Farmington recognized as a 2026 Great American Main Street Award recipient at the opening plenary for the 2026 Main Street Now Conference, hosted by Main Street America on April 13.
Tom Gilbert/Rogue Monkey Media for the 2026 Main Street Now Conference

Oakland County Economic Development Newsletter

April 2026 Edition | Table of Contents

Data Corner: 2025 Population Estimates for Counties  |  Edu2B at LTU  |  41st Economic Outlook Luncheon  |  LTU Research Day  |  Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day  |  Crain's Detroit Business Article on Oakland County  |  Solarize OC  |  Main Street Farmington Wins National Award  |  New Planning & Local Business Development Manager Khalil Mogassabi  |  Planners Gathering: The Veterans Community Project  |  Household Hazardous Waste Programs  |  Main Street’s Main Event  |  Data Center Information  |  OCMW Advocacy Day  |  Ride with Oakland Transit  |  Veterans Resource Fair

A Message From Dom Holmes

Director of Oakland County Economic Development

Spring is officially here and so are new opportunities for growth and innovation in Oakland County. First, I want to announce the departure of our Deputy County Executive, Sean Carlson. Sean is stepping away from his position, of 6.5 years, to pursue elected office at the state level. We wish him success in his new pursuits.  Additionally, we want to welcome the new Manager of our Planning & Local Business Development Division, Khalil Mogassabi. Khalil spent a combined 21 years leading various planning efforts in both the City of Detroit and Cambridge, MA. We’re excited to welcome him back to the region and to the department, and we look forward to the experience and perspective he will bring to our county. In other news, I would like to invite you to join me for the 41st Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, April 22 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace. An esteemed team of economists from the University of Michigan will present findings from the past year. This year, there will be a focus on international and national attraction, including a panel discussion of leaders on the topic. Our mobility partners are another vital path for innovation and growth. For that reason, I invite you to attend the 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day on May 21, 2026. Get ready to kick up some dust and see the future of off-road innovation in motion. This isn’t just about rugged trails where next-generation mobility meets real-world testing. Oakland County business owners, if you want to discover new ways to collaborate with higher education institutions, consider attending our upcoming Oakland County Tech Collaboration on April 16 at Lawrence Technological University. Oakland County Veteran's Services will be hosting a Veteran Resource Fair on May 29.  Don't miss an opportunity to learn about valuable resources available to you. And I want to wish happy birthday to the Army Reserves coming up on April 23. Here in Oakland County Economic Development, we are always looking for ways to support our community leaders who keep our local communities vibrant and running smoothly. One such offering is our monthly Planners Gatherings. Our next event on April 22, will feature The Veterans Community Project: Tiny Houses, Big Impact. Last but not least, I would like to invite you to the Main Event on June 11. This year’s theme is: “New Frontiers – What is Next for Main Street”. Enjoy a fun evening celebrating our Main Street successes—including Downtown Farmington winning the 2026 Great American Main Street Award on April 13. Come and network with elected and appointed officials, downtown leaders, economic developers, and small business owners—the people who keep the county’s downtowns vibrant. I hope you can join us in honoring our hard-working community leaders.

Data Corner

2025 Population Estimates for Counties

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released 2025 population estimates for counties and Metropolitan Statistical Areas as well as cumulative estimates of the components of resident population change for counties. In total, 47 Michigan counties saw population increase from 2024 to 2025 while 36 counties saw declines, though no county lost more than 309 residents. In 2025 Oakland County’s population grew by 5,788 residents, the largest increase among all counties statewide.

Oakland County Components of Population Change (2016-2025)

Percent Change in County Population (July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025)

Population Estimates and Components of Change

• 1,288,337 – Oakland County’s total population in 2025, making it the second most populous county in the state behind Wayne County (1,769,038)
• 5,788 – Estimated population growth in Oakland County from 2024 to 2025, the largest numeric increase in the state
• 13,962 – Estimated population growth in Oakland County since 2020, more than 2,300 new residents annually
• 7,688 – Net international migration into Oakland County from 2024 to 2025, making Oakland County the second most popular destination in the state for international migrants
• -2,684 – Net domestic migration into Oakland County from 2024 to 2025; the loss of 2,684 residents through domestic migration out of the county is 40% smaller than the loss Oakland County experienced from 2023 to 2024
• 686 – Oakland County’s natural population change (births minus deaths) from 2024 to 2025

Interactive Resources and Related Information:

• U.S. Census Bureau – Population and Housing Units Estimates
• U.S. Census Bureau – Slow Growth Impacts Nation’s Largest Counties Hardest
• U.S. Census Bureau – Net International Migration Down in Every State and Most Counties

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program

Business Development

41st Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon

April 22, 2026  |  11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi

Join us as we bring together the region’s top business executives, elected officials, and community leaders for an afternoon of high-level networking and exclusive insights. What's on the agenda:

• The Forecast: Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich from the University of Michigan will unveil the 2026–2028 Economic Outlook data.
• The Panel: A deep dive into international business attraction and how local investments are impacting our county today.
• The Takeaway: Every attendee receives their own physical copy of the 2026–2028 Oakland County Economic Forecast.

Tickets: $85 (Includes luncheon and report). Secure your seat today! 

Edu2B at Lawrence Technological University

April 16, 2026  |  8:30-11:30 AM
Lawrence Technological University | 21000 W 10 Mile Road, Southfield

Join our robust tech ecosystem at our upcoming Edu2B event hosted at Lawrence Technological University and presented by the Oakland County Tech Collaboration. This is your opportunity to connect and collaborate as we discuss what's driving talent and tech, digital engineering, and the full product quality lifecycle with AI. No cost to attend, but registration is requested in advance.

13th Annual Lawrence Technological University Research Day

April 24, 2026  |  8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) invites the Oakland County community to its 13th Annual Research Day on April 24, 2026. The full-day event will highlight faculty achievements in scholarship, research and creative work, as well as original student and faculty research presented in poster sessions. Support future innovation at LTU by becoming a sponsor and helping advance the research, creativity and talent that drive Michigan's innovation ecosystem. Learn more about LTU Research Day at:

You Are Invited: 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day

May 21, 2026  |  11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Holly Oaks ORV Park, 14551 Shields Road | Holly, MI 48442

Get ready to kick up some dust and see the future of off-road innovation in motion at the 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Industry Day. This isn’t just about rugged trails—it’s where next-generation mobility meets real-world testing. From advanced drone integration for mapping and situational awareness to cutting-edge vehicle capabilities designed for extreme terrain, the event showcases how technology is reshaping the mobility industry. No cost and lunch will be provided.

Crain’s Detroit Business Article: Oakland County’s Economy Brings Global Investment and Local Impact

Oakland County is positioned as a premier global hub for innovation, R&D, and advanced manufacturing fueled by a strong commitment to international partnerships. Read more in the Crain's Detroit Business article here: 

Want to reduce your electric bills and protect your business against increasing energy prices?

Solarize OC is an initiative of Oakland County and the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association that connects businesses to solar education and resources, free of sales pressure. There will be multiple events spread throughout Oakland County communities in 2026.  Events cover information about solar energy, guidance on claiming the 30% solar tax credit, expert Q&A, and an opportunity for an additional 5-15% group-buy discount. Learn more at upcoming information session in Novi on April 29. Register here:

Planning & Local Business Development

Main Street Farmington Wins National Award

Main Street America has announced Main Street Farmington as a 2026 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winner, the national organization’s top award for excellence in preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

Farmington was one of three downtowns in the U.S. presented with the GAMSA during the April 13 opening plenary session of the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Selected by a national jury of place based economic development professionals, Main Street Farmington is recognized for transforming a once car-oriented district into a vibrant, walkable downtown driven by public space investment, historic preservation, and grassroots leadership.

“Main Street Farmington demonstrates how bold placemaking and preservation can reshape a community’s trajectory,” said Erin Barnes, president and CEO of Main Street America. “By reclaiming parking lots as gathering spaces, restoring landmark buildings, and fostering an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship, Farmington has created a downtown where history fuels innovation.”

Founded in 2002 and accredited for 23 years, Farmington’s Main Street program operates within the City’s Downtown Development Authority and with Main Street Oakland County (MSOC). Vacancy rates have fallen from nearly 15 percent to less than 5 percent, reflecting sustained reinvestment and strategic business development.

A defining milestone was the conversion of a central parking lot into Riley Park, now a civic green space drawing more than three million visitors annually and catalyzing reinvestment throughout the district.

Preservation has anchored this resurgence, with the restoration of the 1921 Farmington State Savings Bank building, the 1939 Farmington Civic Theater, and the 1876 Masonic Hall at Masons Corner framing a revitalized downtown core. Coordinated streetscape improvements and a 2017 Public Art Blueprint further aligned public and private investment.

Since 2003, MSOC has been recording economic impact statistics for Farmington.  As of 2025, Main Street Farmington has generated over $38 million in pubic and private investment, helped open 80 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 770 net new jobs, and catalyzed the rehabilitation of 123 historic buildings.

Over two decades, the downtown has shifted from national chains to a collaborative ecosystem of independent retailers and entrepreneurs. Through pop-ups, incubators, façade grants, and state-supported programs, Main Street Farmington has built a pipeline that turns temporary concepts into permanent businesses.

Inclusion remains central to the mission, from universally accessible public spaces to campaigns celebrating belonging and diverse representation. More than 80,000 volunteer hours and broad public-private partnerships have helped transform a car-centric corridor into a connected, people-centered downtown.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Great American Main Street Award and to have more than two decades of Main Street work recognized on a national stage,” said Jessica Westendorf, executive director of Main Street Farmington DDA. “By investing in thoughtful public spaces, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our historic character, we have shown how place-based development can create a vibrant and resilient downtown. It is exciting to celebrate how far we have come and the momentum that will carry Downtown Farmington into its next chapter.”

For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Its network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities — rural and urban — shares a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

For more information, visit:

Oakland County Welcomes New Planning and Local Business Development Manager Khalil Mogassabi

Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development welcomes Khalil Mogassabi, AICP, NCARB, LEED/WELL AP, as the new manager of the Planning and Local Business Development Division.  He will oversee three units, including Main Street and Local Business Development; Planning, Zoning, and Land Use; and Trails, Transportation, and Environment. “We are so pleased to have Khalil—with his extensive experience and credentials—join the team,” said Dom Holmes, director of Economic Development.  “We look forward to utilizing his expertise and ideas in the many facets of the County’s community development work.” Mogassabi is a certified city planner, registered architect, and wellness professional whose 30-year career spans both the public and private sectors. His work reflects a deep commitment to design excellence, environmental sustainability, and community well‑being. He has spent more than half of his professional life in municipal planning, most recently serving as deputy director and chief planner for the City of Cambridge, Mass., within the Community Development Department. In this role, he oversaw five divisions and guided major planning, design, and policy initiatives shaping the city’s long‑term growth and livability. Before joining Cambridge, Mogassabi held senior roles with the City of Detroit Planning & Development Department, serving as both a principal planner and senior architect. He later established and led the department’s Urban Design Unit, where he directed citywide urban design and sustainability initiatives and facilitated outreach and partnerships with neighborhood groups, business associations, and academic institutions to support Detroit’s revitalization efforts. He also brings extensive private sector experience in architectural design and planning to the County.  He has worked in a consulting practice and with firms in Detroit, New York City, and abroad. Early in his career, he practiced architecture with Minoru Yamasaki Associates, Smith Hinchman & Grylls, and Harley Ellington Pierce & Yee before moving overseas to lead a multidisciplinary team of architects and planners on large‑scale public projects. His private practice portfolio includes architectural design, land‑use planning, and urban design with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and wellness. His international work includes civic and public housing projects. Throughout his career, he has contributed his expertise to numerous state and local design boards, as well as technical and steering committees for municipal green‑building initiatives and regional transportation planning. Mogassabi is the 2016 recipient of the Charles Blessing Award from the American Institute of Architects – Detroit Chapter, recognizing his significant contributions to the built environment. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Detroit and a Master in City Planning from MIT, with additional urban design studios completed at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Planners Gathering – The Veterans Community Project: Tiny Houses, Big Impact

April 22, 2026 | 10 - 11 AM

The April 22 (10-11 a.m.) Oakland County virtual Planners Gathering topic is “The Veteran’s Community Project: Tiny Houses, Big Impact.”  The speaker is Ben Hendershot, vice president, Veterans Community Project, Kansas City, MO. The Veterans Community Project (VCP) was founded in 2016 by combat veterans who saw firsthand the challenges of returning to civilian life and who shared a dedication to do better for those who served our country.  Their solution for veterans that are homeless includes providing a 240 sq.ft. cost-effective and  dignified home with 1:1 support to help them get back on their feet—and continue standing. Since welcoming their first residents in 2018, VCP now has six locations throughout the U.S. and has shown an 85% success rate.  For those interested in learning about the program and potential use in Oakland County, advance register for free at: eventbrite.com/e/planners-gathering-the-veterans-community-project-tiny-houses-big-impact-tickets-1984504040005 The Oakland County Planning, Zoning, and Land Use Unit recordings of Planners Gatherings are available at Tinyurl.com/457hja2b To recommend future Planners Gathering topics, contact Jim Schafer, Oakland County, at schaferj@oakgov.com

Oakland County’s Household Hazardous Waste Programs 

Many communities in Oakland County offer a household hazardous waste program for residents to properly and safely dispose of paint, fertilizers and other household chemicals.

Three county programs that serve multiple communities include: RRRASOC—Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County, covering the southwest and southcentral areas; SOCRRA—Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority, covering the southeast area; and NoHaz, covering the central and northern areas.

Several communities also offer their own program. To find out if your community offers a household hazardous waste program, visit NoHaz.com for a map.

The NoHaz Collection events are organized by Oakland County’s Planning & Local Business Development Division.  The 2026 participating communities include:  Addison Township, City of the Village of Clarkston, Groveland Township, Independence Township, City of Lake Angelus, Village of Lake Orion, Village of Leonard, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Village of Oxford, City of Pontiac, Rose Township, Springfield Township, and Waterford Township.

Since its 2003 launch, the NoHaz program has collected over 10 million pounds of household hazardous waste.  In 2025, almost 69% were returning participants.  Each year, the program gets high ratings. Over 98 percent of participants in 2025 rated their NoHaz experience as good or excellent.

The first of four 2026 NoHaz Collection events is April 18, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pine Knob Music Theatre.  For information on all collection events, fees, acceptable materials, and to join the notification email list, visit NoHaz.com.

NOTE: Fees vary and are established by the individual communities.

Main Street Oakland County to Host 2026 Main Event on June 11 in Downtown Rochester

June 11, 2026 | 6 - 9 PM

Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event is June 11, 6-9 p.m., at The Rochester Roxy in Downtown Rochester. This event recognizes excellence in downtown revitalization and includes elected and appointed officials; Main Street community leadership, staff, boards and volunteers; economic developers; private sector partners; and small business owners.

Thirty Oakland County downtown and historic corridor districts can compete in this year’s award categories:

• Spirit of Main Street
• Achievement in Community Character or Historic Preservation
• Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Community Event of the Year
• District Placemaking
• Small Business Retention and Attraction
• Volunteer of the Year
• Main Street Resilience
• Outstanding Partnerships
• Main Street Leader

The Main Event is a fun evening to celebrate successes and network with the people who keep the county’s downtowns vibrant and vital.

This year’s sponsors include long-time supporters Genisys Credit Union, the Oakland County Business Finance Corporation, DTE Energy, Downtown Rochester, Giffels Webster, Michigan Downtown Association, and the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester

Event contact is Annaka Norris, Oakland County:
norrisa@oakgov.com | (248) 858-5447

Tickets are $35 and include hearty hors d’oeuvres.  This year’s theme is “New Frontiers – What is Next for Main Street.”  Attire can be formal, business, or Western Frontier themed. Tickets are on sale now, with advance registration ending June 7: eventbrite.com/e/main-event-2026-tickets-1983446824846?aff=oddtdtcreator

Data Center Information and Resources

Oakland County’s Office of Sustainability, along with the Planning & Local Business Development Division, has developed an online resource to answer many Data Center related questions: oakgov.com/community/sustainability/data-centers

Because Michigan is a Home Rule state, local cities, villages and townships in Oakland County have jurisdiction over planning, zoning, site plan review, approvals, and code enforcement related to data centers and their affiliated uses, in accordance with their adopted plans, ordinances and procedures.

Oakland County does not have jurisdiction over planning, development or approval for data centers unless certain conditions are met; however, the County recognizes data centers are a growing area of importance to the community.

In 2023, data centers consumed approximately 4.4% of all energy in the U.S.—with forecasts indicating that data centers will consume up to 12% of all energy in the U.S. by 2028, equivalent to all residential energy use in 2024 (U.S. Department of Energy 2024 Report on U.S. Data Center Energy Use).

This online resource answers questions like:

• What is a data center and why are they being built
• What are the different types of data centers
• How are data centers different than other industrial land use
• How do data centers use natural resources
• What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)

The site also includes a good overview of Oakland County and a Municipality’s roles, along with useful guides and studies.

Data centers come in different sizes and space requirements. The data center proposed in Saline Township in 2025 would be the largest in Michigan, covering approximately 2.2 million square feet on 250 acres of land. To date, the largest data center constructed in Michigan is the Switch Data Center in Grand Rapids, at 142 acres.

Although Oakland County does not have jurisdiction in most cases regarding data centers, the County will continue to provide relevant resources to the community.  If you have guides, case studies, or information that would be valuable to other communities, please email us at planninggroup@oakgov.com

Workforce Development

Oakland County Michigan Works! Team Visits State Lawmakers

Oakland County Michigan Works! participated in the 2026 Advocacy Day in Lansing last month, to meet with Oakland County state representatives and senators to promote a number of key programs that positively impact the region’s employers and workforce.

Director Jennifer Llewellyn was joined by members of the Oakland County Workforce Development Board and representatives from local employers and partner organizations to highlight the success of Oakland County’s Advantage: Apprenticeship program, the state’s Going PRO Talent Fund and other key initiatives.

“We had a busy, but very successful Advocacy Day, meeting with 19 legislators to discuss the value of these programs, the need to continue funding them and answer any questions they or their staffs had as important budget decisions are made in Lansing,” Llewellyn said.

During the meeting, the team shared that State Apprenticeship Expansion grant programs that end this year helped launch six new Registered Apprenticeship Programs, expand 10 existing programs and support 87 Registered Apprentices in a variety of industries, ranging from the skilled trades and manufacturing to health care and early childhood education.

Oakland County is home to more than 2,200 Registered Apprentices participating in more than 80 registered programs.  Statewide, Michigan has seen significant growth in Registered Apprenticeships, reaching 20,600 two years ago.  The state is now ranked fourth nationally in active apprentices.

Upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship, 93 percent of apprentices remain with their current employer, giving them a skilled, loyal workforce.  The Michigan Works! Association is advocating for $5 million to be allocated in the FY2027 budget to expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state.

Also discussed was the long-term success of the Going PRO Talent Fund and need to maintain the program’s funding.  This money is used by employers to provide customized, short-term training for new and existing employees, including apprentices.

Since the program’s launch, 725 grants worth $26 million have been awarded to Oakland County employers to train more than 20,000 people.  Last year, 103 local employers received Going PRO Talent Fund awards to train 3,175 people.  Unfortunately, funding for the statewide program has been cut from a high of $55 million two years ago to $31.8 million for FY2026.  There is concern that the program budget could be cut further moving forward.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is one of the most successful state workforce development programs ever and maintaining or, better yet increasing, this funding level is critical to Michigan’s future,” Llewellyn said.  “This employer-driven program provides customized training that upskills an employer’s workforce and, at the same time, leads to increased wages for the employees – a win for everyone, including our state that wants to increase the number of workers with post-secondary degrees and skills certifications.”

Oakland County Workforce Development Board Chairman David Darbyshire was part of the group that visited Lansing.  He said the meetings with state representatives and senators provided the opportunity to share the positive impact these programs have and, at the same time, discuss how state budget cuts are challenging the ability of Oakland County Michigan Works! to provide supportive services with less funding.

“Our discussions during Advocacy Day set the stage for our legislators to champion the budget requests, utilizing relevant data provided by the Michigan Works Association and our Oakland County centers,” he said.  “I found them very productive.” 

Transit

Ride with Oakland Transit this Spring

Spring has arrived in Oakland County! The Oakland Transit Team encourages everyone to take advantage of the warmer temperatures by planning a day out in the community using your local transit service provider. From enjoying an afternoon at your local community or senior center to shopping at your favorite local business, residents can get anywhere they’d like in Oakland County using public transportation thanks to the services provided by NOTA, OPC, People’s Express, SMART and WOTA. To find your nearest transit provider and plan your next ride, use Oakland Transit’s interactive transit service map. The Oakland Transit Team is looking for your feedback to help us grow this season. Our current Community Survey focuses on our residents’ awareness and how individuals currently use or would like to use public transportation in their daily lives. From sharing your awareness of increased transit vehicles on the road to how transit has made an impact on your life or the lives of your friends and family, your feedback makes a difference. The data gathered from Oakland Transit’s Community Surveys helps our team work with our transit providers to improve services for residents across Oakland County. Whether you regularly ride with your local transit provider or simply care about having high-quality public services in your community, your participation in our surveys is appreciated. For more information on Oakland Transit services, including the complimentary “This Ride’s on Us” program for veterans, visit:

Veterans Services

Join Us at our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair

May 29, 2026  |  9:00 AM - Noon

OPC Social & Activity Center  |  650 Letica Drive, Rochester

All veterans and their families are welcome to learn more about the benefits available to them, including housing counseling, career planning, training programs, information on community resources, and more.

Questions? Contact: Tyrone Jordan
jordant@oakgov.com | (248) 285-8016

Cost Free, Registration Required: