Sept. 2023 | Top Stories:
Oakland County Higher Education Data | Mission to Japan | Battery Show & Tech Expo | Auto Show Industry Days | Valeo Industry Innovation Day | Oakland County Community Showcase & Development Opportunities | October Planners Gathering to Focus on Trails | iamPontiac Summer Work Program | October Veterans Food Distribution Event | Webinar Series for Hispanic/Latino Veterans | Maximize Veteran Educational Benefits
A Message From Sean Carlson
Oakland County Deputy Executive
Dear Colleagues,
What an exciting month for mobility-led activity on a global and local level for Oakland County. September is Mobility Month in Michigan; so, we welcomed mobility leaders from around the globe for marquee events like the Detroit Auto Show, The Battery Show and other industry related initiatives to Southeast Michigan. Oakland County, Michigan is driving development of the next generation of mobility technology and talent. You can read the highlights from our Business Development team below.
We are always looking for ways to invest in the future, and one way is by holding Oakland County’s Community Showcase & Development Opportunities event where 19 communities will be available to discuss their development opportunities with investors, developers, brokers, bankers, real estate agents, homebuilders and business/property owners. Another goal of Oakland County Economic Development is to foster community development and quality of life for Oakland County residents. With that in mind, we will be hosting a Planners Gathering workshop: “Oakland County Trails – Building Community Connections for the Future,” which will provide an overview of past trail planning, current, and future projects, and how the City of Southfield developed a non-motorized pathway system that has become a conduit for heart-healthy activity and community connectivity.
Finally, I hope my fellow Veterans will find value in the services offered by our Oakland County Veteran Services Division and the State. I hope you will be able to attend our next Oakland County Veterans Food Distribution Event on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Southfield Public Library. Thank you for all you have done for your country.
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 Data Corner
Oakland County Higher Education Data
September marks the traditional back to school season and thousands of students have returned to the institutes of higher education in Oakland County and the surrounding region.
Oakland County is home to Oakland Community College, Oakland University, Lawrence Technological University, and Walsh College among others. The greater region is also home to multiple community college systems as well as advanced research institutes like the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
Largest Colleges and Universities in Region by Enrollment (2021)
 Most Awarded Fields for Bachelor’s Degrees in Region (2021)
Higher Education in the Region:
230,091 – The total enrollment at degree granting institutions in the region in 2021 (the most recent year complete data is available)
9,755 – Total number of Associate’s Degrees awarded by the region’s colleges in 2021
26,383 – Total number of Bachelor’s Degrees awarded by the region’s colleges and universities in 2021; the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor awarded the most at 9,144 followed by Wayne State University (4,208) and Oakland University (3,564)
15,113 – Total number of graduate and professional degrees and post baccalaureate certificates awarded by the region’s colleges and universities in 2021
Source: EMSI/Lightcast
 Business
Team Michigan Mission Trip to Japan focused on Investment and Growth
Our Global Attraction & Strategic Industries manager, Michael J. Abdallah, joined Team Michigan and such strategic partners as: Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Detroit Regional Partnership and Battle Creek Unlimited on a Michigan Mission Trip to Japan. There they shared their commitment to fostering relationships with our growing and diverse business ecosystem.
While in Japan, our team demonstrated why Michigan is a global leader in mobility, manufacturing and electrification. Attendees had the opportunity to visit and tour global businesses and organizations that are taking advantage of the momentum and development of EV technologies back here in our great state, including some from Oakland County: Aisin Mobility, FANUC America Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, DENSO and JCMU Japan Center.
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National EV Charging Day LIVE from The Battery Show & Tech Expo
The future of mobility is happening here in Oakland County with cutting-edge battery technologies, innovators and suppliers for all things electric vehicles. This year the Battery Show took place in Novi, and it was the largest advanced battery gathering in North America.
Watch it here: youtu.be/Dv7b7OZ4sog
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North American International Detroit Auto Show – Technology Days
On Sept. 13-14, Oakland County's Economic Development team attended technology days at the Detroit Auto Show. At the show, the team was able to meet with leading mobility technology companies about Oakland County. Companies featured included those that supply and manufacture products here in Oakland County as well as globally. Keynote speakers on infrastructure, batteries and electrification shared their visions and concepts that are currently being developed and launched.
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Valeo Industry Innovation Day
On Sept. 15, the Valeo team invited professional leaders from the mobility industry to their Industry Innovation Day event in Troy. Chris Olzem, Mobility Innovations Coordinator, had the opportunity to attend representing the Oakland County Business Development team. Valeo is committed to engaging with suppliers, manufacturers and leaders focused on mobility technologies that relate to the smart mobility capabilities that they develop with a particular focus on intuitive driving and reducing CO2 emissions.
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 Community
Community Showcase & Development Opportunities
Event is Back for 2023
 ACE Place, Clawson
Oakland County’s Community Showcase & Development Opportunities event will be held Oct. 27 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building’s Conference Center in Waterford. Currently, 19 communities will be available to discuss their development opportunities with investors, developers, brokers, bankers, real estate agents, homebuilders, and business and property owners.
A new addition this year is Oakland County’s Neighborhood & Housing Development Division and community partners will be on hand to discuss the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund (HTF), supporting the development and preservation of affordable, attainable, and mixed-income housing. HTF monies can be combined with private sector and other government funding sources for applicable projects. The initial HTF allocation, authorized by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, includes $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) and $2 million from the county’s general fund.
The HTF is a powerful housing development tool that can be used for a wide range of projects. For more information on HTF, visit:
oakgov.com/community/neighborhood-housing-development/grants-funding/housing-trust-fund
As of Sept. 14, communities participating in the showcase include Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Commerce Township, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Independence Township, Lathrup Village, Lyon Township, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Orion Township, Oxford Village, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy, Waterford, and Wixom.
Brad Hansen, senior business development consultant, will also be available to discuss the Oakland County Brownfield Redevelopment program.
The showcase is organized by the Planning & Local Business Development Division - Planning, Zoning & Land Use Unit and Neighborhood & Housing Development Division. Advance registration is free and required at AdvantageOakland.EventBrite.com.
If you have any questions, please contact Jim Schafer at schaferj@oakgov.com or (248) 858-2033.
October’s Planners Gathering to Focus on Trails, with a Spotlight on Southfield's City Centre Trail
 City of Southfield’s City Centre
The next virtual Planners Gathering is “Oakland County Trails – Building Community Connections for the Future,” Oct. 19, 10 to 11:00 a.m., providing an overview of past trail planning, current projects, a course for the future of mobility in and around Oakland County, and how the City of Southfield developed a non-motorized pathway system that has become a conduit for heart-healthy activity and community connectivity.
Oakland County has been planning and coordinating bike and pedestrian pathways for over 50 years—fostering non-motorized access to outdoor places, essential services and social connections that are essential to healthy living. Designing and building well-maintained trails and related amenities can activate a space and transform an area into a community hub.
As with any planning process, it is necessary to conduct meaningful community engagement, integrate safety enhancements, provide links to key destinations, and build a sense of place through history, public art, and the natural environment. Southfield’s vision and implementation of these concepts will be highlighted with a discussion of their City Centre Trail.
The City of Southfield grew quickly in the 1960’s with an auto-dominated land use pattern. After the Great Recession, Southfield began to search for ways to recruit and retain young professionals. The city’s daytime population declined by more than 50 percent when workers went home in the evenings. Employees, students, and residents did not have a safe and accessible way to get from place to place. Consequently, Southfield embarked on a strategy to make the City Centre and the city overall more pedestrian and bike friendly.
Speakers include Terry Croad, AICP, ASLA, director of planning, City of Southfield; and Kristen Wiltfang, administrator, Trails, Transportation and Environment Unit, Oakland County Planning and Local Business Development Division.
Advance registration is free and required at AdvantageOakland.EventBrite.com. The session will be recorded and available at AdvantageOakland.com.
If you have any questions, contact Jim Schafer, Oakland County at schaferj@oakgov.com or (248) 858-2033.
 Workforce
 Record Number of Youth Participate in iamPontiac Summer Work Program
More than 100 youth from the Pontiac area, ages 16-24, participated in the iamPontiac summer work experience program to obtain valuable foundational skills on the job, which will help them pursue other opportunities and launch productive careers in the future.
The program was made possible through a partnership between Oakland County Michigan Works!, the city of Pontiac and the Pontiac Collective Impact Partnership.
The students were placed in jobs based on their interests and where they lived. The summer positions ranged from maintenance and office work, to working at the Pontiac Library and Oakland Literacy Council. Some students worked in restaurant roles and at Dutton Farm.
“iamPontiac is all about career awareness, exploration and preparation,” said Dr. Samino Scott from the Pontiac Collective Impact Partnership.
Jennifer Llewellyn, manager of Oakland County Workforce Development and director of Oakland County Michigan Works!, added, “This program gave many young people their first job, first paycheck and a great opportunity to learn about the world of work.”
Participants were paid $12.50 an hour for the eight-week duration of the program. Those who completed the program also received an incentive. The program was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Workforce Development and Ballmer Group charitable foundation.
Student Lauren McNair said the iamPontiac program provided a great opportunity to learn and earn money this summer.
“Employers guide you along the way and teach you,” she said. “Plus, I met so many people in important positions and they remembered me.”
As a result of their work over the summer, eight of the iamPontiac participants were offered positions.
 Veterans
Join Us at an Oakland County Veterans Food Distribution Event
 Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 | 9:00 AM – Noon
Southfield Public Library 26300 Evergreen Rd. Southfield, MI 48076
Register at: eventbrite.com/e/veterans-food-distribution-event-tickets-692501479567
Oakland County Veterans Services, Southfield Veterans Commission, Southfield Library and the Oakland Community Health Network are hosting a food distribution event for Veterans in October.
Register today and join us to pick up free food and learn about what Oakland County Veterans Services has to offer you and your family.
Outreach Webinar Series for Hispanic/Latino Veterans
During this Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15), The Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) is conducting a minority Veteran outreach, engagement, education, and enrollment webinar series. It is important to honor the dedication and commitment of our Hispanic/Latino servicemembers and Veterans. This series aims to inform Veterans of their benefits and services by hosting weekly virtual webinars with the Secretary of VA, Senior Leaders and Veterans to discuss the importance of the PACT ACT and celebrate the achievements of the Hispanic-Latino community.
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Useful Information on How Military Veterans Can Maximize Their Educational Benefits
The term GI Bill refers to any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) education benefit earned by members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve, National Guard Armed Forces, and their families. The legislation that falls under the GI Bill umbrella includes the Montgomery Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The way benefits are calculated is different for each program and eligibility for both programs will vary based on the veteran’s specific service. The Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits program is an additional program that veterans may qualify for.
Veterans may be able to use their VR&E benefits before turning to their GI Bill benefits. Some veterans may be eligible for both Post-9/11 and Montgomery Bill benefits but may only apply for one program. In such circumstances, the USDVA advises applicants to choose wisely because switching from one program to another after a decision has been made is prohibited. Eligible veterans should plan carefully to ensure that they can maximize their benefits.
The MVAA has its own GI Bill website that provides additional information and resources with Michigan veterans in mind. Veterans can learn more about their earned benefits by calling the MVAA at 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).
The USDVA also has a helpful comparison tool to assist veterans in deciding how to use their benefits. The Department also has a dedicated phone number for questions about benefits and educational goals at 888-442-4551.
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