Flint Township Could Be Renamed Oak Hills. Voters Weigh In on Nov. 3.

By Carrie Thompson, Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent, eXp Realty, Grand Blanc, MI

Flint Township voters will decide on Nov. 3, 2026 whether they want their community renamed Oak Hills Charter Township. The Flint Township Board of Trustees voted 5-1 on Monday, July 20, 2026 to put the question on the November ballot (ABC12, July 20, 2026). The question is advisory. Even if voters say yes, the township board still has to vote separately before any new name takes effect (WNEM, July 21, 2026).

Flint Charter Township is a separate community from the city of Flint (WFNT, July 21, 2026), with its township hall at 1490 S. Dye Road (Genesee County View, Sept. 17, 2026). The proposal would give it a name that no longer shares a word with the city.

The board vote was 5-1 at a July meeting

WNEM reported that trustees approved the measure 5-1 during a special meeting on Monday evening, July 20 (WNEM, July 21, 2026). Genesee County View reported that trustee Gene Leverette Sr. cast the only vote against it (Genesee County View, Sept. 17, 2026). Spectrum News and ABC12 also reported a 5-1 vote (Spectrum News, July 21, 2026). One outlet, Mid-Michigan NOW, reported the count as five in favor and four opposed in its first story that night (Mid-Michigan NOW, July 20, 2026). The other four outlets all reported 5-1.

Leverette explained his concern to ABC12. "I think we have too many other items or things to talk about in Flint Township," he said (ABC12, July 20, 2026).

Trustee Jenna McIntire said the ballot question gives residents a measurable answer. She told Spectrum News that "with the ballots, everyone is able to get their voices out and get their opinions heard, and we will see the statistical, factual numbers of everybody who's voted" (Spectrum News, July 21, 2026).

The idea goes back to 2016

This is not a new conversation. The township started a naming committee in 2016, and a 2022 survey by the township's Downtown Development Authority picked Oak Hills Charter Township from the proposed alternatives (Spectrum News, July 21, 2026). Genesee County View reported that the Oak Hills name came from a survey completed by roughly 500 to 600 residents, and that in 2022 trustees voted 4-2 against putting the same name change to a referendum (Genesee County View, Sept. 17, 2026).

WNEM reported that the township has kept its current name for more than 100 years (WNEM, July 21, 2026).

Supporters point to confusion with the city

Jerry Preston, chairman of the Flint Township Suggestion Committee, told WNEM that the shared name causes mix-ups well beyond Genesee County. "Flint Township never had Flint water and so, that's a big example of the confusion that obviously is nationwide," Preston said. He also noted the township spans seven ZIP codes and four different names, and said a new identity could help recruit businesses (WNEM, July 21, 2026).

Business owners spoke in favor during public comment at the July meeting. Dan Crannie, owner of Signs by Crannie, told the board, "I think Flint Township would be better to separate and give it its own identity" (ABC12, July 20, 2026). Spectrum News quoted him adding, "The cost is minimal compared to the economic impact I think that it could really have on our community" (Spectrum News, July 21, 2026).

Opponents point to history and other priorities

Not everyone wants the change. One resident told WNEM, "I respect Flint and the history behind it" (WNEM, July 21, 2026). WFNT reported that some residents and at least one trustee argued that resources should go toward improving the township rather than renaming it (WFNT, July 21, 2026).

Supervisor Karyn Miller has said the decision should rest with voters. "I do want to do what the residents want us to do," she told Spectrum News (Spectrum News, July 21, 2026). WNEM reported that Miller would like a clear mandate from voters before moving forward (WNEM, July 21, 2026).

A town hall walked residents through the question in September

The township held an informational town hall on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the township hall. No township business was conducted. Miller said the session was "an opportunity for every resident and business owner to understand what the ballot question means, why it's being presented, and how it may affect the community" (Genesee County View, Sept. 17, 2026).

At the town hall, Miller told Mid-Michigan NOW the township is looking to unify the community and "just have our own identity." Mid-Michigan NOW reported that if voters approve the change, the township will consider the results and vote on whether to approve it, and that the new name likely would take effect in 2028 (Mid-Michigan NOW, Sept. 17, 2026).

What a name change means for owners in Flint Township

Nothing changes on Nov. 3 itself. The ballot result is advisory, the board would still have to vote, and the reported timeline for a new name is 2028. If you own a home in the township or are buying one, there is no paperwork to file now. If the change moves forward, watch for official township guidance on what changes and when. Sellers listing in the township between now and then should describe the location the way buyers search for it today, as Flint Township.

Every listing I take gets professional photos and video, room sizes, targeted digital ads, and targeted buyer avatars. Call or text Carrie Thompson at (810) 893-3269.

About Carrie Thompson

Carrie Thompson, "Your Favorite Property Girl," is a Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent (REALTOR®) with eXp Realty serving Grand Blanc, Genesee County and nearby Michigan communities, including Flint Township, Swartz Creek, Clayton Township, Flushing and Mundy Township. Michigan license 6501338662. Call or text (810) 893-3269.