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Over 100 leaders across mobility, engineering, defense and manufacturing connected at the Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day as they explored live demos from cutting-edge tech innovators.
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June 2026 Edition | Table of Contents
- Data Corner: Population Estimates for Cities, Villages, and Townships
- Join the Oakland County Tech Collaboration
- Holly ORV Park Industry Day Recap
- Crain's Detroit Business Article: Pontiac's Comeback
- Oakland County Companies Receive SBA National Small Business Awards
- Solarize OC Program
- Main Street Summit Recap
- Main Street Now Conference in Detroit
- June Planners Gathering on Planning & Site Design for Emergencies
- Clarkston Historic Preservation Project Honored by Governor Whitmer
- Michigan Air Line Trail Designated a Pure Michigan Trail
- MiCareerQuest: Call for Exhibitors & Sponsors
- Community Transit Plan Update
- Military Appreciation at Oakland County Parks
- July Veterans Resource Fair
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A Message From Dom Holmes
Director of Oakland County Economic Development
I hope you had the opportunity to attend the 41st Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon on April 22 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace. I was encouraged by the strong outlook for Oakland County and proud to hear that our economic fundamentals remain among the strongest in the region. Highlights included more than $208 million in recent international company investments that are projected to create nearly 1,000 jobs, as well as continued progress toward Oakland80’s goal of helping 80% of adult residents attain a post-secondary credential.
These accomplishments are possible because of the strong partnerships that help move Oakland County forward. This month, we celebrate the Main Street Summit’s fifth year of stakeholder engagement and look ahead to the Main Street Now Conference coming even closer to home in 2027. We also join Governor Gretchen Whitmer in recognizing Clarkston’s Historic Preservation Project, an outstanding example of a community honoring its history while investing in its future.
Speaking of the future, Oakland County continues to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and technology. If you have not yet connected with the Oakland County Tech Collaboration, I encourage you to do so. This growing network of professionals in research, engineering and design, IT services, and robotics integration provides valuable resources, programming, and opportunities for collaboration. You can also learn more about the county’s engagement with emerging technologies in our recap of the 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day.
Momentum is also building in public transportation. This month, we highlight the new Community Transit Plan, which will help guide future investments and provide a framework for Oakland Transit as it continues expanding and improving mobility options across the county.
Finally, as we recently observed Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. To the veterans of Oakland County, thank you for your service and continued contributions to our communities. I encourage you to take advantage of the programs, events, and resources available through Oakland County Veterans’ Services.
In Partnership,
Dom Holmes
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 Data Corner
2025 Population Estimates for Cities, Villages, and Townships
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released 2025 population estimates for Minor Civil Divisions (cities, villages, and townships). Between 2024 and 2025, most communities in Oakland County saw their resident populations increase. Only 13 communities experienced a decrease in population with the largest being the City of Royal Oak, which lost 24 residents during that time.
Oakland County Communities with Largest Population Increases (2020-2025):
 Click here for an accessible version of this data.
Oakland County Communities with Largest Rates of Population Growth and Decline (2020-2025):
 Click here for an accessible version of this data.
Population Estimates for Oakland County Minor Civil Divisions
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88,733 – The city of Troy’s estimated population in 2025, making it the most populous community in Oakland County and the 12th most populous community in the state.
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940 – Estimated increase in population in Commerce Township between 2024 and 2025, the largest one-year increase in population in the county; Commerce Township’s increase in population was the 4th largest increase among all communities in the state behind Detroit (5,060), Grand Rapids (1,795), and Macomb Township (1,219).
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15.5% – Estimated population growth rate since the 2020 decennial census for Lyon Township, the fastest growth rate since 2020 among all communities in the state with at least 20,000 residents over that period.
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3,609 – The number of new Lyon Township residents since the 2020 decennial census.
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10,449 – Estimated population for the village of Beverly Hills, making it the most populous village in the state.
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5,792 – Estimated number of people per square mile in the city of Berkley, the most densely populated community in Oakland County.
Interactive Resources and Related Information:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program
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 Business Development

Are you a tech related business looking to grow? Get connected with the Oakland County Tech Collaboration today.
Join our robust tech ecosystem at an upcoming event or a one-on-one meeting. Learn more about the strengths of this ecosystem and grow your business here:

Event Recap: 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day on May 21, 2026
What an incredible day to get outside to test the track and capabilities of the off-road experience at Holly Oaks ORV Park at the 4th Annual Holly Oaks ORV Industry Day hosted by Oakland County Economic Development and Oakland County Parks.
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Over 100 leaders across mobility, engineering, defense and manufacturing industries connected and collaborated as they explored live demos from cutting-edge tech innovators: Birdstop, Iteris, Inc., EZRaider US, Electric Outdoors, Noble Gas Systems, WGS Global Services, and Ford Motor Company.
This was a sustainability-focused event with food composting and recycling on site. Due to the efforts of our guests, we created 23.9 pounds of compost and 1.1 pounds of recycled material.
Didn’t make it to the event? Contact our team at:
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Crain’s Detroit Business Article: Pontiac’s comeback – a new chapter led by partnership and purpose.
For too long, disinvestment has pulled people away from the heart of our county seat. Today, we are writing a different story – one that restores connection and invites opportunity, putting Pontiac back at the center of our shared future. Read the full article here:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) 2026 National Small Business Awarded two Oakland County Defense and Aerospace companies.
Mettle Ops, located in Madison Heights, won the National Small Businessperson Award. They are a business development and engineering firm specializing in defense and space manufacturing, focusing on enhancing equipment and platforms. Mettle Ops also manufactures drones using only US components.
Barron Industries, a 103-year-old, third generation, family-owned business located in Oxford, won the Manufacturer of the Year (Regional) Award. They are a precision investment casting and manufacturing company, specializing in high-quality, complex metal parts in the defense, aerospace and automotive industries. Barron’s recent expansion is a $10 million investment in its new Aerospace and Defense Advanced Manufacturing Technical Center adding 20,000 square feet of manufacturing space to accommodate new 3D printing and advanced machining equipment. The expansion will create about 50 new, high-paying jobs in skilled machine operating and programming, averaging $30 per hour. The facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
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.
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 Planning & Local Business Development
Main Street Summit Completes Fifth Year of Annual Stakeholder Outreach
 Since 2022, Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) has annually been convening local leaders, community partners, and private sector stakeholders from across Oakland County to evaluate and collectively prioritize the future needs and goals of the county’s Main Street program.
The Summit has become an opportunity for the broader Main Street network to reconnect, reflect, and shape the direction of the organization together – with participants giving the Summit the nickname of “The United Nations of Main Street.”
“To commemorate the Summit’s fifth year and reinvigorate the interactions and ideas, we changed the gathering’s format,” said John Bry, administrator, of Main Street Oakland County’s Coordinating Program. “This year’s Summit was facilitated by Filament, an agency based in St. Louis with a unique expertise in helping communities and businesses have a more fast-paced, highly engaging brainstorming session.”
Filament guided participants through a series of unique probing and thought-provoking exercises designed to challenge assumptions and uncover ideas. Participants responded to questions in real time, with thoughts captured on a large visual idea wall. An illustrator translated the conversation into large-scale graphic recordings, creating a real-time visual narrative of the group’s ideas and priorities as they emerged.
Representatives from 26 of MSOC’S 29 communities were in attendance, joined by elected officials, private sector partners, philanthropic organizations, and key stakeholders from across the county.
“The communities reinforced the high regard and value they place on the Main Street Oakland County program and team,” said Bry. “However, the core focus of the Summit is on what more we can do in the future to strengthen the effectiveness of the program for our communities.”
Participants expressed a strong desire for continued support from MSOC in a variety of areas, while emphasizing the importance of the network itself. Communities repeatedly highlighted the value of peer relationships and opportunities to learn from one another. Participants expressed interest in more exchange visits, stronger opportunities for collaboration, and ways to inspire and empower one another.
A past Summit Summary Report is available in the News and Resources Section of the program’s landing page at:
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2027 Main Street Now Conference Comes to Detroit and Oakland County
 Main Street Now Detroit
Save-the-Date: May 3-5, 2027
Hosted by Main Street America, Main Street Michigan, & Main Street Oakland County.
Detroit will be the host city for the 2027 Main Street Now Conference, May 3-5. Organized by Main Street America (Chicago) in partnership with Michigan Main Street and Main Street Oakland County (MSOC), this industry-leading conference will attract thousands of attendees from across the U.S.
This annual national conference is the largest convening of community leaders, civic officials, and industry professionals working at the intersection of economic development, civic infrastructure, and historic preservation in Main Street downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
The event provides learning experiences that equip local leaders with time-tested and innovative strategies to strengthen the social, civic, and economic fabric of their communities.
"Hosting the Main Street Now Conference in Detroit is an opportunity to showcase not only the city’s remarkable momentum, but also the innovation and leadership happening in communities across Michigan,” said John Bry, administrator, Main Street Oakland County Coordinating Program. “Our state and region have built a national reputation for collaborative, place-based economic development, and we are excited to welcome community leaders from across the country to experience that firsthand.”
Experts in economic development, historic preservation, and place management will lead dynamic professional development and network-building activities. Attendees will also have ample opportunities to engage in immersive learning experiences through mobile workshops and tours hosted by local Main Street communities.
Between sessions, attendees will explore local shops, eateries, and attractions in downtown Detroit and nearby MSOC districts, including Royal Oak, Oak Park, Berkley, and the Great American Main Street Award-winning communities of Rochester, Ferndale, and Farmington.
The Main Street Now Conference was previously held in Detroit in 2014.
Details about 2027 conference themes, keynote speakers, and partnership opportunities for sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors are scheduled for release in the coming months. To stay current, visit:
June Planners Gathering to Address Emergency Planning and Site Design for People with Disabilities
June 24, 2026 | 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Planning and site design for emergencies is a critical component of any development. Incorporating the unique needs of people with disabilities into those efforts is essential and the focus of the June 24 free and virtual Planners Gathering running 10-11 a.m.
Speaker Stephen Metzer, AICP, SPWS, Senior Planner, DLZ, will address the policy, legal, and practical considerations of emergency planning and site design for disabled populations.
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If you have any questions or topic recommendations for future Planners Gatherings, contact Jim Schafer, Oakland County’s Planning, Zoning, and Land Use Unit at schaferj@oakgov.com
NOTE: Planners Gathering recordings are archived here.
Governor Whitmer Honors Clarkston for Historic Preservation Project
Six Michigan preservation projects were awarded the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation during a ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in May. Communities represented by the projects include Clarkston, Coldwater, Detroit, Isle Royale, Lansing, and Northfield Township.
During a four-year period, the volunteer Clarkston Historic District Resurvey Committee, City of the Village of Clarkston, documented and reevaluated all the resources located within the village’s historic district. Beyond simply documenting buildings, the committee sought to learn more about the village’s shared history by researching deed and cemetery records and collecting oral histories and photos from their fellow citizens.
The Clarkston Village Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and established as a local historic district the following year. Early historic district documents did not require the same level of detail as today, making them less useful when making present-day preservation decisions. Several buildings constructed during the mid-20th century were considered too new in 1980, and were not included in the initial district, even though they would be considered historic today.
Despite the challenges of continuing the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, this Resurvey Project is a model for citizen-led efforts to better document and celebrate the historic buildings within their community.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation,” said Governor Whitmer. “Across our two peninsulas, these awardees are helping us build a stronger Michigan by preserving the places and stories that define our state.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program, held annually during National Historic Preservation Month, was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements that reflect a commitment to the preservation of Michigan’s unique character and the many archaeological sites and historic places that represent our rich past.
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For more information on the award-winning Clarkston Historic District Resurvey Project, view the video.
For historic Downtown Clarkston events and information, visit:
Michigan Air Line Trail Designated a Pure Michigan Trail

The Michigan Air Line Trail (MALT) – a rail trail that passes through Wixom, Walled Lake and Commerce Township – was designated a Pure Michigan trail, during the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism in April. The MALT is now one of three Pure Michigan trails in Oakland County, joining the Paint Creek and Polly Ann Trails. It is a key segment in the cross state Great Lake-to-Lake Trail, Route 1, a series of pathways that link Lake Michigan with Lake Huron.
“The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling,” said Tim Novak, trails coordinator, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “The organizations and dedicated individuals helping maintain these high-quality trails have worked hard to support and advocate for trails and trail users while providing safe, accessible recreational experiences year round.”
Completed in 2023, the MALT stretches nearly 7.5 miles through the three Western Oakland County communities and has a dedicated pedestrian bridge over the six lane M5 highway. The route travels directly through Downtown Wixom with access to its restaurants, brewery, and other businesses.
“We’ve been delighted with the response to the trail,” said Wixom City Manager Steven Brown, president of the Michigan Air Line Trailway Management Council. “The trail is a great recreational resource, plus it provides safer routes to our schools and enhances our downtowns as well. We are thrilled to have the trail earn its Pure Michigan Trail designation.”
For more about the Michigan Air Line Trail, including maps and trail event information, visit www.miairlinetrail.com or contact John Hensler, trail manager, at manager@miairlinetrail.com
For more about Pure Michigan Trails, visit:
Experience the Michigan Air Line Trail during the popular “Table to Table” event, June 13, 10 AM to 4 PM. This 25-mile+ roundtrip, three-trail cycle tour runs between restaurants Drafting Table (Wixom) and Sylvan Table (Sylvan Lake). Tickets and details at:
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 Workforce Development
Exhibitors and Sponsors Needed for Sixth Edition of MiCareerQuest Southeast, Nov. 17

Planning is picking up for this year’s MiCareerQuest Southeast, the region’s largest career exploration event for high school students, taking place on Tuesday, November 17, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi.
Event organizers are putting out a call for organizations to sign up as exhibitors, with hands-on activities that highlight in-demand careers in the advanced manufacturing, technology, construction and health sciences sectors.
Some 8,000 students and educators from more than 100 high schools in the six-county region are expected to participate in the sixth edition of MiCareerQuest Southeast.
A post-event survey of the students last year indicated 83 percent of them learned about career and education opportunities that they did not know even existed. A survey of exhibitors revealed 95 percent of them thought MiCareerQuest Southeast effectively showcased their industry to the future workforce.
“Events like MiCareerQuest Southeast are where curiosity turns into direction,” said Lee Graham, labor management executive director, Operating Engineers 324. “We know that hands-on learning – getting in the seat, trying the tools and seeing work up close – is one of the most powerful ways to help students understand what possible for their future.”
Significant changes have been made for 2026, to better support school transportation needs and expand student access. The event will now feature two student sessions: 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Organizers also have combined the advanced manufacturing and technology quadrants. This is providing students with an additional ten minutes in each career quadrant during their visit.
“This is a fast-paced, high-energy event for all those involved,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn. “Watching thousands of kids engage with the teams of employers and our labor partners, asking questions and eagerly participating in the hands-on activities, is very exciting.
“At the end of the day, everyone is tired, but very happy with the results. We’re building our future workforce.”
There is no fee for exhibiting at MiCareerQuest Southeast, with sponsorships covering the cost of hosting the region’s largest career exploration event, which covers more than 400,000 square feet of floor space. There are multiple sponsorship packages available, starting at $1,000 (Supporter) up to $25,000 (Presenting). Each package includes a variety of opportunities for exposure leading up to and at the event.
Organizations interested in exhibiting should reach out to Brooklyn Frontiera at (248) 452-2260 or via email at MiCareerQuestSE@OakGov.com. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Llewellyn at llewellynj@OakGov.com.
Watch the MiCareerQuest Southeast 2025 Highlights Video to learn more.
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 Transit
Community Transit Plan Update
The future of Oakland Transit is looking bright! On April 30, 2026, the Community Transit Plan (CTP) was officially presented to and accepted by the Transit Ad Hoc Committee. The CTP now guides future actions and provides a framework for Oakland Transit to utilize as the division continues to expand and improve public transportation services in Oakland County.
Based on extensive feedback from Oakland Transit’s service providers (NOTA, OPC, PEX, SMART and WOTA) and local stakeholders and residents, the Community Transit Plan provides effective strategies and recommendations for future growth and service improvements. By assessing the current conditions of the county’s transit services and exploring industry best practices, the CTP details the standard of transit service that Oakland Transit will work towards over the next several years.
With support from the Transit Ad Hoc Committee, the implementation of the Community Transit Plan is already underway. For example, SMART is working with local providers to implement a new, regional dispatch software to modernize the process for booking and scheduling rides. This is the first step of many to better unify and support coordination among Oakland County’s transit providers and improve the overall rider experience.
For more information on the Community Transit Plan, including a video presentation of the plan, visit:
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 Veterans Services
Military Appreciation at Oakland County Parks

To show appreciation for military service, Oakland County Parks is recognizing individuals who have served or are currently serving in the military and Gold Star Families with a recreation voucher for one of the following:
- One free night at a campsite.
- One free waterpark admission.
- One free entry to the Holly Oaks ORV Park.
Recreation vouchers must be claimed in person between May 1st and September 1st, 2026 at one of the following locations:
Addison Oaks County Park: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Monday through Sunday. (248) 693-2432.
Groveland Oaks County Park: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Monday through Sunday.
Holly Oaks ORV Park: 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday. 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Independence Oaks County Park at the Park Office: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Monday through Friday.
Lyon Oaks Golf Course Pro Shop: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.
Red Oaks Nature Center: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Tuesday through Saturday. Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Waterford Oaks County Park at the Recreation Programs & Services Office: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Monday through Friday.|
Wint Nature Center: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Thursday through Saturday. 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Join Us at our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair

July 22, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to Noon 26000 Evergreen Road | Southfield, MI 48076
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 at jordant@oakgov.com or (248) 285-8016
Registration Coming Soon. Learn More at:
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