Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has been recognized with six Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Oakland County’s Department of Communications, Board of Commissioners, Health Division and Parks won awards in various categories. Below is a brief description of each submission.

Transit Education Campaign
The Transit Education Campaign was submitted by the Department of Communications in the Civic Education and Public Information category. During this campaign, Oakland County used a multi-prong approach to educate residents about the 2022 Oakland Transit millage, which was approved by voters.

Anti Violence Initiative
Anti Violence Initiative was submitted by the Board of Commissioners in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category. This initiative was created in response to the mass shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, which included the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Pilot Program and a Gun Buyback Pilot Program.

Invasive Spongy Moth Prevention
The Invasive Spongy Moth Prevention program was submitted by the Board of Commissioners in the Health category. The program provides matching grants to communities around the county that are experiencing a spongy moth outbreak.

Oakland County Harm Reduction Program
Oakland County Harm Reduction Program was submitted by the Health Division in the Health category. In the fall of 2020, the State of Michigan approached Oakland County Health Division to launch the first Harm Reduction program in Oakland County. Harm Reduction is a strategy that engages people who use drugs to prevent overdoses and infectious disease transmission, improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of those served, and increase access to substance use treatment and other health care services.

Oxford Families and Local Business
Oxford Families and Local Business was submitted by the Board of Commissioners in the Health category. After the Oxford High School shooting, the Oxford Response Ad Hoc Committee created the Mental Health Assistance for Oxford Families Insurance Co-pay and Deductible Relief Program and the Oxford Area Economic Recovery Program.

Disability Dirt Days
Disability Dirt Days submitted by Oakland County Parks in the Parks and Recreation category. Parks founded Disability Dirt Days where volunteer off-road vehicle (ORV) drivers take participants with disabilities for rides around Holly Oaks ORV Park.

“We’re proud of the quality services and programs that Oakland County provides its residents, businesses and communities,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We’re honored that NACo has recognized the work we do to ensure that we’re always and in All Ways, Moving Forward in Oakland County.”

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health and civic engagement. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to recognize innovation in county government.

“The Achievement Awards demonstrate excellence in county government and the commitment to serve our residents every day,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This year’s winners represent some of the most innovative and collaborative efforts we have seen in over 50 years of presenting these awards.

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here.

About the National Association of Counties

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo advocates for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promotes exemplary county policies and practices; nurtures leadership skills and expands knowledge networks; optimizes county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enriches the public’s understanding of county government.

June 1, 2023, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – In partnership with Macomb and Wayne, Oakland County has launched a survey to help understand access to broadband, also known as high-speed internet, around the region. The survey will help local officials determine where infrastructure and service must be improved to meet the modern needs of residents. The effort is a result of a pledge county commissioners made during the 2022 Tri-County Summit to collaborate and share resources in order to make a greater impact collectively.

“This project is a top priority for our county, and it demonstrates how our region is working together better than ever,” Oakland County Board Chair David T. Woodward said. “The results from this survey are critical to maximizing our access to resources so we can address barriers.”

It is critical that all residents complete the survey and provide accurate information. Results will identify areas of Michigan that do not have high-speed internet or have poor internet service, plus areas where service is unaffordable.

“Widespread and affordable access to broadband service is more important than ever for our residents, our students and our businesses,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “This survey is the first step toward identifying gaps in service so we can make the necessary investments to ensure equitable access to the internet.”

To identify gaps in internet service and affordability issues, the three counties have partnered with Merit Network, a Michigan-based nonprofit to develop a survey and promotional materials to reach all properties in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. The effort is part of Merit’s Michigan Moonshot initiative, which aims to leverage partnerships to connect everyone in Michigan regardless of geography.

Residents can visit MichiganMoonshot.org/Tri-County-Broadband to complete the brief survey. Paper surveys are available upon request by calling 313-625-0029.