 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
JANUARY 2026
Quick links to this issue's stories:
Do you know an outstanding Black resident who has improved the community, made notable achievements or are otherwise worthy of recognition? Nominate them for the 2026 Black Excellence Award! The Board is seeking nominations for its 2026 Black Excellence Awards in honor of Black History Month.
Individuals must be nominated by someone other than themselves, and the final recipients are selected by a panel of commissioners. To nominate a living Black Oakland County resident of any age or background, complete the submission form at bit.ly/BOCBEA2026 by noon on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Learn more about all of the previous Black Excellence Award recipients on our website.
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 For more than a decade, the Board has prioritized preventing human trafficking as well as protecting and rehabilitating the crime’s victims through the Oakland County Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force. Led by Chair Miller (center above), Majority Vice Chair Taylor (center above), and Minority Vice Chair Spisz (third from left) as well as members Woodward (third from right) and Joliat (second from left), the task force works with representatives from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Health Division to assess case count, develop strategies and share resources for fighting human trafficking.
The Board will be raising awareness and debunking some common misunderstandings about human trafficking this month, so watch the Board’s Facebook and YouTube channels for more.
Did you know Oakland County has a dedicated tip line for human trafficking prevention? Anyone with information about incidents of human trafficking can contact the prevention unit at 248-858-0411 or at HumanTraffickingPreventionTIPS@oakgov.com.
After learning that the county lacks statutory and constitutional authority to require financial disclosures for county elected officials and candidates for county office, the Board took a bipartisan step in encouraging state legislators to take up the issue.
Chair Woodward and Minority Caucus Chair Spisz announced the plan to support state legislation that would establish a uniform disclosure policy. The resolution passed 15-2 at the Board’s December 11 meeting. Read the full press release for additional information.
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.
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Main Street Oakland County marked its 25th anniversary – presented by Commissioner Powell with unanimous support, Dec. 11.
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Oscar Gibson earned the rank of Eagle Scout – presented by Commissioners Spisz, Gingell and Johnson, Dec. 11.
- Outgoing city council members Peter Sharpe and Thomas Rzeznik were honored for their service in Wixom – presented by Commissioner Smiley, Dec. 12.
- Pontiac entrepreneur Tanesha Stephens celebrated a milestone birthday and new business venture – presented by Commissioner Powell, Dec. 12.
- The City of Madison Heights was recognized for its 70th anniversary – presented by Commissioner Erickson Gault, Dec. 13.
- Outgoing city council members Brett Nicholson, Melanie Rutherford, and William Parker Jr. and mayor Tim Greimel were honored for their service in Pontiac – presented by Commissioner Powell, Dec. 16.
Check out the schedule of meetings 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.
Prior to Karen McDonald’s election as Oakland County prosecutor in 2021, the office had 9 human trafficking cases. Since her tenure and establishment of the Trafficking Unit, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, whose representatives serve on the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force overseen by the Board, has prosecuted 76 human trafficking cases – a 744% increase.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- Learn from a local chef during a series of free cooking demonstrations at the Oakland County Farmers Market in cooperation with edibleWOW, beginning on January 10 at 10 a.m. Check out the schedule and lineup of chefs at OaklandCountyParks.com.
- The Oakland County Animal Shelter now offers dog licensing through DocuPet. The new, online platform allows you to obtain licenses year-round and includes registration to a 24/7 lost-pet recovery service.
- Oakland County residents can pick up a free home radon test kit at Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield. Home testing is encouraged during the winter, as closed windows and doors can allow this invisible, odorless gas to accumulate.
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