June 28, 2023
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
County Execute Coulter and Governor Whitmer visit BorgWarner in Hazel Park April 28, 2023.
Dear Friends,
Investment in Oakland County by businesses looking to expand or locate within our 907 square miles has always been strong.
But the last couple of weeks have provided some clear examples of how the powerful combination of Oakland County’s economy, talented pool of workers and outstanding quality of life make this a premier location for companies to call home, from advanced manufacturing to mobility to state-of-the-art technology.
In the last year, 40 companies, most in advanced manufacturing, robotics or EV production have expanded their footprint or decided to locate in Oakland County. These investments represent more than 7,000 retained and new jobs.
In the last week, however, two announcements have stood out.
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DESign Group announced it will open its first U.S. manufacturing plant in New Hudson to design and build automation equipment for the automotive industry, creating 45 new jobs.
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ExpleoUSA said it will open its first North American automotive research and development facility in Oakland County, bringing 200 well-paying jobs to the region.
This is great news for Oakland County and its residents who will get many of those jobs.
But it’s not surprising either. The tri-county region is home to the highest concentration of engineers in the country. Oakland County is home to the only Centre for Advanced Manufacturing in North America and we’ve got innovative programs like Oakland80, which provides resources for our residents to get a college degree or certified training and Project DIAMOnD, which equips our manufacturers with the advanced technology equipment they need to recover, succeed and thrive.
Couple that with an environment that is full of lakes, parks and a diverse and thriving quality of life from bustling downtowns to the wide-open spaces of our rural countryside, and it’s no wonder that Oakland County is on the top of many companies’ lists for location and expansion.
Attracting these companies – the lifeblood of our economies – takes collaboration, respect and an attitude that what helps one of us, helps us all. I am deeply appreciative of the cooperative working relationship the county’s Economic Development department has with our communities, surrounding counties and region, and the state.
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With gratitude,
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive
Upcoming Veterans Resource Fairs
June 29, 2023 | 9 a.m. - noon
Oakland County Executive Office Building 41W | 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford
Register: tinyurl.com/34p4v97t
July 13, 2023 | 9 a.m. - noon
Holly Area Veterans Resource Center | 300 East Street, Holly
Register: tinyurl.com/yup9r85y
Representatives will be onsite to serve all Veterans, active duty, guard and reserves, and their families with these resources:
- FREE food boxes
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Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic — Scheduling free dental appointments
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Detroit VA Healthcare System — Offering registration help and exams for non-enrolled Veterans
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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Printing DD214s on-site
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Oakland County Veterans’ Services — Providing information and claims assistance regarding veteran benefits and giving away $50 Meijer gift cards — to be eligible you must be a Veteran and Oakland County resident, and you must present a copy of your DD214
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Oakland County Housing & Neighborhood Development—Helping residents with housing counseling and more
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Oakland Community Health Network — Addressing any behavioral health issues and concerns, including behavioral health needs for children
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Oakland County Michigan Works! — Providing veterans and their families with career planning, training programs, job search resources and the opportunity to meet with an employment specialist
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VA Suicide Prevention — Providing free gun locks
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Ride SMART — Providing information on the Oakland County Veteran Transportation Program
Coulter appoints two neighborhood and housing development leaders Khadija Walker-Fobbs and Kyle Hines
Oakland County’s strategic goal of affordable housing is moving forward with the appointments of the county’s first housing and neighborhood development officer and first housing trust fund manager. County Executive Dave Coulter appointed Khadija Walker-Fobbs to lead the Neighborhood & Housing Development Division and Kyle Hines to oversee the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund.
"Increasing affordable housing options and ensuring safe, livable and welcoming neighborhoods are key priorities for Oakland County,” Coulter said. “I'm thrilled to welcome Khadija Walker-Fobbs and Kyle Hines to Oakland County. Both are seasoned professionals and bring years of experience in the housing field that will be an enormous benefit to our residents and our communities."
Click here to read more.
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Oakland County Earns Six National Achievement Awards for Government Programs
Oakland County has been recognized with six Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Oakland County’s Department of Communications, Board of Commissioners, Health Division and Parks won awards in various categories.
Click here to view each winning submission.
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