Main Street Oakland County's Main Event award winners at The Roxy Rochester in Downtown Rochester.

Oakland County Economic Development Newsletter

August 2026 Edition | Table of Contents

• Data Corner: Local Area Unemployment Statistics
• Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day Highlights
• The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P)
• Hydrogen Ride & Drive Event
• Oakland County's Chris Michael named WJR Radio Rising Star
• Tech Collaboration K2B Event
• APACC Influencer Event
• MITechCon 2026
• 3D Printing for Small Businesses
• ADA Compliance Deadline
• Main Event Award Ceremony
• Cybersecurity Small Business Workshops
• Planners Gathering on Master Plan and Rezoning Review Process
• Access to Transit Update
• Veterans Resource Fair in August

A Message From Dom Holmes

Director of Oakland County Economic Development

Dear Colleagues, As the summer winds down and we prepare for a new school year, Oakland County Economic Development remains focused on advancing our future while preserving the strengths that make our communities unique. Innovation, technology and collaboration continue to drive our work, and this month’s newsletter highlights several opportunities for business owners, community leaders and residents to engage in these efforts.  We’re excited to once again host a Hydrogen Ride & Drive Event at the Oakland County Farmers Market. This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest developments in hydrogen technology, including stationary power supply applications, safety considerations and emerging industry trends – all while experiencing hydrogen-powered vehicles firsthand through on-site test drives.   We're also pleased to continue the Oakland County Tech Collaboration's K2B series with an event hosted by JR Automation in Lake Orion. Join us for an afternoon of insights, innovation and networking as we learn from one of our region's leading advanced manufacturing and automation companies.  For business owners and community leaders, I hope you were able to join us for The Main Event, Main Street Oakland County’s annual celebration, in June. If not, this issue highlights the outstanding accomplishments and award-winning work of our Main Street communities. You'll also find information about upcoming free cybersecurity workshops offered through Main Street Oakland County, as well as Access to Transit Program funding opportunities that help communities improve safety and accessibility for residents.  Last but certainly not least, I encourage Oakland County veterans and their families to explore the many programs, services and events offered through Oakland County Veterans' Services, including our upcoming Veteran Resource Fair in August. To all who have served our nation, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.  In Partnership, Dom Holmes

Data Corner

Local Area Unemployment Statistics and Job Posting Analytics

Local Area Unemployment Statistics

Oakland County Local Area Unemployment Statistics
January 2019 - June 2026

Click here for an accessible version of this data.

Job Posting Analytics

According to Lightcast, there were 15,850 unique job postings in Oakland County in June 2026, up 16% from June 2024. Through the first half of 2026, the most frequently posted occupations were Retail Salespersons (2,764 unique postings); Registered Nurses (2,755 postings); Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers (2,488 postings); First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers (2,227 postings); and Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing (2,062 postings). 

Oakland County Monthly Unique Job Postings
January 2019 - June 2026

Click here for an accessible version of this data.

Interactive Resources and Related Information:

Business Development

Check out the Highlights from the Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day

See how Oakland County is driving innovation by bringing together leaders in the mobility, automotive and defense industries at one of the nation's premier off-road testing destinations. Watch the recap and discover how the Holly Oaks ORV Park, part of Oakland County Parks and Recreation, is a game-changing asset for advanced vehicle development.

Manufacturers Explore New Industries! (Specifically for Disadvantaged, Small Manufacturing Businesses)

The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) provides no-cost business support to eligible Michigan manufacturers looking to diversify beyond traditional automotive markets. 

The Future of Clean Energy and Mobility is Happening Here in Oakland County! Join Oakland County Economic Development at the Hydrogen Ride & Drive Event.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Oakland County Farmers Market  |  2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford

This is your exclusive opportunity to be updated on the latest innovations in hydrogen developments, stationary power supply and safety aspects – you can even take a test drive on site. Network with industry innovators leading the way, including:

• Bosch
• Clean Fuels Michigan
• FORVIA
• NextEnergy
• Noble Gas Systems
• PHINIA
• OneSix Energy
• OPmobility
• Toyota North America  
• And more!

Congratulations to Chris Michael – Named WJR Radio Rising Star!

Chris Michael is a valued Senior Business Attraction Representative on the Oakland County Economic Development team. Chris plays a vital role in driving local business attraction and long-term economic growth in Oakland County.

Oakland County Tech Collaboration: K2B Event

Featuring: JR Automation

August 12, 2026 | 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.

JR Automation | 1427 Brown Road, Lake Orion

Join industry leaders, innovators and technology professionals for an engaging afternoon exploring the future of robotics, automation and Physical AI. Hosted at JR Automation, this event will showcase how emerging technologies are transforming industrial operations through intelligent automation and autonomous action.

Fill out the form to reserve your space at the event! No cost to attend, but pre‑registration is required.

Join the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) for Business, Brand & Influencer Marketing 

Monday, September 14, 2026  |  5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Bamboo Royal Oak  |  220 S Main Street, Royal Oak

This marketing event is designed for small businesses and retail stores that are interested in learning how to work with influencers to promote themselves. 

SAVE THE DATE: MITechCon 2026 Taking Place October 28-30, 2026 at Oakland University 

Oakland County Tech Collaboration invites technical employers, founders, engineering leaders and technology teams to explore MITechCon 2026, October 28-30 at Oakland University. The conference connects Michigan's technology community through practical sessions, workshops, regional leadership and talent development opportunities.

3D Printing for Small Businesses: Real Uses. Real Opportunity.

Join this in-person event to learn about how small businesses can leverage SBA resources and 3D printing through Project DIAMOnD to boost business growth opportunities. Whether you’re curious or ready to innovate, this is the spot to learn, connect and get inspired about 3D printing/additive manufacturing!

Planning & Local Business Development

ADA Web Content Compliance Deadline for Public Entities with a Population 50,000 and above is April 26, 2027

Oakland County is working now to be compliant with upcoming Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements related to web and mobile content accessibility. For all public entities with a total population of 50,000 or more, the compliance deadline is April 26, 2027.

ADA’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):

The U.S. Department of Justice issued an Interim Final Rule related to the compliance dates for State and local government entities to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II, WCAG version 2.1, Level AA, web content and mobile application accessibility requirements that were adopted on April 24, 2024.

The mandatory compliance requirements timeline:

The compliance date for public entities with a total population of 50,000 or more, is extended from April 24, 2026, to April 26, 2027.

NOTE: The compliance date for public entities with a total population of less than 50,000, or any special district government, is extended from April 26, 2027, to April 26, 2028.

For more information, visit the following:

• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/20/2026-07663/extension-of-compliance-dates-for-nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web
• https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/
• https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/
• https://origin-dg.state.mi.us/docs/foundations/accessibility/

Downtown Clawson Captures Top Honor at Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event Awards Ceremony

Above: Downtown Clawson wins “Spirit of Main Street” award and receives $2,000 check from sponsor Genisys Credit Union. Below: Downtown Ortonville and Downtown Highland win three awards each at Main Event.

Oakland County’s (MSOC’s) annual Main Event awards celebration on June 11 at The Roxy Rochester theater in downtown Rochester, while Ortonville and Highland also shone by winning in multiple categories.

The Spirit of Main Street Award — the evening’s highest honor — recognizes exceptional achievement in downtown revitalization and community engagement. Downtown Clawson earned the award and a $2,000 cash prize sponsored by Genisys Credit Union for its innovative video, “Levels Up.”

The video (3:01) transforms downtown Clawson into a video game-inspired world where local business owners, volunteers, board members and visitors become characters who level up through everyday experiences that showcase the district’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community spirit. “Downtowns are the heart of our communities, and the creativity and collaboration demonstrated by this year’s award winners are helping Oakland County remain one of the best places to live and visit,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for their dedication to strengthening our downtowns.”

The Main Event recognized outstanding achievements across MSOC’s network of downtowns and commercial corridors. Forty-two nominations were submitted from 16 of the program’s 29 participating communities. Other award recipients included:

• Achievement in Community Character or Historic Preservation: Ortonville DDA for Ortonville Historical Audio Walking Tour — Preserving the Past Through Storytelling and Innovation
• Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Ortonville DDA for Mistletoe Marketplace — A Community-Driven Retail Innovation Fueling Downtown Ortonville’s Economic Vitality
• Community Event of the Year: Ortonville DDA for Vegucation Station Adventurers’ Club
• District Placemaking: Farmington DDA for Make-a-Wave Community Mural
• Small Business Retention and Attraction: Highland DDA for Commercial Property Open House
• Volunteer of the Year: The Illuminators — A Lake Orion Volunteer Corps for Lake Orion DDA
• Main Street Resilience: Highland DDA for Earth-n-Soul
• Outstanding Partnership: Highland DDA for Highland Station Boardwalk
• Main Street Leader: Deya Marchand, Main Street Pontiac
  
  

The event also featured two proclamations from the county executive, presented by Dom Holmes, director, Department of Economic Development. One recognized downtown Farmington as a 2026 Great American Main Street Award winner, joining downtown Ferndale (2010) and downtown Rochester (2013) as additional Oakland County communities to earn the national distinction. He also welcomed Keego Harbor as the 30th community to join the MSOC coordinating program.

In addition, 21 MSOC communities received Main Street America 2026 national recognition certificates. Eleven communities achieved Accredited status: Berkley, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Rochester and Royal Oak. Affiliate status was awarded to Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Hazel Park, Lathrup Village, Lyon Township, Oak Park, Southfield, South Lyon and Wixom.

Attendees also learned about the new Main Street Momentum Grant, funded through a partnership between MSOC and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. The one-time grant program will provide up to $20,000 to eligible rural downtown communities to support revitalization efforts. More than 200 community leaders, volunteers, downtown stakeholders and business partners attended the celebration. The Main Event was sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, Oakland County Business Finance Corporation, Rochester DDA, Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, Giffels Webster, Michigan Municipal League Foundation, Michigan Downtown Association and DTE Energy.

Free Workshop: Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Success

As part of the Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) Connected Workshop Series, a training class on “Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Success” will be offered on three days and in virtual and in-person formats.  Each workshop is free, covers the same information, and requires advance registration:

September 22  |  9 to 11:15 a.m. (In-Person)
Oakland County Executive Office Building 41W | Conference Center
2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford

October 6  |  9 to 10:15 a.m. (Virtual)

October 20  |  9 to 10:15 a.m. (Virtual)

The trainer is Kelly O’Brien, senior v.p. of cyber risk and compliance, Compass IT Compliance, North Providence, R.I.  She will help participants build awareness of real risks, without fear; obtain practical tools ready to use immediately; gain confidence to respond to an incident; and develop a personalized cybersecurity toolkit.

Topics covered include:

• Common cybersecurity threats facing small businesses.
• Recognizing phishing, ransomware, and social engineering.
• Baseline security measures you can implement today.
• Password hygiene and multi-factor authentication.
• Incident response – what to do when things go wrong.
• Cybersecurity Toolkit walkthrough.
• Free U.S. Government resources for small businesses.

Questions can be directed to George Venettis, Main Street Oakland County, at venettisg@oakgov.com

Behind the Scenes: Master Plan and Rezoning Review Process

The next virtual and free Planners Gathering – to be held August 26 (10 to 11:00 a.m.) – is focusing on Oakland County’s master plan and rezoning review process.

A combination of State of Michigan law and Oakland County policy determines how master plans and rezonings are reviewed in the county.  Speaker Scott Kree, principal planner in Oakland County’s Planning, Zoning & Land Use Unit, will take participants through a behind-the-scenes look at the County’s Coordinating Zoning Committee process – including timeframes, review criteria, and procedures.

Previous Planners Gatherings are available for viewing here.

If you have a recommendation for a future Planners Gathering, please contact Ryan Dividock at dividockr@oakgov.com

Workforce Development

Oakland County Employers Benefit from Skilled, Work-Authorized Immigrants 

Ask virtually any employer in Oakland County what their greatest challenge is today and the need for skilled workers is inevitably at or near the top of their lists.

The Skilled Immigrant Integration Program, launched in 2023 and managed through a partnership between Oakland County Michigan Works!, Global Detroit, Upwardly Global, Michigan Works! Association and the Global Epicenter for Mobility, is helping employers address this critical need.

More than 200 work-authorized, skilled immigrants with advanced degrees from their native countries have participated in the program to help them better understand the U.S. job market, plus receive occupational and advanced training, to land new jobs in their fields.

To date, 82 have been placed in new jobs in Oakland County; 24 so far in 2026.  Most of the placements are in the automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, business, education, banking and construction industries.

“SIIP participants are educated, with many years of experience in their field,” said Elisa Echeverria (pictured on the left), Global Talent Coach, Oakland County Michigan Works!  “They are just looking for an opportunity here.  Everything is new to them in the United States.  They look to us for guidance and advice.” Echeverria noted there are a number of advantages for employers to hire skilled immigrants: They demonstrate a strong commitment to their employers.  According to Upwardly Global, 91 percent of immigrants placed in jobs remain with their employer after one year, which decreases overall costs associated with employee turnover costs, provides greater workforce stability and reduced operational disruptions. Skilled immigrants will critical talent gaps without immigration costs.  Many are already legally authorized to work in the United States, eliminating sponsorship and other immigration-related expenses.  Their international education and professional experience broaden the employer’s expertise, Echeverria said. They have short learning curves and adapt quickly.  In addition to bringing transferrable skills to Oakland County employers, Echeverria said skilled immigrants learn company-specific systems and practices and become productive contributors in a short time. Among the recent SIIP success stories:

Jocilene de Souza Ciani (pictured on the right) worked as a registered nurse in Brazil for 16 years.  When her family moved to the United States in 2025, she was determined to continue her career here.  She joined the SIIP program, where she took English language classes, and was guided through the Michigan Licensing for Internationally-Trained Nurses (RN) and Alternatives Career Pathway. Oakland County Michigan Works! covered the training cost to become a licensed Certified Nurse Assistant, which has provided an income while studying, plus covered the NCLEX exam fee that allowed her to become a Registered Nurse in Michigan.  “I would like to thank Michigan Works! for all the support provided throughout this process,” de Souza Ciani said. “It’s a dream come true to finally practice as an RN here in the United States and return to the work I love." Federico Freire was a senior business executive in Argentina, where he specialized on optimizing processes that drove operational success.  To help him transition into the U.S. job market, the SIIP team helped him refine his resume, plus took advantage of upskilling opportunities, earning a project management and OSHA certifications.  He interviewed with a Spanish automotive manufacturing company and accepted a position as Director, Head of Operations. “Federico’s success is a great example of how aligning international talent with growing employers can create outstanding opportunities for both the job candidates and businesses,” Echeverria said.  “These skilled immigrants help fill talent gaps in so many fields across the Oakland County.”

Transit

Access to Transit Update

The Access to Transit Program awards funding for projects that facilitate safer and more convenient transit experiences for residents. These improvements are essential to communities seeking to maximize their use of Oakland County’s public transportation system.

To invest the remaining funding from the 2026 call for Access to Transit projects, the Transit Division put out a secondary call for applications, focusing on projects related to installing bus shelters and other bus stop enhancements. The call for applications was also extended to Main Street Programs and Downtown Development Authorities, as well as Oakland County cities, villages and townships, to boost local awareness of the program and create new opportunities for Access to Transit projects across the county.

Applications for this round of Access to Transit projects are currently under review by the Oakland Transit Division. For more information on the Access to Transit Program and to stay tuned on the 2027 call for applications, visit:

Veterans Services

Join Us at Our Upcoming Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair 

August 28, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Executive Office Building  |  2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Township

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