 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
MAY 2025
Quick links to this issue's stories:
 Commissioner Angela Powell speaks at the kick-off to the demolition of Pontiac's Phoenix Center on April 8, 2025.
On April 8, commissioners joined local leaders at a press conference kicking off the demolition of the Phoenix Center, a major step forward in the Pontiac Redevelopment Project. The aging amphitheater and parking garage are being torn down to reopen Saginaw Street, reconnecting key parts of the downtown. Demolition began at the southwest corner of the Phoenix Center and will work its way around the structure. The target date for completion is December 15, 2025.
In addition to the demolition of the Phoenix Center, plans for the Pontiac Redevelopment Project include:
- New county campus at 31 E. Judson St. for about 700 county employees
- Public spaces and walkability that encourage new commercial and residential growth
- New parking structures for workers, residents and visitors
The Board and Oakland County Executive’s Office, in partnership with the City of Pontiac, launched the Pontiac Redevelopment Project in 2023 utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds to begin work on a transformational effort to breathe new life into the county seat. Learn more about how Oakland County is working to redevelop, revitalize and reconnect downtown Pontiac at bit.ly/44d87B0.
Last month, Commissioners Angela Powell and Brendan Johnson joined county officials in recognizing recipients of the Acorn2Oak mini-grants. First established by the Board in May 2023, the program empowers young people ages 8 to 18 to pursue personal growth, educational goals, civic engagement and entrepreneurial projects with the help of grant funding.
Seventy mini-grants were awarded last year and the young people celebrated at second annual Acorn2Oak reception on April 8 turned their grant funding opportunities into successful ventures, such as businesses focused on gluten-free cookies and 3D printed toys, attending music camp and creating a public service campaign.
Do you know a young person with a passion project in mind? They could receive a grant of up to $1,000. More information and the application can be found at Acorn2OakGrant.com. This quarter’s grant window is open until June 15.
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Over 1,000 residents and employees have signed up for free services offered through a partnership between the county and Savi, a company specializing in student loan assistance. Savi works with borrowers to determine eligibility for national and state repayment and forgiveness programs. Want to know more about the program and how you can join your neighbors in saving an estimated $187 per month on student loan debt or get answers about federal policy changes impacting your student loan journey? Register for the May 21 webinar today!
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Check out the Board’s latest episode in our audio story series! We take a deep dive into native plants, the resolution from Commissioner Kristen Nelson that started it all five years ago and how to stay up to date on this year’s native plant giveaway: The Sounding Board.
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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 memory of Pontiac resident Willie B. Magee was honored – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell, Apr. 1.
Emmy- and Grammy-nominated DeJuaghn “Billy” Murphy was remembered for his lasting legacy upon his passing – presented by Commissioner Powell, Apr. 9.
The anniversary of the state’s Clean Slate laws was observed as part of Michigan Clean Slate Day – presented by Commissioner Powell, Apr. 10.
Earth Day and Arbor Day in Oakland County were declared – presented by Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson and Commissioners Kristen Nelson and Gwen Markham, Apr. 10.
Workers Memorial Day honored the workers injured or killed in the workplace – presented by Commissioner William Miller, Apr. 10.
Boba Teaceratops opened its doors in Waterford – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat, Apr. 15.
Dennis Cowan was recognized upon his retirement after 42 years with Plunkett Cooney law firm – presented by Chair David T. Woodward, Apr. 17.
HAVEN of Oakland County celebrated 50 years of help and programs for victims of intimate partner violence, rape and sexual assault – presented by Commissioner Powell, Apr. 25.
“Footprint” Meijer store, Independence Market, opened its doors in Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Joliat, Apr. 30.
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Below is a schedule of meetings open to the public this month at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. Full Board and standing committee meetings are 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.
Thursday, May 1
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7
Local Road Improvement Program, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, May 13
Legislative Affairs & Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health & Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Safer Communities Ad Hoc, 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, May 14
Coordinating Zoning, 8:30 a.m.
Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Audit Subcommittee, 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 22
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
U.S. Census data reports that 19.1% of the county’s population is aged 65 and over, equating to approximately 250,000 residents. Those who used to be referred to as “seniors” are breaking that traditional way of thinking and embracing different, more active ways of being an “older adult.” Commissioners will present the Board's 4th annual Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult awards at the May 22 meeting. Look for the recap in next month’s Board Bulletin!
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Oakland County Parks is providing veterans, current military personnel and Gold Star families who live in Oakland County with a recreation voucher for a night of camping at Addison Oaks County Park or Groveland Oaks County Park, a visit to Red Oaks Waterpark or entry to Holly Oaks ORV park. Find more information at OaklandCountyParks.com.
- Oakland County continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship with the planting of 700 trees across the government campus and use of fuel-efficient vehicles that saved more than 22,000 gallons of gas. Learn more about the county’s sustainability goals at bit.ly/25OCTrees.
- County Executive David Coulter has announced the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. The full list of changemakers shaping the future of Oakland County can be found here: bit.ly/2540Under40.
Was this message forwarded to you? Be sure to sign up for The Board Bulletin by visiting your commissioner's webpage at OakGov.com/BOC and clicking the "Newsletter Sign-up" button. You can also follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest updates.
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