The message was simple, but powerful: Oakland County is “All ways, moving forward.” 

It’s our way of putting into words what really matters: In every facet of our work, we commit – with all of our residents and businesses – to moving forward. 

We have learned so much from the challenges of the last two years, most importantly, that we can’t remain static. We are committed to a strong economy, safe and healthy communities and creating new opportunities for residents to live their best lives. 

On March 10, 2022, Oakland County launched Business Forward, an innovative program that will help small businesses and entrepreneurs in Oakland County grow and thrive with the help of skilled consultants.   

“The Business Forward program has already started working in communities throughout Oakland County, making it easier for entrepreneurs to run successful small businesses,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said, “They will be bringing their expertise and resources directly to the thousands of small businesses that call Oakland County home.”  

The program has placed nine consultants with experience in various fields in the communities they serve. These consultants will collaborate community organizations to link small business owners to government grants, training opportunities and other critical resources they need to be successful.  

To learn more about Business Forward, visit: OakGov.com/BusinessForward 

Dana Incorporated, a leading supplier of fully integrated drivetrain and electrified propulsion systems for all passenger vehicles, is expanding in Novi, Mich., creating 150 jobs and investing $9 million.  

Oakland County Economic Development was pleased to work with Ernst and Young and put together the team, including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Detroit Regional Partnership and City of Novi to keep this expansion in Michigan 

To learn more, visit: lnkd.in/dnT9BvGu  

When an organization has plans for responding to an emergency, it is more likely to survive the incident. Organizations that know how to protect themselves in times of crisis are more likely to return to normal operations and prevent injury and property damage. 

Oakland County Emergency Management (Homeland Security) has site planning materials, workbooks, brochures, posters and publications to assist in the development of an emergency plan. 

For more information, visit: Business Disaster Planning | Disaster Planning (oakgov.com) 

URBAN MAIN: The Main Street Approach Has Expanded to Better Serve the Unique Needs and Challenges Faced by Urban Cities and Commercial Corridors

Downtown Pontiac, Hazel Park, Oak Park and the Huron Corridor in Pontiac join Boston, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Orlando, Charlotte, Fort Worth and Chicago in the new Urban Main Program, addressing the special economic development needs of urban areas. 

The Main Street Approach has been utilized across the U.S. for more than 40 years, helping historic downtowns to stay vibrant and an asset to their communities.  However, the National Main Street Center has now added to their approach methods to tackle the difficult challenges some cities face due to long-term neglect, disinvestment, and barriers to capital for businesses. 

For the needed leaders and volunteers to invest in revitalization efforts in these communities, some honest discussion must take place first regarding racism, diversity, trust and economic disparities.  And, the Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) program has brought in Dionne Baux, vice president of urban development, National Main Street Center in Chicago, to work with them. 

“The new program strives to preserve and celebrate the unique cultural and physical identities of the Urban Main districts,” says John Bry, program manager for MSOC.  “Substantial disinvestment, lack of organizational resources, and a greater disparity of social and economic inequities can be difficult to overcome compared to other downtowns and historic commercial districts working towards revitalization.   

“Main Street Pontiac was the first community in Michigan to embrace the Urban Main program, and we are so impressed with the progress they and Hazel Park and Oak Park have made to date,” continues Bry. 

Main Street Pontiac is a non-profit organization that will have a full-time director soon, guided by a diverse leadership group. They have developed an economic strategy based on data and inclusive community input and have established a façade and placemaking grant program to help with the downtown’s revitalization.  

Oak Park, Hazel Park, and the Huron Corridor - Pontiac are very early in the process.  However, Oak Park has already identified seven potential corridor districts, started to build an asset map, and began the process of setting priorities and strategies for those district's Main Street activities. Hazel Park has created a mission statement, and the Huron Corridor - Pontiac has begun forming a board that will reflect the diversity of its neighborhood and businesses. 

As designated by the National Main Street Center, MSOC is the only countywide coordinating level program; one of 46 coordinating programs overall throughout the U.S. 

On Thursday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, a Veterans Resource Fair will be held at the Novi Civic Center. All Veterans, active duty, guard and reserves—and their families—are invited to attend. Resources will include: VA claims assistance, housing counseling, career planning, training programs, Meijer gift cards, haircuts, food boxes, and more. 

Questions? Contact: Tyrone Jordan at jordant@oakgov.com or (248) 285-8016 

To register or learn more, visit: Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair Tickets, Thu, Mar 31, 2022 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program helps cover funeral costs for families who have lost a loved one to the pandemic. The program grants up to $9,000 per funeral to eligible applicants.  $2 billion has already been distributed to more than 300,000 families.

To learn more, visit: DetroitNews.com/story/news/nation/2022/03/15/us-funeral-assistance-covid-tops-2-b-more-eligible/7046771001/

The House voted Monday to award the only all-female, Black unit to serve in Europe during World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal. 

The 422-0 vote follows a long-running campaign to recognize the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The Senate passed the legislation last year. The unit, known in short as the Six Triple Eight, was tasked with sorting and routing mail for millions of American service members and civilians. Only a half-dozen of the more than 850 members are still alive. 

To read more, visit: Black female WWII unit recognized with congressional honor (detroitnews.com) 

The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund  was established through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The purpose of this fund is to alleviate the challenges faced by homeowners as a result of the pandemic by preventing mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities and more. Eligibility requirements apply.

To learn more and apply, visit: Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)