January 10, 2024
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
County Executive Dave Coulter attends MLK Day celebrations in Southfield and Pontiac in 2023.
Dear Friends,
Next week, we will honor the sacrifice and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the national holiday named for the civil rights icon.
But the holiday can and should be more than just a day off from work and simple reflection on King’s life.
It is also a day that all of us can truly honor the man by participating in a National Day of Service.
Dr. King said it best: “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
In the spirit of the day, Oakland County’s Equity Council has identified seven opportunities for county employees to volunteer their time on this National Day of Service, from helping out at food pantries across the county to walking dogs at the Oakland County Pet Adoption and Animal Shelter to assisting with the annual Peace Walk in Southfield.
These organizations and so many more are helping our residents in good times and bad, and it’s only fitting that we give back to the organizations, to our residents and to our communities.
We had a fantastic turnout from our employees last year, and I suspect even more will participate on Jan. 15. It is my hope that those volunteer hours will transform this Day of Service into a longtime commitment to these agencies that are providing such critical assistance to our residents.
I, too, will be honored to lend a hand throughout the day, and the year. And as I serve, I’ll keep this Dr. King quote at the top of my mind: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” There are plenty of opportunities to mark the holiday and volunteer. Check out the Oakland County blog for details.
With gratitude,
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter speaks about RIP Medical Debt at Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit in 2023.
Coulter: With Sound Fiscal Stewardship, the Hallmark of 2023 Was Service to Residents and Small Business
With balanced budgets as far as the eye can see, and a sterling AAA fiscal reputation, Oakland County continues to put residents and small businesses at the top of its forward-thinking agenda.
“County government stood squarely on the side of county residents and businesses this year,” said County Executive Dave Coulter. “Together, we sought to secure the jobs of the future through EV innovations and educational attainment, expanded access to health care and mental health services, and we supported quality of life issues like transit, housing, and recreation.”
Apply for the Oakland SAVES Grant Program
Oakland County will collaborate with Michigan Saves, the first nonprofit green bank in the United States, to make at least 1,000 Oakland County homes more energy efficient, reducing energy costs for working families.
The $5 million program will have two tiers of grants: $4 million in total grants for income-qualified households and $1 million in total grants for any household.
Some of the home improvements that are eligible for the grants include insulation, weatherstripping, ENERGY STAR HVAC, doors, and windows.
Applications for the Oakland SAVES grant program will open Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Before applying on Jan. 22, you must:
- Familiarize yourself with the program guidelines.
- Obtain a quote from an authorized Michigan Saves contractor for the qualifying energy efficiency or renewable energy improvement you require. This is required information for the application. Use “Find Your Contractor” tool for assistance.
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 Attend the Troy / Birmingham / Bloomfield Senior Expo
Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2024 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
San Marino Club | 1685 E Big Beaver Road | Troy, MI 48083
Older adults can connect with Oakland County, organizations and companies in their community. Free admission for attendees, prizes every hour, giveaways, useful information from a variety of experts and free health screenings. Plus, complimentary refreshments will be provided for attendees.
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