August 24, 2023
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
 TOP: Oakland County Board of Commisioners, Executive Coulter and Rep. Carter representative Werheimer pose with Revelopment, Revitalize and Reconnect Pontiac signange. BOTTOM: Pontiac City Council pose with signage with Executive Coulter and Sen. Moss.
Dear Friends,
I’m excited to share some more news about a transformational project that will serve as a catalyst for downtown Pontiac, Oakland’s county seat.
In a historic opportunity and in partnership with the city and state, we are re-investing in downtown Pontiac. The county closed last week on the purchase of two office towers, the Phoenix Center parking garage and pavilion, and surrounding land for re-development.
The state has provided $50 million towards this project, which includes demolishing the debilitated parking deck and relocating it to a more appropriate location. The county will refurbish the former GM building and relocate more than 500 county employees to it, re-open Saginaw Street and leave many acres in the pavilion area for green space activities – including conveying at least two acres to the city, which Pontiac will own and will determine how it can best be used for its residents.
The county will invest $10 million into the project through the American Rescue Plan funding we received and will pursue other state and federal funding through transformational brownfield redevelopment credits, community revitalization grants and credits, and the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program.
This is such a unique opportunity. The stars have aligned in such a way that we have the chance to make a once-in-a-lifetime investment in a city – the county seat of Oakland County - where disinvestment has been the rule, rather than the exception.
The county courthouse and its hundreds of employees were moved out of downtown Pontiac in the 1960s, the Clinton River was paved over, Woodward Avenue was diverted to avoid the city, and General Motors and other industries mostly fled Pontiac. A parking structure was placed right in the middle of Saginaw Street further limiting access to the downtown.
In collaboration with and approvals from the County Board of Commissioners and the Pontiac City Council, we are turning county government back towards Pontiac.
There are good reasons to do this.
First, the availability of funding is key. We couldn’t even think about a project of this magnitude without substantial support from the federal and state governments.
Second, this investment helps the County avoid deferred maintenance costs on current county buildings. Unfortunately, when I became County Executive, a lack of adequate investment for decades left the county with more than $550 million in critically needed repairs. By relocating hundreds of employees to downtown Pontiac and consolidating three existing buildings into one, the county will avoid up to $54 million in costs that would have to be done to make current buildings safe and up-to-code for continued occupancy.
Third, it’s the right thing to do. For 20 years, Oakland County has helped dozens of communities create unique, vibrant and bustling downtowns. After decades of neglect from state and local leaders, it’s now Pontiac’s turn to shine.
What I'm truly hoping for is that this serves as a stimulus for further economic development in the city. And I'm very encouraged by what I've heard so far. I've talked to private developers and investors who have said they’re very interested in this project and that they’re taking a second look at Pontiac. When there’s a big influx of county employees to a more walkable downtown Pontiac in the next few years, restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores are sure to follow. And Pontiac will once again be the thriving city it once was.
If you’re interested in keeping up with the progress of our Plans to Redevelop, Revitalize and Reconnect with downtown Pontiac, go to oakgov.com/downtownPontiac.
With gratitude,
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive
Last chance to take Oakland County’s community health survey!
Don’t miss your last chance to take the Oakland County Health Division’s community health survey. This survey is one of many ways the division uses to collect feedback from residents. The survey is available online at oakgov.com/ECHO.
Community members 18 years of age or older are asked to share their thoughts on topics ranging from access to medical care and support services to how concerned they are about various health issues within their community. Surveys are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish. Survey results help to prioritize and respond to important health concerns in Oakland County.
For more information visit www.oakgov.com/echo or email echo@oakgov.com.
Be Kind to Humankind Week Starts Thursday, Aug. 25
Be Kind to Humankind Week is a worldwide celebration of kindness that was established in August 1988 by Lorraine Jara in Toms River, New Jersey. Each day during the weeklong observance has a specific theme. Please join Oakland County employees spread kindness throughout the week and beyond.
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Thoughtful Thursday, Aug.25
- Be considerate of others around you.
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Forgive Your Foe Friday, Aug. 26
- Try to find forgiveness for others or even yourself.
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Speak Kind Words Saturday, Aug. 27
- Be aware of how you speak to others whether in real life or online.
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Sacrifice Our Wants for Others’ Needs Sunday, Aug. 28
- Do something for others in need even if it means putting yourself in second place.
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Motorist Consideration Monday, Aug. 29
- Try to be patient and considerate of fellow commuters.
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Touch a Heart Tuesday, Aug. 30
- Show others and yourself love and respect.
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Willing to Lend a Hand Wednesday, Aug. 31
- Offer your assistance to others in need.
Click here to get ideas on how to celebrate Be Kind to Humankind Week.
Oakland County Department of Communications wins 10 design awards in a national competition
The creative operations team nested in the Department of Communications earned 10 American In-House Design Awards from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA). In-House Design Awards honor creative professionals who visually communicate concepts and missions for their companies and institutions.
“Creative operations are part of an outstanding team of county employees who help inform and educate Oakland County residents about all the services and programs we provide,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “It’s gratifying to see a professional organization recognize the work that these talented individuals do on a daily basis.”
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