 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
JULY 2025
Quick links to this issue's stories:
Oakland County recently celebrated Juneteenth with music, food and entertainment that amplified Black history and culture. Commissioner Linnie Taylor (pictured right, with Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, middle, and Oakland County Deputy Executive Megan Sellers) also presented awards to seven local students for their winning artwork and essays on the Oakland County Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion competition’s theme “What does freedom and equality mean to me?” The event, open to the public, brought commissioners, county leaders and community members together for the third year in a row. Hear about the importance of Juneteenth from a few of the commissioners, view the photo gallery or read more about the celebration on the Oakland County Blog.
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Summer is in full swing, and your Oakland County Commissioners have been out and about — celebrating local milestones, connecting with residents and diving deeper into the issues that matter most.
Here’s a quick look at where they’ve been this month:
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Tourism workshop - Commissioners Gwen Markham and Yolanda Smith Charles joined community leaders to explore early findings from a tourism survey led by Advantage Oakland. The goal? To shine a brighter spotlight on what makes Oakland County a destination worth visiting—and boost economic development while we’re at it! Learn more at bit.ly/DestinationDiagnostic.
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Prosecutor’s Office orientation - Commissioners Marcia Gershenson, Yolanda Smith Charles, Angela Powell and Robert Smiley took part in an in-depth orientation with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office to better understand its daily operations, recent achievements and future needs.
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Community anniversary - Commissioners Christine Long and Robert Smiley celebrated the bicentennial of Commerce Township — marking an impressive 200 years.
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Community development milestones - Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles celebrated the groundbreaking of Oak Park’s new event hub in Shepard’s Park — featuring a pavilion, playground, and farmers market space! And at the ribbon-cutting for Westwood South Apartments in Pontiac, Commissioners Ann Erickson Gault, Angela Powell and Robert Smiley highlighted the expansion of affordable housing options made possible through the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund.
The Board allocated $3 million in 2022 for a senior chore program, helping older residents stay in their homes by providing assistance with outdoor maintenance projects. The June episode takes us to Clawson to see how this initiative is making a positive impact. Listen and watch to learn more!
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The next webinar hosted by Savi, a company dedicated to helping student loan borrowers determine their eligibility for programs that lower their payments, is planned for Thursday, July 17 at 4 p.m. Oakland County residents have one free year of access to Savi’s services. Register now and learn more about that and the current state of the student loan debt landscape during the webinar.
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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.
- Head coach Wisam Brikho and assistant coaches Daniel Tellez and Jean-Pierre Joassin were recognized for their role in leading the Pontiac High School Varsity Girls Soccer team to its first championship title – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell, June 5.
- The life and memory of Jamile Bryant was honored in memoriam – presented by Commissioner Powell, June 7.
- Holly Quilt Shop hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting – presented by Commissioner Bob Hoffman, June 10.
- Planning & Local Business Development Manager Bret Rasegan was commended for his 41 years of service to the county upon his retirement – presented by Commissioner Powell with unanimous support, June 11.
- Esport team members from Farmington High School and Rochester High School were celebrated for their wins in the 2025 Michigan High School Esports League Spring Championship – presented by Commissioners William Miller and Brendan Johnson, June 11.
- The City of Troy hosted its 70th anniversary event – presented by Commissioners Penny Luebs and Ann Erickson Gault, June 14.
- The Orion Area Chamber of Commerce marked its 75th year – presented by Commissioner Michael Gingell, June 17.
- Art gallery/workshop Studio Pinky/Painting with Pinky launched in Holly – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, June 20.
- Vibe Credit Union welcomed the community to its newly renovated space – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat, June 25.
- Clarkston Family Farm announced a milestone in its Pathways to Possibilities project – presented by Commissioner Joliat, June 25.
- Completion of the final phase of the Waterford Riverwalk was celebrated – presented by Commissioner Joliat, June 28.
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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.
Tuesday, July 8
Legislative Affairs & Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health & Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 9
Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Thursday, July 17
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
July is Park and Recreation Month, and three Board commissioners (Christine Long, Yolanda Smith Charles and Ann Erickson Gault) also serve on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks Commission is a 10-member body that plans and regulates the 15-park system. Stay tuned for more to come on this throughout the month of July!
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Give archery a shot at Independence Oaks County Park! There is no charge to use the facility or equipment on site during open archery range hours from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays. The park also offers archery classes, archery adventure camp, adult archery events and more. Visit Oakland County Parks for more information or call (248) 858-0916.
- Downtown Oxford was awarded the Spirit of Main Street Award during the 25th Anniversary Main Event celebration of Main Street Oakland County. Oxford was recognized for its video, “We Are Community,” which highlights the town’s commitment to honoring its historic roots while fostering an inclusive and vibrant community atmosphere. Read more at bit.ly/OxfordSpiritofMain25.
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