterday, talking with Pomeroy Living Orion residents about the history and future of are the little reminders that make me appreciate why I love my job and our Township.