 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
NOVEMBER 2024
Quick links to this issue's stories:
 Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Don Brown, Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell and Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward (left to right) gather at the 16th Tri-County Summit at MacRay Harbor on October 4, 2024.
Oakland County commissioners met with their fellow legislators from Macomb and Wayne counties on October 4 for the 16th Tri-County Summit at MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township. Watch this video to hear from commissioners about the significance of this event.
During the event, attendees received updates on progress that is being made toward improving behavioral health outcomes, particularly within the justice system, a regional goal that was set at the 2023 summit.
Oakland County Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell participated in the first panel of the day, along with speakers from the Wayne County Sustainability Program and SEMCOG’s Healthy Climate Plan, to discuss ideas on the most effective ways the counties can work together to improve sustainability. The second panel of the day included industry experts from the Detroit Department of Transportation, SMART and the Regional Transit Authority who shared innovative ideas on how to increase accessibility and sustainability in public transit across the region.
Additionally, participants learned about a recently approved joint flooding resiliency study between the Great Lakes Water Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They also heard from Hagerty Consulting regarding the importance of readiness and resilience in the face of emerging threats and hazards such as natural disasters.
At the end of the event, Chairs Woodward, Brown and Bell pledged to mutually advocate for funding on all the initiatives presented, and committed to reconvene in 2025 in Oakland County to continue expanding their joint efforts on these and other regional concerns. Learn more about the Tri-County Summit at bit.ly/24Tri-CountySummit.
The Board recently launched the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative in partnership with the student loan experts at Savi, a social impact startup company that helps borrowers navigate the complexities of various federal student loan programs. During October, Board Chair David T. Woodward (District 1) and Commissioner Brendan Johnson (District 4) joined Savi team members for two online webinar opportunities to answer attendees’ questions and demonstrate the application process. To watch a recorded session, visit bit.ly/OakGovSaviOct10Replay.
Oakland County residents and Oakland County government employees are eligible for free Savi services for one year. Registration is open through September 30, 2025.
To learn more details about the program and join the nearly 600 residents who have already utilized the program, visit OakGov.BySavi.com.
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The Board regularly recognizes residents, community members, organizations and businesses with proclamations and certificates in honor of special milestones, contributions or achievements. See the list below for recognitions from last month.
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Douglas Water Depot, which specializes in purified, mineralized, artesian and alkaline waters for retail, delivery and on-site refilling, opened its doors in Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8), Oct. 2.
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Dedicated to supporting the brave men and women who have made sacrifices in service to our country, the Holly Area Veterans Resource Center hosted a grand reopening of its newly renovated space at 1006 N. Saginaw St. in Holly – presented by Commissioner Bob Hoffman (District 7), Oct. 3.
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Community partner Gilda’s Club, which provides support and education for individuals and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis, was honored as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – presented by Commissioner Christine Long (District 12) with unanimous support from all commissioners, Oct. 10.
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The 10th anniversary of both Apostle Cadarie Norton’s pastoral service and the establishment of New Life Prophetic Center were recognized – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 10), Oct. 13.
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Jill Reichenbach Fill was lauded for her many years of dedicated volunteerism and naming as Champion of the Year by Birmingham Youth Assistance – presented by Commissioner Charlie Cavell (District 19), Oct. 17.
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Holly resident Russell Matar, a veteran who served in World War II, celebrated his 100th birthday – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, Oct. 18.
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Legendary local eatery Elam Brothers, first opened in 1974 by brothers Roland, Walter, Willie, Norman, Melvin and Nathaniel, was recognized for its 50-year legacy in Pontiac and beyond – presented by Commissioner Powell, Oct. 20.
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Inspired by the charm of Holly and the importance of building community, former engineer-turned-entrepreneur Meghan Zaderej opened Balcony Row Books – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, Oct. 30.
Below is a schedule of meetings this month. Full Board and standing committee meetings are open to the public at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, and livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. Visit our website for any schedule changes and follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health and Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Economic Development and Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Audit Subcommittee, noon
Friday, Nov. 15
Human Trafficking Task Force, 10 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Majority Caucus, 8:30 a.m.
Full Board, 9:30 a.m.
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There are over 1 million registered voters in Oakland County, the second highest count in the state. Early voting runs through Nov. 3 and polls open on Election Day, November 5, at 7 a.m. Find the official candidate and proposal lists and watch county results as they are reported on the Clerk/Register of Deeds website.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
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Oakland County, SMART and local transit providers have extended the “This Ride’s On Us” program through September 2025. The program offers free, door-to-door public transportation for veterans and their caregivers and includes rides to personal care tasks and social outings. For more information on the program, visit OakGov.com/Veterans.
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Residents will see a millage for Oakland County Parks on the November 5 election. If approved, Oakland County Parks’ current 0.35 millage would be replaced with a 0.65 millage expiring in 2043. For more information on the millage, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
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Residents are urged to continue protecting against mosquitoes through the fall. Follow prevention tips, including using EPA registered insect repellent, removing standing water around the house, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and limiting outdoor activity from dusk to dawn. Learn more at OakGov.com/Health.
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Oakland County has retained its Aaa bond rating from Moody’s and AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) for its $18 million Huron Rouge Sewage Disposal System Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2024. Details on the bond rating can be found at bit.ly/24BondRating.
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