June 2025 | Top Stories:
Data Corner: Oakland County Economic Outlook, 2025 - 2027 | Tech Collaboration K2B Event | Oakland County Economic Outlook 2025 | The NEW AdvantageOakland.com offers MORE! | RECAP: Business Attraction Team attended SelectUSA Investment Summit | Brand New - Project DIAMOND – Frequently Asked Questions Video | Planners Gathering: Get a Walk Through Local Woodland and Wetland Ordinances, June 26 | Help Shape Oakland County’s Tourism Economy & Brand | New Main Street Video Debuts at Economic Outlook, May 22 | Celebrate National Trails Day on June 7 | Help Shape Oakland Transit's Future: Ridership Survey | Oakland County Michigan Works! honors local employers and their Apprenticeship Programs | Local employers engage workforce agency’s Rapid Response Team | Upcoming Veterans Food Distribution Events | Oakland Press veterans’ columnist dies at 77
A Message From Sean Carlson
Oakland County Deputy Executive
I hope you were able to attend the 40th Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon on May 22 held at the Suburban Showplace. I was proud to hear that Oakland County’s fundamentals are strong, and we are taking the right steps to bolster our economy. We have flourishing local communities and businesses thanks to powerhouse programs like Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive, and here in Economic Development we are committed to doing our part to make continued economic growth a reality.
Speaking of commitment to Economic Development, I want to take a moment to acknowledge both our new and retiring staff. As of March 31, 2025, we are excited to welcome Laura Dodd back to the team as Deputy Director for the Economic Development Department. Laura previously served our department as Administrator of the External Affairs & Business Intelligence division. We also collaborated with her closely during her time as the Chief Operating Officer of Oakland Thrive. We are equally pleased to announce the promotion of Michael J. Abdallah to Manager of our Business Development division. Michael brings nearly two decades of leadership and hands-on experience in economic development and business attraction to his new role. Last but not least, we wish to congratulate Bret Rasegan, former Manager of Planning & Local Business Development division, on his retirement. Bret served as an invaluable member of the Oakland County team for over 40 years. He will be greatly missed!
We can’t do this alone, and that’s why we want to celebrate our partners’ successes and accomplishments as well. With that said, we are excited to host the Main Event on June 12. This annual celebration for our Main Street Oakland County communities recognizes the past year’s successes and provides an opportunity to network with elected and appointed officials, downtown leaders, economic developers, and small business owners from across Oakland County.
There’s never been a better time to be a part of the tech community here in Oakland County. We have launched the Oakland County Tech Collaboration that connects our robust tech ecosystem with the opportunities and resources they need to grow. Just last month, on May 15, they hosted a K2B business event at HTC Global Services in Troy – one of the five OC Tech Collaboration Keystone Companies. We were also joined by special guest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer who sees the value in such a strategy to grow the tech hub here in Michigan.
Last but certainly not least, I wish to take a moment to acknowledge this passed Memorial Day. I want to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country; let us never forget the cost of freedom. And to my fellow Oakland County veterans, I hope you will take advantage of the offerings, events and resources that our Oakland County Veterans’ Services division has to offer including our upcoming Veteran Food Distribution Events this summer. Thank you for all you have done for your country.
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 Data Corner
On May 22, the University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics released the 40th annual Oakland County Economic Outlook study. Working together and guided by data from sources such as this invaluable study, Oakland County helps thousands of residents and businesses with critical resources.
Below are a few highlights from this year’s 2025 - 2027 Economic Outlook. Please visit OakGov.com/EOL for the full report.
Oakland County Economic Outlook, 2025 - 2027:
4.1% – As of March 2025, the unemployment rate in Oakland County was 4.1%; while unemployment has been rising across all counties in Michigan, Oakland County has had the 4th smallest increase in unemployment since January 2024. Oakland County’s unemployment rate is forecasted to dip slightly to 4.0% by the end of 2025 and then remain relatively flat at 4.1% through 2027.
684,295 – The number of labor force participants in Oakland County as of March 2025, a 0.16% decrease over the previous March; Oakland County’s labor force is forecast to grow an additional 2.1% by the end of 2027.
0.5% – Annual forecasted job growth in Oakland County through the 2027 forecast period.
$77,300 – Forecast of inflation-adjusted average annual real wage in Oakland County by 2027, compared to $69,500 across the entire state of Michigan
15.6 million units – The forecasted light vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2025 (15.2 million in 2026 and 15.3 million in 2027); 32.6% of light vehicle sales in 2025 are forecast to come from the Detroit Three automakers
Quarterly Payroll Employment Indices, Michigan and Oakland County
 Average Real Wage in Oakland County by Selected Industry Group
Related resources and information:
Source: Oakland County Economic Outlook, 2025 - 2027
 Business Development
Oakland County Economic Outlook 2025
The 40th Annual Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon is about more than facts and figures. It is a chance for Oakland County partners to align on what matters most. This year we honored and celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Main Street Oakland County program, which is the first and ONLY countywide program in the U.S. – currently serving 29 Main Street districts.
Part of the luncheon included a panel discussion on the impact of community development and access to business needs. Thank you to our panelists who shared their insights on what helps their businesses and communities thrive. The panel included: Dom Holmes, Director of Oakland County Economic Development; John Bry, Main Street Oakland County Program & Local Business Development; Cornell Fairley, owner of C-Care Lawn Services; Deya Merchand, owner of Designed Mindfully; Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of Downtown Rochester; and Jasaun Moncrief, owner of Adam Divine Analytics.
Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich, University of Michigan Economics stated that even with downward trends, Oakland County has the strong fundamentals and is holding strong to its peer counties – showing great resilience in these uncertain times. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter shared that the economic challenges ahead for Oakland County are merely opportunities for us to lean in on our strengths.
Learn more about what our partners at University of Michigan Economics have predicted for our region in their 2025-2027 Economic Outlook.
Oakland County Tech Collaboration hosts K2B Event with Leading Tech Keystone Company with Special Guest Governor Whitmer
The keystone-to-business (K2B) event held on May 15 was an outstanding kickoff for the Oakland County Tech Collaboration's keystone company strategy. The first in a series of five, the event showcased the diversity of the vibrant tech ecosystem here in Oakland County, and was hosted by keystone company HTC Global Services in Troy.
Highlights included:
- Opening remarks from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Oakland County Executive David Coulter
- Strategic overview of the OC Tech Collaboration by Greg Doyle, Business Retention & Growth Administrator
- Insights on the developments and capabilities of HTCNXT AI-First Enterprises by Madhava Reddy, CEO & Founder of HTC Global Services
- Data & AI presentation
- Ribbon cutting of HTC 'Innovation Lab’
- Tours and demos of Innovation Lab
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Participation from Ethan Baker, Mayor, City of Troy and Theresa Rich, Mayor, City of Farmington Hills as well as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The OC Tech Collaboration was created with a strategic focus to support, retain, and grow three critical industries: research, engineering and design; IT/computer services; and robotics integration.
We are doing this with the support of five leading tech powerhouses in Oakland County: OneStream Software, RGBSI, JR Automation, FANUC America and HTC Global Services. Thank you for your expertise and energy to grow this robust cluster.
This will establish Oakland County as a nationally recognized technology hub and create a competitive advantage.
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The NEW AdvantageOakland.com offers MORE!
Oakland County Economic Development has unveiled a redesigned and enhanced version of AdvantageOakland.com – a dynamic showcase of the region’s business advantages.
The newly launched platform offers a suite of tools and data specifically tailored for businesses and site selection professionals evaluating Oakland County as a destination for expansion or relocation. Key features include vetted “Spotlight Sites,” detailed economic data, industry maps, community reports and a searchable Available Properties database focusing exclusively on commercial, industrial, office, retail and vacant land opportunities within Oakland County.
“This tool puts Oakland County’s strengths on full display,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “We are making it easier than ever for businesses to see why Oakland County is a smart, strategic place to invest and grow.” Find industry trends, business climate, data and properties available in Oakland County.
Read the news release here: OakGov.com/Home/Components/News/News/1962/2027
And visit us online at: AdvantageOakland.com
RECAP: Oakland County’s Business Attraction Team Attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, MD – part of Team Michigan with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Members of Oakland County's Business Attraction team – Michael J. Abdallah, John Wolf-Meyer, and Christopher Michael – met with companies from around the world to share the benefits of establishing a business location in Oakland County.
Bringing together more than 5,000 participants, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premiere event for attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the U.S. The Oakland County team collaborates with our partners at the state, regional, and local levels to facilitate investment in the county, bolstering the economy and creating job opportunities for our residents.
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Oakland County Cities in Top 100 Places to Live in Michigan
The following four cities in Oakland County earned spots within the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the the top 100 places to live in the United States:
 Help Build Michigan’s Competitive Edge – Apply for Project DIAMOnD
Free 3D Printers. Free Training. A Future-Ready Network.
As global manufacturing dynamics continue to shift, Michigan has a rare opportunity to lead. With rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and a growing push to onshore production, there’s never been a more critical moment to strengthen our state’s small business ecosystem.
That’s where Project DIAMOnD comes in.
This groundbreaking, grant-funded initiative—launched by Oakland County and led by Automation Alley—provides free 3D printers, software, and training to qualified small- and medium-sized businesses. We’re building the nation’s largest distributed manufacturing network, right here in Michigan.
While we’ve already empowered hundreds of local manufacturers, in Phase 2, we’ve expanded eligibility to include:
- Engineering and product design firms
- Tool & die shops, mold makers, and CNC operations
- Medical device startups and component suppliers
- Aerospace, defense, and Tier 2/3 automotive suppliers
- Architecture and construction tech firms
- R&D labs, IoT developers, and IT companies creating physical products
- And more!
If your business is helping design or produce anything—from prototypes to precision parts—you may qualify. This is your chance to gain advanced manufacturing capabilities, boost resilience, and join a network that is reshaping how and where things are made.
Bottom line: There’s no catch—just an easier path into advanced manufacturing through 3D printing.
Don’t miss out. Apply now: ProjectDiamond.org/join-project-diamond-application
 Community Development
Get a Walk Through Local Woodland and Wetland Ordinances, June 26
Oakland County’s Planning, Zoning and Land Use Unit is providing “A Walk Through Local Woodland and Wetland Ordinances” at next free virtual Planners Gathering on June 26 at 10-11 a.m.
Woodland and wetland ordinances have been around for decades. This gathering provides a historical perspective on the development of these ordinances and how they have evolved over the years in Michigan, Oakland County and, in particular, West Bloomfield Township.
Speakers are Jerry Fisher, local government consulting attorney and author of Local Government Law - A Practical Guidebook for Public Officials on City Councils, Community Boards, and Planning Commissions; and Amy Neary, director of planning and development services, West Bloomfield Township.
Advance registration is free and required at:
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Help Shape Oakland County’s Tourism Economy & Brand
Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development is hosting two in-person, collaborative workshops to bring together residents, business owners, nonprofits, and community partners to co-create a vision for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable visitor economy.
All interested stakeholders are welcome to participate in an interactive workshop. Please register in advance:
Monday, June 16, 6–8 PM, at the Sundquist Farmington Pavilion, 33113 Grand River Avenue, Farmington
Tuesday, June 17, 9–11 AM, at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Rd, Rochester Hills
Participants are encouraged to review the current Tourism Diagnostic Report that reflects the research, survey results, and focus group feedback gathered to date—and follow the Tourism Initiative at:
New Main Street Video Debuts at Oakland County’s Economic Outlook Luncheon, May 22
Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) worked with Jon Clark, videographer at the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), to produce a video that captures the economic and community development value of historic downtowns and commercial corridors. The video debuted at this year’s Oakland County’s Economic Outlook Luncheon on May 22—with a special focus on downtown and small business development.
During the luncheon, a panel discussion included moderator Dom Holmes, director, Oakland County Department of Economic Development, Waterford; and panelists John Bry, administrator, Main Street Oakland County Coordinating Program and Local Business Development, Waterford; Cornell Fairley, owner, C. Care Lawn Services, Rochester Hills; Deya Merchand, owner, Designed Mindfully, Pontiac; Jasaun Moncrief, Adam Divine Analytics, Oakland Thrive Business-to-Business Technical Service Provider/Consultant, Bloomfield Hills; and Kristi Trevarrow, executive director, Rochester Downtown Development, Rochester.
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, MSOC has a special Main Event planned for June 12, 6-9 p.m., in Downtown Rochester, one of the first communities to come into the program in 2000. The gala event will be held at The Roxy Rochester, 401 Walnut Boulevard, and includes an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in downtown and historic commercial corridor revitalization in Oakland County. Advance registration closes on June 8.
ALMOST SOLD OUT! Tickets are $35 and available at:
tinyurl.com/teh63fdd
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Celebrate National Trails Day on June 7
National Trails Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday of June. Oakland County has many trails worth exploring, including the Paint Creek, West Bloomfield, Huron Valley, Clinton River, Polly Ann, MI Air Line, ITC-Novi, and I-275 Metro Trails. Find a new trail on this interactive map.
Stop by and visit with Friends of the Clinton River Trail at the Leach Road Trailhead (corner of Adams and Leach Roads) in Rochester Hills from 1:00 – 4:00 PM on June 7 and pick up some trail giveaways and information.
National Trails Day is a good opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, practice good trail etiquette, and be a conscientious trail steward by leaving the trail better than you found it. That is one way to thank the many volunteers, municipalities, park employees, and trail managers for their help in building and maintaining the trails for you and your community.
On the heels of National Trails Day, the Michigan Air Line Trail will be hosting the “Table to Table” bike ride. This popular event is returning for a fourth year on Saturday, June 21. The 25-mile roundtrip route runs between the Drafting Table Brewing Company in Wixom and the Sylvan Table Restaurant in Sylvan Lake—utilizing the Air Line, West Bloomfield and Clinton River Trails — with lunch at Sylvan Table.
Tickets are on sale now, register today at: miairlinetrail.com/malt-events
 Transit
 Your Voice Matters – Help Shape Oakland Transit’s Future!
Oakland Transit is committed to making your daily travel across Oakland County smoother and more responsive to your needs. Now, we need your insights to build a public transit system that works better for everyone.
Take the Survey at OakGov.info/RidershipSurvey
 Workforce Development
Oakland County Michigan Works! Honors Four Local Employers and their Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Last month, Oakland County Michigan Works! hosted a special “Race to Talent” event in partnership with the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, to showcase the success of Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
The event also honored several employers who have successful Registered Apprenticeship Programs, including Barron Industries, Elite School Management, FANUC American Corporation and Gesher Human Services.
In addition, the Workforce Intelligence Network of Southeast Michigan (WIN) was recognized for its role as an intermediary, also known as a multi-employer program, to help more than 200 organizations build, launch and manage Registered Apprenticeship Programs since 2018, including 56 last year.
The state of Michigan recorded a record number of active apprentices in 2024, with nearly 20,600 across 1,200 Registered Apprenticeship Programs. In Oakland County, there are 2,232 apprentices in 83 active Registered Apprenticeship Programs. While the construction and manufacturing sectors still account for most apprenticeship programs, employers in other industries are launching ones, including information technology, healthcare, education and other professional services.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of employers interested in Registered Apprenticeship Programs over the past few years, as the local labor market remains very competitive and the need for talent is stronger than ever,” said Liz Rivard-Weston, Oakland County apprenticeship success coordinator.
As part of the Race to Talent event, the four recognized employers joined a panel to share their experiences launching Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
Fanuc America Corporation, a global leader in robotic automation, launched its Registered Apprenticeship Program in 2023.
“This is a challenging time to find and build talent,” said Denise Scanlon, talent acquisition partner, FANUC America Corporation. “We took advantage of the opportunity to launch a Registered Apprenticeship Program to build the skill sets of our workers and establish a long-term pipeline for talent.”
Barron Industries, a manufacturer of precision machined metal castings, also launched its Registered Apprenticeship Program two years ago.
“As we look to the future, we’re committed to growing our team by investing in professional development and promoting from within,” said Lissa Barron, director of communications. “Our Registered Apprenticeship Program is a key part of this effort, helping us train and mentor the next generation of skilled machinists.”
Elite School Management, which provides staffing to educational institutions, recently completed its second cohort of teacher aides certified through a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
“You really need an intermediary to help with the process,” said President Leo Carr. “They explain what a Registered Apprenticeship is, how it works and how to launch it. WIN brought all of the pieces together. The process was a pleasure compared to what I expected.”
Gesher Human Services followed a similar path for launching a program for direct support professionals.
“WIN walked us through the process and made everything easier, including a review of the core competencies and classes, to managing the apprentice,” said James Willis, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Panelists also highlighted the vital role Oakland County Michigan Works! plays in supporting Registered Apprenticeship Programs. In addition to helping employers secure up to $4,800 per apprentice in funding, the agency provides eligible participants with supportive services such as tool and equipment purchases, mileage reimbursement, auto repairs and more. Last year, 202 apprentices received this support.
“They’ve been an outstanding partner every step of the way,” Barron said. “It’s been a great experience collaborating with a team so dedicated to workforce development.”
Local Employers can Engage Workforce Agency’s Rapid Response Team to Help Workers Impacted by Layoffs and Plant Closures
There has been an uptick in layoffs among Oakland County employers over the past several months and Oakland County Michigan Works! is often called in to work with the impacted employees, in an effort to help them re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible.
During the past year, the agency’s Rapid Response Team has worked with 19 Oakland County employers that have issued large layoff notices to the state, providing supportive services to more than 2,000 workers.
Oakland County Michigan Works! hosts workshops on computer skills, resume development, job searches and interview tips, as well as provides other services to eligible workers. The team also coordinates job fairs for those who lost their positions. Last year, this included a special job fair with 20 local employers in support of 190 Rite Aid workers who were displaced. In addition, Oakland County Michigan Works! partners with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency to make sure displaced workers have the information needed to apply for and collect unemployment insurance benefits.
"Rapid Response is a proactive, early intervention program designed to support workers impacted by mass layoffs and plant closures,” said Denise VanHee, director of the Oakland County Michigan Works! center in Troy and head of the Rapid Response Team. “Our goal is to minimize the time workers spend unemployed by connecting them quickly to re-employment, retraining, and support services.”
Employers who want to engage Oakland County Michigan Works! during these sensitive situations should contact a Business Solutions Professional at their local center, or reach out directly to VanHee via email at dvanhee@troy.k12.mi.us. She said once contacted, the Rapid Response Team moves quickly to meet with the employer and workers, sometimes within one day.
 Veterans Services
Upcoming Veterans Food Distribution Events
 Tuesday, July 1 | 9 AM - Noon
Thursday, August 21 | 9 AM – Noon
1200 N Telegraph, Bldg #26 | Pontiac
Register at: tinyurl.com/pnb2habb
All veterans and their families are welcome to register and attend to pick up free food as well as learn more about what Oakland County Veterans Services has to offer them and their families.
The Oakland Press - Oakland Press Veterans’ Columnist Dies at 77
Sharon Longman, the longtime veterans news columnist for MediaNews Group, died Saturday. She was 77.
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