 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
NOVEMBER 2025
Quick links to this issue's stories:
Placemaking is a collaborative process for shaping public spaces into community hubs, enhancing the quality of life for people and communities. The Board’s newly formed study group, Oakland County Community and Public Spaces (OC CAPS), is tasked with strengthening placemaking projects around the county and helping local municipalities access grant funding opportunities.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2), OC CAPS will play a key role in reviewing project applications and aligning local initiatives with the county’s broader placemaking goals. To support this initiative, the Board recently appropriated $200,000 to be used as matching grant funds, of up to $10,000 per project, for eligible public placemaking projects.
Find out more at bit.ly/OC-CAPS.
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Residents aged 50 and older - keep an eye on your mailbox! To keep you informed on important information about the transit services available throughout the county, the Board recently sent a mailer designed to help residents stay connected, independent and informed about transportation options in their area.
The transit services in Oakland County are much more than fixed bus routes — they’re designed to be flexible and accessible to meet a wide range of mobility needs. Be sure to check your mail and share the news with friends and neighbors who might benefit! Learn more about Oakland County transit services in this transit-focused episode of The Sounding Board or visit OakGov.com/OaklandTransit.
Think your local chamber of commerce is all business? You might be surprised to find out it is pretty fun, too! Chambers provide an essential service to not only the businesses in their communities, but also the residents. Find out how Commissioner Joliat works with chambers of commerce in her district, particularly the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, in this episode of The Sounding Board.
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Commissioners recognize 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.
- Hyper-local print publication The Holly Post launched – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, Oct. 1.
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Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds residents about the importance of protecting their identities, finances and safety – presented by Commissioner Smith Charles, Oct. 1.
- In its 30th year, the Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Awards applauded Bryan Frink, Robert Schefman and The Birmingham Musicale for their contributions – presented by Commissioner Taylor, Oct. 3.
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Holly Nutrition opened its doors – presented by Commissioner Hoffman, Oct. 4.
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Evone Butler’s 80th birthday was celebrated – presented by Commissioner Powell, oct. 5.
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Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosted its 60th anniversary gala – presented by Commissioner Taylor, Oct. 11.
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Jason Clinkscale was named as the 2025 Birmingham Youth Assistance Champion – presented by Commissioner Cavell, Oct. 15.
- Survivors and those who have been lost were honored as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month – presented by Commissioner Long, Oct. 16.
- Recent crownings of Grace Hanke, Miss Oakland County, and Lilliam Heitchue, Miss Oakland County’s Teen, were recognized – presented by Commissioners Smith Charles and Smiley, Oct. 16.
- The Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College’s Royal Oak campus debuted – presented by Chair Woodward, Oct. 17.
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David VanderVeen was recognized upon his retirement from the Oakland County Parks Commission after 21 years of service – presented by Commissioners Smith Charles, Long and Erickson Gault, Oct. 30.
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Rosie Myers’s 52 years of service with the School District of the City of Pontiac was commended – presented by Commissioner Powell, Oct. 30.
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, Nov. 4
Legislative Affairs & Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health & Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Transit Ad Hoc, 12 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 13
Majority Caucus, 8:30 a.m.
Full Board, 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Art Institute Authority, 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force, 9 a.m.
Oakland County Veterans’ Services estimates there are more than 60,000 veterans who call the county home. Representatives provide assistance to those who have served in all branches of the U.S. military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard).
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Red Oaks and Wint Nature Centers is offering fun, nature-based programs for preschoolers (ages 3–6). Enjoy monthly themed stories and activities during Morning Munchkins at Red Oaks in Madison Heights and Puddle Jumpers at Wint in Clarkston. Wint also hosts the ECHO program—an hour of outdoor, caregiver-guided fun every Thursday from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Learn more at bit.ly/OCParksEventCalendar.
- The Commerce and Walled Lake-Novi Wastewater Treatment Plants earned platinum awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies in recognition of 20 and 19 years of perfect compliance, respectively. Learn more at bit.ly/3X0SyHO.
- Starting November 1 through 30, share your original selfies taken at Oakland County small businesses you consider to be “local gems” for a chance to win big! The more businesses you enter, the better your chances. First prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and third place wins $250. For full rules and details, visit OakGov.com/ShopSmall.
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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