Laura Toy

Laura M. Toy, Council Member

Council VICE PRESIDENT

City Hall Phone: (734) 466-2256

Email Laura Toy


For more than three decades, Laura Toy has been an active volunteer and leader in the Livonia community.  A lifelong Livonia resident, Laura’s father was the sixth sworn officer hired by the Livonia Police Department back in the early 1950s.

COUNCIL EXPERIENCE 

  • Elected as Vice President from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023
  • Re-elected to four-year term from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025
  • Elected to a four-year term from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021
  • Re-elected to a four-year term from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015
  • Elected to a four-year term from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011
  • Re-elected to a four-year term from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1995
  • Elected to a four-year term from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1991

CURRENT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS 
(through December 31, 2023) 

  • Chair of Senior Citizens, Families and Environment Committee
  • Vice-Chair of Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Technology Committee 
  • Member of Law and Education Committee 
  • Member of the Committee of the Whole
  • Council Representative on the Livonia Anniversary Committee (SPREE)

PAST COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

  • Council President from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019
  • Chair of the Committee of the Whole from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019
  • Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015
  • Vice-Chair of the Economic Development, Community Outreach and Strategic Planning Committee from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015
  • Member of the Public Safety, Education and Recreation Committee from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015
  • Council President from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013
  • Chair of the Committee of the Whole from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013
  • Chair of the Economic Development, Community Outreach and Strategic Planning Committee from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011
  • Vice-Chair of the Public Safety, Education and Recreation Committee from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011
  • Member of the Capital Improvement, Natural Resources and Waste Management Committee from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011
  • Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Alternate Delegate from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011
  • Council President from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009
  • Chair of the Committee of the Whole from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009
  • Chair of the Livonia Schools Liaison Committee from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1995, from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1991 and from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1989
  • Member of the Water Supply, Drainage, Sewage and Waste Disposal Study Committee from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1995, from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993, from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1991 and from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1989
  • Member of the City Council Streets, Roads and Plats Committee from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1995 and from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1991
  • Chair of the City Council Capital Improvement Committee from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993
  • Member of the Livonia City Council/Schools Liaison Committee from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1993
  • Council President and Chair of the Committee of the Whole from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1992
  • Member of the City Council Legislative Committee from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1989

EDUCATION 

  • Bachelor of General Studies Degree with a Triple Major – University of Michigan, Dearborn
  • Associate of Arts Degree – Schoolcraft Community College, Livonia
  • Bentley High School Class President, Livonia.  Started first recycling center in Livonia with the support of former Mayor Ed McNamara

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Co-owner for the past 34 years of Cardwell Florist on Plymouth Road in Livonia (which was named the 2006 Retailer of the Year by the Michigan Floral Association)
  • Chief of Staff for Senator Judy K. Emmons, 33rd District
  • Elected to and represented Livonia in the Michigan Senate for four years, where she served as the Majority Whip Assistant.  Also was Chair of the Veterans Committee and the Chair for Family & Human Services.
  • Elected to and represented Livonia in the Michigan House of Representatives for four years, where she served as Caucus Chair
  • Elected and served as Livonia City Treasurer for three years
  • Elected and served as a member of the Schoolcraft Community College Board of Trustees for seven years

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

  • Founder of the “Reps for Ramps” program (built ramps for the disabled people in the State of Michigan)
  • Recipient of the “Significant Progress Award” from the Donate Life Coalition of the State of Michigan
  • Recipient of a “Literacy Advocate Award” from the State of Michigan Friends of Education
  • Other awards and 27 Public Laws authored and sponsored by Laura Toy are available upon request