 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
APRIL 2023
Quick links to this issue's stories
 The Board celebrated March as Women’s History Month by recognizing local women for the historic impact they have made in their communities. Commissioners were invited to submit the names of exceptional women living or working in their district for this honor, and awards were presented during the March 23 meeting of the full Board. This was the second year the Board has honored outstanding local women. The 2023 honorees are:
- Mary Alam of Southfield, Big Boy franchise owner – nominated by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17)
- Debbie Bohm-Rosenman of Bloomfield, precinct delegate, instructional coach at Schoolcraft College and retired educator – nominated by Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson (District 11)
- Dorothy J. Dean of Southfield, attorney, community activist and advocate for civil and human rights – nominated by Commissioner Janet Jackson (District 18)
- Merilyn McGee of Holly, retired Groveland Township Fire Chief, first female fire chief in the state, and currently a local chaplain – nominated by Commissioner Bob Hoffman (District 7)
- Jeanne Stine of Troy, community leader and retired school counselor – nominated by Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2)
- Patrice Waterman of Pontiac, community activist, former council legislative director and Pontiac city councilperson – nominated by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9)
To see more photos of the honorees, visit the Oakland County Blog at https://bit.ly/WHM_2023.
The Board of Commissioners accomplished many goals and tackled some exciting initiatives in 2022, all targeted at offering more for Oakland County residents and stakeholders. Highlights from the year include new Board programs that benefited residents, collaborations with Macomb and Wayne counties, new community recognition programs, efforts to improve county roads and more.
To access the report, visit www.oakgov.com/boc and your commissioner’s webpage.
Earlier last month, commissioners joined members from county administration to announce a $5 million investment in 29 senior centers across Oakland County to provide improved services and facilities for older residents. The Board approved the program, which awarded grants to those community locations. The grants range from $25,000 - $250,000.
Some of the senior center grants projects include:
- Upgrades to kitchens for expanded nutrition programs
- New roofs and other infrastructure to extend the life of these centers
- Americans with Disabilities Act compliance projects to make facilities more accessible
- Pickleball courts to accommodate the fastest-growing sport in the country
- New park space and recreational activities
- Safety and security upgrades
- Purchase of laptops and computer recharging stations as well as hiring technology instructors for seniors
- Upgrades to HVAC systems for more stable heating and cooling
For more information and a complete list of grant recipients, visit http://bit.ly/3Me5h5I.
In 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved Business Forward, a program that aims to engage the county's 36,000-plus small businesses with expertise and resources in the communities where they are located. This March, Chair David T. Woodward (District 1) and Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9) joined Oakland County Executive David Coulter to announce the program, which will be the flagship initiative of Oakland Thrive, a new nonprofit that will help entrepreneurs and small businesses in Oakland County. The organization will place a special focus on supporting businesses owned by women, minorities and veterans.
Oakland Thrive allows greater flexibility, sustainability and scope when it comes to helping small businesses succeed. The nonprofit is working to bolster economic development throughout Oakland County, one of the most prosperous counties in the United States. While the county has communities that exceed the average household income, others are below the statewide income average. By connecting with small and micro businesses by providing support and services, Oakland Thrive will work to close prosperity gaps and level the playing field for all.
For more information about the nonprofit, visit https://bit.ly/OakThrive.
The Board regularly recognizes residents, community members, organizations and businesses with proclamations and certificates in honor of special milestones, contributions or achievements. See the list below for recent recognitions.
- Commissioners unanimously heralded the 60th anniversary of the Gideon v. Wainwright Supreme Court ruling in honor of indigent defense attorneys across the nation and here in the county – presented by Commissioners Charlie Cavell (District 19), Philip J. Weipert (District 13) and Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17) to Pete Menna, Oakland County’s chief attorney for indigent defense, Mar. 23.
- Social workers were honored for National Social Work Month – presented by Commissioners Charlie Cavell (District 19) and Penny Luebs (District 2) and Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson (District 11), Mar. 23. Both commissioners are social workers professionally and were joined by Oakland County colleagues, who accepted the proclamation.
- Synergetic Healing was celebrated for its grand opening in Troy – presented by Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2), Mar. 30.
Upcoming meetings:
Apr 10 Majority Caucus, 4:30 p.m.
Apr 11 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations, 9:30 a.m.
Public Health & Safety, 11:00 a.m.
Apr 12 Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11:00 a.m.
Apr 20 Majority Caucus, 5:00 p.m.
Full Board, 6:00 p.m.
Full Board and standing committee meetings are open to the public at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, and livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/OCBOCCal or https://bit.ly/OCCivicClerk. Follow the Board on Facebook for the latest updates.
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In March, Commissioners celebrated Women’s History Month and recognized the contributions of the nine women serving on the Board: Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2); Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8); Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9); Commissioner Kristen Nelson (District 10); Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson (District 11); Commissioner Christine Long (District 12); Commissioner Gwen Markham (District 15); Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17); and Commissioner Janet Jackson (District 18).
There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Annual Report is out at https://bit.ly/OCPR2022. It highlights the expansions at county parks, added recreation offerings and the $20 million Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, which provided funding for the department to invest in local communities by creating sustainable parks and public spaces.
- Did you know that the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office offers assistance for residents and business owners? These resources include financial counseling, the Financial Literacy Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs, the Returning Citizens Entrepreneur Training Center, business grants and loans, and housing mortgage relief. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/OakFinEmp.
- County Executive David Coulter appointed Paulette Loftin as the county’s first chief public defender. Loftin has dedicated most of her 15 years in law practice to indigent criminal defense and handled some of the most arduous cases, including the challenge of providing legal representation for the Oxford High School shooter. She begins the role on April 17. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/OakLoftin.
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