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April 15, 2026

Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter

Addison Oaks County Park & Campground

Dear Friends, 

Around this time every year, I see yellow daffodils pop up near where I park on the Oakland County campus. Their presence is a sure sign that spring is here.

As we reflect on the beauty of nature in the springtime, it's a good reminder that on April 22 we celebrate Earth Day. There are so many opportunities to get involved in the coming weeks to help keep our county clean and green, such as community clean ups in Southfield and Rochester Hills. To find an event near you, check out this interactive map.

Participating in Earth Day activities is one of the most tangible ways to help support the county’s environmental sustainability goals - protecting our environment, reducing carbon pollution, keeping our water and lakes safe, and conserving natural resources.

These efforts are not just about preservation. They are also about building a higher quality of life for our residents. That same commitment is reflected in our broader vision of livable neighborhoods, where residents and businesses are supported by a vibrant and accessible transit system. Reliable transit is not just an amenity; it is essential for connecting workers to jobs, supporting employers, and giving residents more convenient and sustainable ways to explore and engage with our community.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share news about expanded access and new service options for riders. Starting Monday, Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation’s (SMART) will have Route 350: Wixom. It will connect downtown Wixom, Walled Lake and other commercial destinations to a route already running on Grand River. And later this year, service will be extended to a new stop in Commerce Township, continuing to meet the needs of residents who need bus service.

Last year SMART buses carried more than 7 million riders on their regularly scheduled routes, and another quarter million on-demand trips. And the North Oakland and Western Oakland transportation authorities each exceeded 100,000 riders for the first time ever. That’s a double-digit increase in both regions from the previous year.

Springtime also lends itself to more foot traffic throughout the county, whether that’s to visit farmers markets or traverse one of our many parks. We boast 100 miles of paved and natural trails for walking, jogging, skating, biking and equestrian riding.

Oakland County Parks offers an active Adaptive Recreation program, so that regardless of age or ability, you have the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of our county. And thanks to the approval of the 2024 millage, Oakland County residents can enjoy free entry to our day-use or dog parks.

So, this spring, as the flowers blossom and the parks fill with families, I hope you’ll take time to explore and appreciate the beauty of our county and the investments we’re making to keep our communities healthy and vibrant.

Wishing you all a happy spring. See you on the trails!

With gratitude,

David Coulter
Oakland County Executive

Tom Gilbert/Rogue Monkey Media for the 2026 Main Street Now Conference

Main Street Farmington was 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.

Main Street Farmington Earns National Great American Main Street Award

Main Street Farmington has earned a 2026 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), the top national honor from Main Street America recognizing excellence in preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

The organization presented the award to Farmington - one of just three winners nationwide - during the April 13 opening of the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, Okla.

A national jury of place-based economic development professionals selected Main Street Farmington for transforming a once car-oriented corridor into a vibrant, walkable downtown through strategic public space investment, historic preservation and grassroots leadership.

"Farmington’s success shows what’s possible when a community invests in its people and places.” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This national recognition reflects years of partnership with our Main Street communities, smart planning and a shared commitment to building a downtown that works for everyone.”

Oakland County Partners with Oakland Community College to Highlight Critical Role of Classroom Instruction in Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Oakland County is partnering with Oakland Community College (OCC) to ensure critical classroom instruction is part of the professional journey of Registered Apprentices working in a variety of industries.

Related Technical Instruction (RTI) complements a Registered Apprentice’s on-the-job training, accounting for hundreds of hours annually in structured classroom learning. RTI was the focus of a special Race to Talent™ Registered Apprenticeship Program event at OCC’s campus in Auburn Hills, which drew more than 80 employers, labor organizations, community colleges and workforce development professionals from across the region and state.

In addition to technical skills development, RTI provides theoretical knowledge behind the occupations, industry standards and compliance information, and safety training. The customizable courses are designed to meet the specific needs of the employer and can be delivered in-person, online or in hybrid form.

“While on-the-job training is core to all Registered Apprenticeship Programs, customized classroom instruction is just as important to help build an apprentice’s skillset,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “These programs are a key component of our strategy to build a highly skilled, competitive workforce, which is essential to Oakland County’s long-term economic success.”

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