Walking Audit to review existing conditions along proposed Clinton River Trail Pike Street
crosstown connector in Downtown Pontiac. 

July 2023  |  Top Stories:

County Commuting Patterns  |  VTM Michigan Recap  |  Opportunity to Connect Academia with Business Needs  |  Revolving Loan Fund  |  Oakland County Finalizes Purchase of Pontiac Buildings  |  Pike Street Clinton River Trail Connector  |  August Planners Gathering: Office to Residential Conversions  |  Regional Talent Innovation Grant  |  Veterans Transit Survey  |  Veterans Food Distribution Event  |  Bill Benefiting Spouses of Disabled Veterans  

A Message From Sean Carlson

Oakland County Deputy Executive

Dear Colleagues,   It’s hard to believe that we are more that half-way through the year, so let’s take this month to focus on the future. Looking over the highlights for this month and the months to come, I can’t help but notice trends. Take a look at this edition's Data Corner. You will see some interesting information on commuting patterns in Oakland County. It’s data like this that really determines how we at Economic Development work to prepare our county for the future.  We have over 700,000 people who commute to or within Oakland County for work. This illustrates the vital importance of transportation technology in the region. This is one reason why Oakland County Economic Development partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to host the inaugural VTM Michigan on July 11-13 in Novi. This unique event brought together business delegations from all over the world along with U.S. manufacturers and suppliers within the automotive, technology and transportation industries. Over 400,000 people commute to Oakland County from elsewhere. This could be partially due to a need for additional residential areas in Oakland County. To address this need, Oakland County Economic Development's Planning Division is hosting a presentation on another approach to building housing: “Office to Residential Conversions – The Troy Experience,” on August 30, 10-11 a.m. This workshop will discuss how office space conversions are being touted in many areas as a logical option with decline of office space demand following the pandemic and the need for more housing.   Quality of life is important to us here at Economic Development, and I know it’s important to our 300,000+ residents who live and work within the county. That’s one reason why we have been working on active trail and pathway planning in Oakland County for more than 40 years. These trails are created to serve a diverse range of users of all ages and abilities, to promote active and healthy lifestyles and to provide safe and well-maintained linkages to important natural, cultural and civic destinations and other points of interest. This month you can learn more about the progress the Planning Division has been making for the completion of the Clinton River Trail.  Speaking of our trails and parks, I’d like to draw attention to a special opportunity for our local Veterans and their families. Oakland County Veteran Services, along with Forgotten Harvest and Oakland County Parks, is hosting a Veterans Food Distribution Event on August 17. Where Veterans can apply for a free Oakland County Parks vehicle permit and obtain a Military Appreciation Voucher for one campground stay, waterpark entry or ORV park entry. Register today and join us to pick up free food as well as learn more about what Oakland County Parks has to offer Oakland County Veterans and their families.   Now get out and enjoy the summer, right here in Oakland County!

Data Corner

County Commuting Patterns

Inflow/Outflow Job Counts 

Distance/Direction Traveled by Workers to Oakland County Job Counts by Distance/Direction in 2020 (All Workers)

Place of Residence of Workers in Oakland County, by ZIP Code 

Business

Global & Local Innovative Mobility Companies Unite at VTM Michigan  Oakland County Economic Development and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), along with local partners, hosted the inaugural VTM Michigan at Suburban Showplace in Novi on July 11-13, 2023. This unique event gave business delegations from Canada, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Mexico and more, a chance to connect with U.S. manufacturers and suppliers within the automotive, technology and transportation industries. Companies were brought together through industry talks, panel discussions, pre-arranged B2B meetings, company tours and networking receptions (presented by Novi Economic Development and Oakland Thrive), all focused on the advancements in technology, systems and best practices.    Event sponsors included: MEDC, Macomb County, Detroit Regional Partnership, City of Novi, City of Southfield, City of Rochester Hills, and Dickinson Wright.   “Mobility is on my mind as Oakland County and our partners enjoy the first Vehicle and Transportation Technology and Innovation Meeting in Novi. An economy dominated by Electric Vehicles is right around the corner, and it’s exciting our county and our state have become prime locations for companies leading the way in this field!" It’s data like this that really determines how we at Economic Development work to prepare our county for the future." —Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive    Be part of the action here in the heart of Southeast Michigan, the global epicenter of mobility: AdvantageOakland.com

Opportunity to Connect Business Skill Needs with Academia 

Are you an Oakland County Small Business Looking for Capital to Fund Your Business Growth and Projects?  Funding is available for your business needs through the Oakland County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This fund places a special focus on providing gap financing to Oakland County small businesses that are: woman- or minority-owned, located in economically disadvantaged areas and/or negatively impacted by COVID-19. However, all Oakland County small businesses are welcome to apply.  Loan Source: Oakland County RLF Can be Used for: Financing the acquisition and modernization of commercial real estate, the acquisition of machinery/equipment, facility renovations and working capital Eligible Businesses: For profit, small businesses located in Oakland County Loan Amounts: $50,000 minimum to $200,000 maximum  Loan Terms: Amortization up to 10 years  Competitive fixed rates set at funding  Collateral: Assets acquired with loan proceeds  Personal guarantees of the principal owners  Loan Structure: Provides gap funding to help the bank/credit union say “approved”  Finances up to one-third of project costs  Minimum of 10% owner’s equity based on project  Bank/credit union loan combined with owner’s equity make up two-thirds of project cost  Questions? Contact: Belinda Turner-DuBois, Manager, CEED Lending bdubois@miceed.org  |  (248) 460-3973  For this and other funding options, visit: OakGov.com/BusinessLoans

Community

Transformation of Downtown Pontiac Moving Forward as Oakland County Finalizes Purchase of Downtown Buildings

Rendering showing one option considered by county officials, after putting an offer on six properties and the Phoenix Center parking garage/amphitheatre in Pontiac.

The transformation of downtown Pontiac took a vital step forward Thursday with the Oakland County Board of Commissioners' approval of the county’s purchase of 10-12 acres of property, including Ottawa Towers at 51111 Woodward, the former General Motors Building at 31 E. Judson, four adjacent parcels of land, and the current lease for the Phoenix Center parking garage.

This comes on the heels of the Michigan Legislature’s appropriating $50 million in the state budget for the Downtown Pontiac Redevelopment Project, a partnership between Oakland County and the City of Pontiac with a goal of revitalizing the city’s downtown.

“The Commissioners’ approval today along with the State of Michigan’s funding are key steps toward the renewal of Pontiac back into a bustling downtown filled with workers and economic activity,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We look forward to working with the state, city of Pontiac and its residents to help begin planning for this transformational project in the city’s downtown.”

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee authorized the county to enter into a $19.2 million agreement in May to purchase 10-12 acres of property in downtown Pontiac. The county completed a 60-day due diligence period to evaluate the structures and property records including environmental and property condition reports, surveys, and titles before the Board of Commissioners gave final approval of the sale. Closing is anticipated for mid-August.

“Today we made history! Today’s vote marks our largest investment in the downtown of our county seat. I couldn’t be more excited about this project we know will unlock new economic opportunities, create new green space and make Oakland County operations work best. It feels good to be coming home,” said Board Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak).

The state funds will help with building renovations, blight removal, redeveloping commercial and green spaces and streetscaping, reconnecting city streets, and developing safe parking options for county and state government workers and residents.

Once renovations are complete, Oakland County intends to move some operations back to downtown Pontiac after an absence of more than 60 years. This would entail an estimated 500-600 county employees from departments and divisions and would help to address capital improvement needs identified in a study conducted for the county by Plante Moran. The last significant presence in downtown Pontiac was in the early 1960s when the county courthouse was moved to the western limits of the city where the current county government campus stands.

This transformational project in partnership with the county and city will:

• Increase the number of workers in Pontiac’s downtown by moving a sizeable amount of county operations and personnel to the city.Create more
• commercial space and increase the number of opportunities for small businesses in Pontiac.
• Use the Michigan Department of Transportation’s reconfiguration of the Woodward loop in 2025 to reimagine the downtown’s south end, including transforming current buildings into public spaces which would strengthen connections between Pontiac residents and the downtown corridor.
• Reconnect Saginaw Street with the rest of downtown through road construction.
• Enhance green space and provide walkability for employees and residents.
• Provide new safe parking opportunities for daytime workers and evening activities.
• Make county, city, and state government services more accessible to residents of Pontiac and Oakland County by connecting these buildings to public transit.

In addition to making a long-term commitment to downtown Pontiac by relocating some of its operations and personnel, Oakland County is prepared to invest America Rescue Plan Act funds as well as ongoing capital improvement funds into the Downtown Pontiac Redevelopment Project.

Read full press release here: 
oakgov.com/Home/Components/News/News/765/2027

City of Pontiac Awarded $16.3 Million Federal RAISE Grant for Pike Street Clinton River Trail Connector 

Ribbon cutting marking the North Spur Trail Acquisition in 2017.

The City of Pontiac was one of four Michigan recipients of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 2023 RAISE Grants awarded for 162 community-led infrastructure projects across the nation.  Pontiac’s project will make bicycle and pedestrian improvements along some 2.5 miles of roadway and 1.5 miles of former railroad, linking the Clinton River Trail and improving connections to the downtown, parks, and neighborhoods. 

“Oakland County’s Planning Division staff has worked with the city for nearly two decades to identify route alternatives to close a gap in the Clinton River Trail,“ says Bret Rasegan, manager, Planning & Local Business Development Division. “We partnered with Pontiac in 2013 on a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application resulting in the purchase the North Spur section in 2017.  And, most recently, we helped create a preliminary plan for Pike Street, participated in public engagement meetings, and provided visuals, information, and support for the RAISE grant application.  We couldn’t be more pleased, when this segment is complete, we will be one step closer toward achieving our county-wide trail vision.” 

The RAISE (Re-building American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) discretionary grant program expanded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and awarded more than $2.2 billion in FY2023—with funding being split between rural and urban areas, and 70 percent of the grants went to regions defined as an Area of Persistent Poverty or a Historically Disadvantaged Community. 

RAISE program requirements allow more flexibility for state, county, local, and tribal governments to obtain funding for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to support through traditional DOT programs.  Government partners can now work directly with a host of entities that own, operate, and maintain much of the transportation infrastructure.

The program objectives are to produce positive local and regional impact in the areas of safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity, and innovation.

Photo: Community Engagement Session at Pontiac City Hall regarding the Clinton River Trail Pike Street connector.   “The next step for the future North Spur Trail is to secure funds to complete the design engineering for the stretch that goes from M-59 north to Joslyn Road,” says Kristen Wiltfang, administrator of the county’s Trails, Transportation, and Environment Unit in the Planning Division.  “We look forward to working with the city and Friends of the Clinton River Trail to make these links a reality.”  The 16-mile-long Clinton River Trail is an important county amenity that extends through Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, and Rochester.  The trail connects to several trails in the region and is a critical part of two cross-state trails—the Iron Belle Trail and the Great Lake to Lake Trail, running north and south and east to west respectively in Michigan. The Planning Division regularly assists county communities and non-profits with technical assistance and grant support.

August Planners Gathering: Office to Residential Conversions – The Troy Experience 

Before: Vacant office building at 275 Kirts | After: Forum Flats

Following June’s Planners Gathering on “Accessory Dwelling Units,” the Planning Division is presenting another approach to building additional housing in the county: “Office to Residential Conversions – The Troy Experience,” August 30, 10-11 a.m. 

Workforce

Employers Can Strengthen Teams by Applying for Regional Talent Innovation Grant

Oakland County employers can still take advantage of the Regional Talent Innovation Grant (RTIG) program administered by Oakland County Michigan Works! to provide valuable training opportunities for their full-time staff. 

Approximately $300,000 in funding is available for eligible companies.  The cost of the training cannot exceed $6,500 per person and must result in an industry-recognized credential.   Employers must complete an application and training plan for consideration.  Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The RTIG program started earlier this year and 14 employers in the manufacturing, healthcare, education and service industries have taken advantage of the training funds to date. The most notable requirement is that at least 51 percent of the people being trained must meet the low-to moderate income threshold. This translates to $21.53 per hour, or an annual salary of $44,800, or less.

“We have a whole host of industry sectors, job titles and certification programs that qualify for RTIG grants,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! Administrator Kristi Arnone.  “There’s really no time to waste, since all training and testing must be completed by December 15.”

Unique Fabricating, located in Auburn Hills, provides automotive OEMs and Tier One suppliers with non-metallic die-cut parts for acoustic, air/water sealing and BSR applications.  The employer used RTIG funding to provide Lean Six Sigma certification training for several members of its team.  The goal was to improve the company’s manufacturing efficiency.

“Providing additional training to team members illustrates Unique Fabrication’s willingness to invest in its workforce, providing a win-win for all involved,” said Nikki Pearson, program manager, Oakland County Michigan Works! Pontiac.

Funding for the RTIG is provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

To learn more about the program and application process, companies should contact a Business Services Representative at an Oakland County Michigan Works! location.

Contact information is available at oaklandcountymiworks.com or via email at oaklandcountymiworks@oakgov.com

Veterans

Help Us Improve Transit for Oakland County Veterans  Oakland County Veterans, please fill out this short survey to give Oakland County a better understanding of your transportation needs and improve transit for Veterans: https://forms.office.com/g/TFNzLdfQZ9  Thank you for your participation!

Join Us at Our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Food Distribution Event, August 17

Bill that lets Spouses of Disabled Vets Keep Property Tax Breaks  The spouse of a disabled Veteran will continue to receive property tax exemptions, even for a new home he or she purchased as a widow or widower, under legislation approved by the Senate this year.   In May 2022, the Michigan Court of Appeals determined that, in an Upper Peninsula case, Lockhart v. Ontonagon Township, the law did not permit a disabled Veteran's surviving spouse to claim exemption on a property where the deed was not in the Veteran's name prior to his or her passing. However, in several State Tax Commission bulletins, it is advised that a surviving spouse's eligibility for the tax exemption should not be based on whether the disabled Veteran used or owned the homestead prior to death. SB 176 , SB 330 and SB 364 allow the living spouses of disabled Veterans to carry the exemption into a new home, as long as they do not remarry.     When the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee took testimony on the legislation in early June, committee Chair Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) explained that her SB 330 specifically "empowers" local assessors to oversee the application process for the exemptions, as opposed to depending on a board of review.   "Given that many communities face substantial backlogs and delays in their board of review, granting assessors the authority to handle the entire filing process will expedite and streamline the procedure, benefiting both local governments and Veterans," said Cavanagh, adding that her legislation allows for an audit process to take place once every three years, which would be as frequently as it could occur.   All bills were unanimously approved.

oakgov.com/business/advantage-oakland/events-calendar

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