Community Investments Open Doors for Residents in 2024

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County’s innovative programs and partnerships provided more opportunities for residents to strengthen their physical and financial health in 2024. Here’s a review of some of the highlights of the county’s accomplishments under the leadership of County Executive Dave Coulter, with the support of the Board of Commissioners:

Healthcare: At a press conference earlier this month, Coulter and businessman and philanthropist Roger Penske announced a $3 million pledge from the Penske Family Foundation to the county’s Integrated Care Center (ICC). The pledge will help fund the ICC’s move to a permanent location in Pontiac and expand its care services for residents and first responders from mental health to housing.

Inclusive Housing: The groundbreaking of Oakland County’s first neuro-inclusive neighborhood, Walton Oaks, took place in September. The Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund (HTF) invested $500,000 into the 11-home subdivision in Rochester Hills and $1.5 million into the future Auburn Oaks development, also in Rochester Hills, which breaks ground in Spring 2025. These neighborhoods mix houses and condos built for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as neurotypical people. This living style encourages independence while fostering a supportive environment for adults with disabilities.

Public Safety: Earlier this year, Oakland County announced a new P25 Radio System to improve public safety and emergency response capabilities, advancing law enforcement and first responders’ life-saving services. The new system can connect Oakland County to fellow public safety agencies and dispatch centers across Michigan and supports 41 fire departments, 34 police agencies, seven public safety agencies and 20 dispatch centers locally. The P25 Radio System became an asset in response to the tragic shooting of nine people at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills.

Oakland County Emergency Management hosted a regional full-scale disaster exercise in September to practice various rescue scenarios for a simulated six-story apartment building collapse with an unknown number of trapped victims. Motivated by the lessons from the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse in Miami, special operations and incident management teams from Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties will test their skills in Operation W.O.W. during a 12-hour exercise that day in downtown Rochester.

Student Debt Relief: The Coulter administration, working with the Board of Commissioners, announced the Oakland County Student Debt Relief Initiative in partnership with Savi in July. Savi helps borrowers who live in Oakland County or who work for Oakland County government lower their loan repayments and facilitate forgiveness. The Board of Commissioners paid Savi’s fee for one year, allowing residents and county government employees to use its services for free. On average, participants have saved $150 on monthly repayments and more than $40,000 of student loan debt per person has qualified for forgiveness as of December. More than 172,000 Oakland County residents of all ages have student loan debt, totaling about $6 billion. Eligible participants can register for no cost through Sept. 30, 2025.

Public Transit: SMART launched two new bus routes earlier this year to help residents shop, dine, go to work/school and attend medical appointments, a result of voters approving the countywide transit millage in 2022. Route 759 connects Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford and White Lake along M-59 with key stops at Oakland University, Pontiac High School, McLaren Oakland Hospital, and many shopping plazas. Route 492 connects Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Madison Heights and Ferndale with notable stops at Meadowbrook Amphitheater, Ascension Hospital, Rochester High School and numerous downtown areas.

The “This Ride’s on Us” program for veterans and their caretakers has been extended through September 2025. Launched in June 2024, this program has provided more than 3,000 rides to medical appointments, senior centers and shopping areas.

Advanced Manufacturing: Project DIAMOnD (Digital, Independent, Agile Manufacturing on Demand), Oakland County’s groundbreaking initiative to equip small manufacturers with cutting-edge 3D printing technology and training, gained statewide attention in 2024. At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to expand the program regionally across Southeast Michigan and eventually implement it statewide. By enhancing the agility and competitiveness of local manufacturers, Project DIAMOnD has already strengthened Oakland County’s economy, created new opportunities for innovation and showcased the potential for Michigan to lead in advanced manufacturing.

Sustainability: The entirety of Oakland County was awarded LEED® for Cities Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) due to the Office of Sustainability’s commitment to healthier environments and residents.

Public Health: Oakland County’s Health and Human Services Department held its first Health and Housing Summer Fest in August. The 455 attendees connected with free healthcare, including vaccinations, pediatric eye and dental exams as well as housing program experts. Families ate lunch and played on Oakland County Parks’ inflatables and rock-climbing wall. Oakland County distributed 200 backpacks with school supplies as well.

Fiscal Stewardship: While investing in the quality of life of its residents, improving infrastructure and services, and upgrading the tools for its employees, Oakland County has maintained its Aaa bond rating from Moody’s and AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s through the unwavering commitment of the Executive Office, Board of Commissioners and Treasurer.