State Representative
Brenda Carter
Pontiac | 53rd House District
Serving 93,056 constituents in N/NW Auburn Hills, Pontiac, SE/S/SW Waterford
[email protected]
(517) 373-2577
Office: S-987 House Office Building
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Brenda Carter
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Stay Connected with
Brenda Carter
Michigan has already made history at NCOIL once. Now, Michigan has an opportunity to make history again.
In 1978, Michigan Rep. Matthew McNeely served as president of what was then known as the National Conference of Insurance Legislators — the organization we now know as NCOIL. That same year, NCOIL’s history reflects its 10th Annual Meeting in Detroit.
Nearly five decades later, I now serve as NCOIL Secretary — the first woman from Michigan to hold this national leadership role.
That history is not lost on me.
Rep. McNeely helped place Michigan at the center of national insurance-policy leadership. Today, I carry that legacy forward with House District 53 — Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and Waterford Township — in my heart.
NCOIL matters because insurance touches everything: auto coverage, health care, homeowners protection, life insurance, small businesses, disaster recovery, and whether working families can afford to be protected at all.
For districts like House District 53, these conversations are not abstract. They are kitchen-table issues. They are about fairness, affordability, access, and making sure communities that are too often overlooked have a voice before decisions are made.
As we explore the possibility of bringing NCOIL back to Michigan in 2030 — to Detroit or Grand Rapids — I see more than a meeting. I see history coming full circle.
From McNeely to Carter, Michigan’s voice is still at the table.
And this time, House District 53 — Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and Waterford Township — has a voice at that table, too.
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Today, June 2, 2026 — Summer Discovery Enrollment Event
Families are invited to Herrington Elementary School today from 5:00–7:00 PM for a free Summer Discovery Enrollment Event.
Families can grab food, learn about no-cost summer programs, receive help enrolling their children, and access take-home food boxes while supplies last.
Location: Herrington Elementary School, 541 Bay St., Pontiac
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Registration: Required. Families may use the QR code on the flyer or register on-site.
Thank you to United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Herrington Elementary School, and all partners helping children stay safe, engaged, and supported this summer.
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May was a month of service, preparation, and community presence across House District 53.
Throughout the month, my office continued working to connect residents with resources, support returning citizens and families, advance legislative priorities, and advocate for veterans, seniors, working families, and vulnerable communities.
From Pontiac to Auburn Hills to Waterford, the work continues.
Protect. Prepare. Empower
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Pontiac’s comeback is bigger than any one office, title, or person.
This progress belongs to the people of Pontiac — the residents, workers, small businesses, community leaders, city partners, county partners, state partners, and everyone who refused to give up on this city.
I am proud to have played my part in helping secure the State of Michigan’s $50 million commitment to move Downtown Pontiac forward.
But this work cannot stop at buildings. It must reach the people — through jobs, housing, healthcare access, green space, safer corridors, stronger neighborhoods, and real opportunity for families who have waited too long to see investment return.
When partnership is done right, Pontiac does not get left behind.
As State Representative for House District 53, I will continue working to protect, prepare, and empower our communities — and to make sure Pontiac’s progress reaches the people who call this city home.
www.crainsdetroit.com/crains-content-studio/publishing-partner/cdb-pontiac-downtown-revitalizatio...
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
I was honored to speak on the House floor recognizing the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
For five decades, the MLBC has led with courage and purpose. The Caucus has advocated for civil rights, expanded opportunity, and made sure our communities have a voice in the decisions that shape Michigan.
It meant so much to have Pontiac chosen as the place to celebrate this milestone. Our city has always been defined by resilience and hard work. We are a community built on service, and I was proud to see Pontiac recognized as an important part of Michigan’s story.
Congratulations to the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus on 50 years of service and leadership. I’m grateful for this legacy and proud Pontiac had the opportunity to be part of such a historic celebration. I’m also excited for the work still ahead as we continue building a stronger Michigan.
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
Weekly HD 53 Community Health and Safety Watch
This week, I am continuing to monitor several community health and safety issues affecting House District 53, including Pontiac, Waterford Township, and Auburn Hills.
These issues are connected because they affect whether families can be safe, healthy, stable, and supported. Below are the key areas I am watching:
* Gun violence as a public health crisis
Violence affects more than one incident. It impacts families, neighborhoods, schools, seniors, young people, mental health, and overall community stability.
* Water reliability and emergency response
The recent Auburn Hills/GLWA water main emergency reminded us how important safe water, clear public communication, and infrastructure preparedness are for every community.
* Mental health and trauma support
Residents need access to care before, during, and after a crisis. Trauma does not disappear when the emergency ends.
* Housing stability and homelessness prevention
Safe and stable housing is directly connected to health, safety, employment, school success, and family stability.
* Lead exposure and older housing
Lead exposure can affect children’s health, learning, development, and long-term opportunity, especially in communities with older homes.
* Substance-use and overdose prevention
Prevention, treatment access, family support, and recovery resources save lives and strengthen communities.
* Support for vulnerable residents
Seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, returning citizens, low-income families, and residents without reliable transportation are often hit hardest when systems fail.
My focus remains clear: protect the people’s trust, prepare for real outcomes, and empower communities that do not always have a seat in the room.
I will continue monitoring these issues and sharing information that helps residents stay informed and connected to resources.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Brenda Carter IN THE NEWS
Scott Unveils Legislation to Foster Hope, Revitalize Communities
State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) stands with fellow House Democrats and community stakeholders at the H.O.P.E. Zones press conference [...]
Edwards, Paiz, Carter Announce Legislation to Ensure Dignity in Death
Edwards, Paiz, Carter Announce Legislation to Ensure Individuals Keep Dignity in Death LANSING, Mich., March 19, 2026 — State Reps. [...]
Carter on Situation at Temple Israel
LANSING, Mich., March 12, 2026 — A lockdown was put in place in West Bloomfield and surrounding communities after a [...]
LIVE Goldner Walsh Garden & Home! Ask me anything! ... See MoreSee Less
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Michigan has already made history at NCOIL once. Now, Michigan has an opportunity to make history again.
In 1978, Michigan Rep. Matthew McNeely served as president of what was then known as the National Conference of Insurance Legislators — the organization we now know as NCOIL. That same year, NCOIL’s history reflects its 10th Annual Meeting in Detroit.
Nearly five decades later, I now serve as NCOIL Secretary — the first woman from Michigan to hold this national leadership role.
That history is not lost on me.
Rep. McNeely helped place Michigan at the center of national insurance-policy leadership. Today, I carry that legacy forward with House District 53 — Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and Waterford Township — in my heart.
NCOIL matters because insurance touches everything: auto coverage, health care, homeowners protection, life insurance, small businesses, disaster recovery, and whether working families can afford to be protected at all.
For districts like House District 53, these conversations are not abstract. They are kitchen-table issues. They are about fairness, affordability, access, and making sure communities that are too often overlooked have a voice before decisions are made.
As we explore the possibility of bringing NCOIL back to Michigan in 2030 — to Detroit or Grand Rapids — I see more than a meeting. I see history coming full circle.
From McNeely to Carter, Michigan’s voice is still at the table.
And this time, House District 53 — Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and Waterford Township — has a voice at that table, too. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today, June 2, 2026 — Summer Discovery Enrollment Event
Families are invited to Herrington Elementary School today from 5:00–7:00 PM for a free Summer Discovery Enrollment Event.
Families can grab food, learn about no-cost summer programs, receive help enrolling their children, and access take-home food boxes while supplies last.
Location: Herrington Elementary School, 541 Bay St., Pontiac
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Registration: Required. Families may use the QR code on the flyer or register on-site.
Thank you to United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Herrington Elementary School, and all partners helping children stay safe, engaged, and supported this summer. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
May was a month of service, preparation, and community presence across House District 53.
Throughout the month, my office continued working to connect residents with resources, support returning citizens and families, advance legislative priorities, and advocate for veterans, seniors, working families, and vulnerable communities.
From Pontiac to Auburn Hills to Waterford, the work continues.
Protect. Prepare. Empower ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Pontiac’s comeback is bigger than any one office, title, or person.
This progress belongs to the people of Pontiac — the residents, workers, small businesses, community leaders, city partners, county partners, state partners, and everyone who refused to give up on this city.
I am proud to have played my part in helping secure the State of Michigan’s $50 million commitment to move Downtown Pontiac forward.
But this work cannot stop at buildings. It must reach the people — through jobs, housing, healthcare access, green space, safer corridors, stronger neighborhoods, and real opportunity for families who have waited too long to see investment return.
When partnership is done right, Pontiac does not get left behind.
As State Representative for House District 53, I will continue working to protect, prepare, and empower our communities — and to make sure Pontiac’s progress reaches the people who call this city home.
www.crainsdetroit.com/crains-content-studio/publishing-partner/cdb-pontiac-downtown-revitalizatio... ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
I was honored to speak on the House floor recognizing the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
For five decades, the MLBC has led with courage and purpose. The Caucus has advocated for civil rights, expanded opportunity, and made sure our communities have a voice in the decisions that shape Michigan.
It meant so much to have Pontiac chosen as the place to celebrate this milestone. Our city has always been defined by resilience and hard work. We are a community built on service, and I was proud to see Pontiac recognized as an important part of Michigan’s story.
Congratulations to the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus on 50 years of service and leadership. I’m grateful for this legacy and proud Pontiac had the opportunity to be part of such a historic celebration. I’m also excited for the work still ahead as we continue building a stronger Michigan. ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
Weekly HD 53 Community Health and Safety Watch
This week, I am continuing to monitor several community health and safety issues affecting House District 53, including Pontiac, Waterford Township, and Auburn Hills.
These issues are connected because they affect whether families can be safe, healthy, stable, and supported. Below are the key areas I am watching:
* Gun violence as a public health crisis
Violence affects more than one incident. It impacts families, neighborhoods, schools, seniors, young people, mental health, and overall community stability.
* Water reliability and emergency response
The recent Auburn Hills/GLWA water main emergency reminded us how important safe water, clear public communication, and infrastructure preparedness are for every community.
* Mental health and trauma support
Residents need access to care before, during, and after a crisis. Trauma does not disappear when the emergency ends.
* Housing stability and homelessness prevention
Safe and stable housing is directly connected to health, safety, employment, school success, and family stability.
* Lead exposure and older housing
Lead exposure can affect children’s health, learning, development, and long-term opportunity, especially in communities with older homes.
* Substance-use and overdose prevention
Prevention, treatment access, family support, and recovery resources save lives and strengthen communities.
* Support for vulnerable residents
Seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, returning citizens, low-income families, and residents without reliable transportation are often hit hardest when systems fail.
My focus remains clear: protect the people’s trust, prepare for real outcomes, and empower communities that do not always have a seat in the room.
I will continue monitoring these issues and sharing information that helps residents stay informed and connected to resources. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook