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Greetings!
As June comes to a close, we recognize Pride Month and Juneteenth—important moments to reflect on the values of equity, dignity, and progress. We also mark the start of summer, a season that brings people together in parks, on trails, and across our vibrant communities and state.
In this month’s update, we’re sharing information on the upcoming Oakland County Virtual Land Auction and the winners of the 2025 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest—students who used their creativity to highlight the importance of making smart financial choices.
We’re excited to launch SmartFinance Academy: Financial Fitness Powered by OCTO—a new chapter in Oakland County’s financial empowerment journey. Beginning tomorrow, the Financial Fitness program will officially transition from Oakland County Michigan Works! to the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, where it will be led through our Financial Empowerment Center.
Thank you for staying connected. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.
See you around the county,
 Robert Wittenberg
Oakland County Treasurer
SmartFinance Academy Launches July 1
Oakland County’s trusted financial education program is evolving. Formerly operated by Oakland County Michigan Works!, the program now transitions to the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office through its Financial Empowerment Center and relaunches as SmartFinance Academy: Financial Fitness Powered by OCTO.
This expanded initiative builds on a strong legacy to deliver free, real-world financial guidance for residents, families, seniors, veterans, and business owners.
The first free webinar, "Budgeting Amidst Inflation and Economic Uncertainty," will be held on Monday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. All events are free and open to the public, with advance registration required.
Our SmartFinance Academy webpage will launch tomorrow. Please visit oakgov.com/smartfinance to learn more or register.
2025 Oakland County Virtual Foreclosed Property Auction
The 2025 Oakland County Virtual Foreclosed Property Auction will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on tax-sale.info.
The available properties will be listed in the coming weeks. Visit the website for more information on the auction process or to register.
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2025 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest Winners
 Photo Caption: 12th-grade first-place winning artwork “Breaking the Chains”
by Peter Brandal, Farmington High School
Last month, Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg—in partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency—announced the 20 winners and honorable mentions for the 2025 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest during a private reception at the Flagstar Bank Regional Headquarters in Troy, Mich.
Oakland County public high school students were invited to join the arts contest. Over 130 students from 21 public schools in Oakland County submitted entries, which were judged based on creativity, artistic skill, and their incorporation of the financial empowerment theme.
The winners and honorable mentions received cash prizes from a $10,000 contest fund from Flagstar Bank. The cash prizes were $1,000 (first place), $750 (second place), $500 (third place) and $100 (honorable mention).
The winning art and all student entries are displayed in the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office for a year and on the website. To view the winners, honorable mentions and submissions, visit the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office website at oakgov.com/arts.
Around the County
Commemorating Juneteenth and Pride Month
Each June, we take time to honor both Juneteenth and Pride Month—moments that reflect our shared history and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for freedom and justice in our country.
Pride Month is a time to uplift the voices, experiences, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a celebration of identity, love, and the ongoing pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Together, Juneteenth and Pride Month encourage us to reflect, learn and act—to celebrate progress while continuing the work of building a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.
Happy Fourth of July!
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we celebrate the ideals of freedom, resilience, and community that have shaped our nation. Whether you're enjoying fireworks, relaxing at the park, exploring our trails, or spending time on the water, we encourage everyone to celebrate safely. Oakland County is home to many festive events and fireworks displays—perfect for making memories with family, friends, and neighbors. Have a safe and joyful Independence Day!
Did You Know?
In 2024, the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office managed over a billion-dollar investment portfolio and $576 million in debt for capital projects.
Do you have an upcoming event that you want me to attend? Please email Zinnia Kallabat at kallabatz@oakgov.com.
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