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August 20, 2025

Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter

Oakland80 navigators

Dear Friends, 

It seems hard to believe that we’re in the final weeks of summer, but even though there’s no hint of the impending change in the forecast, I know parents and students alike are preparing for the upcoming school year.

Whether it’s packing up for college, buying backpacks and tablets or finishing up a summer reading list, Oakland County has resources to help students of all ages.

For the dreamers and budding entrepreneurs who spent the summer thinking of new ways to chase their passions, the Acorn2Oak program is an avenue for making those ambitions a reality.

Since we launched the program last year, we’ve provided more than 100 grants to young people to pursue everything from getting a start-up business off the ground to completing a community service project. Our latest round of grant recipients included landscaping and car detailing businesses, as well as programs to celebrate Juneteenth and support more mental health services.

Applications for the next round of the Acorn2Oak grants are due Sept. 15. For more information on this program that rewards the talented young people in Oakland County, go to acorn2oakgrant.com.

High schoolers in districts across the county can benefit from our Oakland80 navigators, who are available to help students match their skills and talents with rewarding career paths. They also can help with financial aid applications, college tours and connections to internships and apprenticeships.

It’s not just high schoolers who can get help from Oakland80. Anyone looking to start a new career path, finish a college education or training or rewrite a resume can access any of our Oakland County, Michigan Works! offices to take the next step to a fulfilling career.

Whether it’s financial assistance or breaking through the barriers that may have stalled your path, Oakland80 navigators are available to help you and help us reach our goal of getting 80 percent of our adult population a college degree or certified training by 2030.

Like me, you may not be ready to admit yet that summer is coming to an end, but I also always loved the anticipation of a new school year and the promise and opportunities that each new year held for me.

So here’s to a productive and fun 2025-26 for students and their families. For more information on what we can do to help, go to oakgov.com/oakland80.

With gratitude,

David Coulter
Oakland County Executive

First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Oakland County

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed a human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an Oakland County resident. No travel was reported by the patient. This is the first human case of WNV in Oakland County in 2025, and the second confirmed this year in Michigan.

“This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community,” said Kate Guzman, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. “We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year.”

No further information is available about the patient because of health privacy laws.

Oakland County’s Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) encourages Oakland County residents to participate in their annual Senior Market Day events. Residents 60 years and older will receive a $5 coupon to spend on produce at participating farmers’ markets. The coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used during the event. Distribution ends 30 minutes before the market closes, and no registration is necessary.

For more information, please call 248-365-8954 or email merzk@oakgov.com.

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