 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
JANUARY 2025
Quick links to this issue's stories:
 Do you know someone in your community who exemplifies Black excellence? The Board is accepting nominations from the community for residents who are making a positive impact in honor of Black History Month. Nominees may be of any age and background but must be a current living resident of Oakland County. Individuals must be nominated by someone other than themselves.
This is the fourth consecutive year the Board will acknowledge special people making a lasting impact with the award and an invitation to attend the February 11, 2025, Board meeting for public recognition of their accomplishments. Nominations will be accepted until January 16 at 11:59 p.m. using the form at https://bit.ly/BEAwards25.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/BEA25news.
The inaugural meeting of the Board will be held on Monday, January 13 at 6:00 p.m., kicking off the 2025-2028 term. Notably, this year marks the enactment of the Michigan state law extending the term of office for county commissioners elected at or after the 2024 general November election from two years to four.
This meeting will be the first for Robert Smiley (District 14), the newest member to the Board, after being elected in November. The remaining 18 commissioners are returning incumbents. Commissioner Christine Long (District 12) is the dean of the Board as the longest serving member, beginning her 12th term.
During this meeting, the Board will officially close the 2023-2024 term, approve rules and establish standing committees. Additionally, the commission will elect the chair and vice chair positions.
To mark the occasion of the new term, Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown will administer the ceremonial oath of office to the commissioners, and an honor guard will be in attendance. This meeting, as with all other Standing Committee, Majority Caucus and full Board meetings, is open to the public.
Letters have been mailed to more than 14,000 residents notifying them about forgiveness of their medical debt, amounting to an impressive $9.1 million. The Board, in partnership with the nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt, recently celebrated this significant landmark in the county's medical debt eradication program. Medical debt is a key contributor to bankruptcy cases nationally and locally. This initiative aims to enhance the health of the community and address economic disparities. Backed by the Board’s appropriation of $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2023, the program strives to eliminate up to $200 million in medical debt for approximately 80,000 residents of Oakland County.
The Undue Medical Debt program identifies eligible debts, acquires them for a fraction of their original cost and forgives them. The provision of medical debt relief is dependent on collaborations with healthcare providers, so individuals cannot directly request medical debt relief, as the Undue Medical Debt program works directly with medical providers.
For further details on this initiative, visit bit.ly/4gFN8K7.
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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.
- The life and contributions of Pontiac’s Portia Fields-Anderson, a legendary dance performer and passionate therapeutic park programming professional, were celebrated in memoriam – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9), Dec. 6.
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Pet Wants, a franchise of the specialty retailer that offers high-quality, natural food, treats and products for cats and dogs, opened its doors in Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8), Dec. 11.
- Multi-skilled and longtime public safety professional Pat Coates, who began her career with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in 1975, was honored for her dedicated service to the county upon her retirement – presented by Commissioner Linnie Taylor (District 18) with unanimous support, Dec. 12.
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Undersheriff Curtis Childs, the first Black major/deputy chief of staff in Oakland County Sheriff’s Office history, was recognized for his three-plus decades of service and excellence – presented by Commissioner Powell with unanimous support, Dec. 12.
- The Board expressed gratitude to outgoing Oakland County Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell, the first person to hold the office, for her impactful tenure with the county – presented by Commissioners Gwen Markham (District 15) and Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17) with unanimous support, Dec. 12.
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Sisters Soaring Together, a service organization based in Farmington Hills with the goals of sisterhood and social impact, and its official chartering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was recognized – presented by Commissioner Markham, Dec. 15.
- Newly opened Big Poppa’s Pizzeria hosted a ribbon cutting in Holly – presented by Commissioners Bob Hoffman (District 7) and Philip J. Weipert (District 13), Dec. 16.
- Founded in 1964 by 11 Pontiac seniors, the nonprofit Golden Opportunity Club celebrated its 60th anniversary of providing enrichment opportunities and socialization for people 50 and older – presented by Commissioner Powell, Dec. 17.
- The Holly Union Depot Relocation Project, with its goal of moving the nationally registered historic depot that dates back to 1855 in order to preserve it, was officially launched with a groundbreaking ceremony – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, Dec. 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.
Monday, Jan. 13
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health and Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Economic Development and Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Art Institute Authority, 5 p.m.
From approving more than 400 resolutions supporting student debt relief, local road funding and energy-efficient home improvements for residents to adopting a $1.08 billion budget and presenting over 100 proclamations to individuals, businesses and organizations, 2024 was eventful year for the Board. Watch the Board’s by the numbers video for a recap. |
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Oakland County Parks presents another installment of Cooking with edibleWOW at the Oakland County Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 25. Watch a cooking demonstration and learn how to create vibrant, healthy winter meals with Erin Hamilton of The Mushroom Conservatory. For more information and to view the full series schedule, visit bit.ly/Jan25EdibleWOW.
- Winners of the “Local Gems” sweepstakes were announced and received their prizes on December 18, 2024, for shopping at small local businesses in Oakland County. Learn more about the winners from Farmington Hills, Huntington Woods and Waterford at bit.ly/LocalGems24.
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Oakland County has been honored for its sustainability efforts with the 2024 Local Market Leadership Award and the Certified Green Community Award. Both awards celebrate Oakland County’s LEED for Cities Gold certification, highlighting its approach to improving communities through sustainable practices. Find details on the awards at bit.ly/LEEDGold24.
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