Executive Coulter Touts Programming, Parks, and Transit in State of Oakland County Address
(Oakland County, March 20, 2025)
Oakland County, MI – “Let me tell you a story of a political system that can work for the people it serves. Where problems are addressed with thoughtful solutions. And, yes, where the diversity of our residents is seen as a strength. Where one person is not lifted above another person, but where all are welcome and provided an opportunity to create their own exceptional future in this place we call home.”
On Wednesday, March 19, Oakland County Executive David Coulter delivered his sixth annual State of the County Address to an audience of more than 600 people at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield.
Watch the full address here:
He contrasted the upheaval of President Donald Trump’s administration with Oakland County’s resolve and vision for addressing its most pressing issues with positive solutions that provide hope for the future.
“You can have change without chaos. You can lift people up, without tearing people down. You can speak with clarity and strength without being mean and derogatory,” he said. “Let me tell you a story of a county government that can work for all the people it serves. Where problems are addressed with thoughtful solutions. And, yes, where the diversity of our residents is seen as a strength.”
Coulter praised residents for their mettle and strength and commended residents’ adaptability amid the countless disruptions of the COVID pandemic.
“In Oakland County, we haven’t shied away from these challenges. We have leaned into them,” he said. “We have stretched beyond the normal role of county government because that is what the times demanded of us.”
Coulter praised residents for their mettle and strength and commended residents’ adaptability amid the countless disruptions of the COVID pandemic.
Coulter reviewed the county’s achievements, gave updates on continuing programs and introduced new initiatives.
Oakland Thrive
In 2023, Economic Development’s Business Forward program evolved into the nonprofit, Oakland Thrive, which supports Oakland County entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since then, Oakland Thrive has connected with more than 15,000 small businesses and has formed 75 partnerships with business owners and experts to consult with small business owners.
Project DIAMOnD
Project DIAMOnD (Distributed, Independent, Agile Manufacturing On Demand) was created to help local businesses use 3D printers to make personal protection equipment during the pandemic. So far, Project DIAMOnD has distributed more than 300 3D printers and trained 148 small businesses in 3D printing so they can join the growing network of manufacturing and technology industries. Due to its success and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s endorsement, Project DIAMOnD will expand statewide and already has a waitlist of 126 companies across Michigan.
Acorn2Oak
Over the last two years, Oakland County, with Leadership Oakland, awarded nearly 100 mini-grants to young entrepreneurs, scholars and humanitarians with plans to make positive changes in their communities.
Oakland80
With the goal to help 80% of residents earn a post-secondary degree or credential by 2030, Oakland80 is on track to reach 70% by the end of this year.
This year, Oakland80 embedded 12 navigators in high schools across the county. Navigators collaborate with high school administrators to help students prepare for careers that are not only in demand but also exciting to them.
Savi
An estimated 172,000 Oakland County residents owe about $6 billion in student loans. To help remove financial obstacles, Oakland County has joined with Savi, a company committed to solving the student debt crisis. By paying Savi’s $70 per person fee, Oakland County can provide residents and county employees free access to its services for a year. So far, more than 830 people with more than $25.1 million in student loan debt have signed up with Savi. They have reduced their student loan debt by more than $42,000 on average, returning $144 per month to their wallets.
Undue Medical Debt
Oakland County invested $2M in Undue Medical Debt and identified 80,000 residents with unpaid medical bills whose debts can be forgiven. The national non-profit, buys debt from local health systems for pennies on the dollar, effectively erasing it. Then, Undue Medical Debt sends letters to residents whose debts have been forgiven.
The first round of notifications, wiping out $9.1M in debt, went out to 14,000 Oakland County residents in December.
Nurse-Family Partnership
This is a free service for residents to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. The program pairs six nurses from the Oakland County Health Division with first-time families. During home visits, the nurse educates families on pregnancy expectations, the baby’s growth and development, parenting skills and community resources.
Oakland Connects and Integrated Care Clinic
Oakland County’s Health and Human Services Department is launching Oakland Connects. Its six-person social care team can address residents’ basic and social needs, such as food and transportation.
For critical medical needs, the Integrated Care Clinic in Pontiac provides physical and mental health care and even referrals when additional assistance is needed. Since last year, the Integrated Care Clinic has treated more than 1,600 patients.
Housing Trust Fund and Land Bank
Using the Oakland Together Housing Trust Fund and Oakland County Land Bank, Oakland County worked with developers to build nine housing projects of which there will be 649 affordable housing units for older adults, low and middle-income families, those in opioid recovery, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Oakland SAVES grant program has also helped more than a thousand households make money-saving, energy-efficient upgrades including new furnaces and windows last year.
Transit
Since voters approved the transit millage in 2022, Oakland County has expanded SMART bus routes and on-demand services. Ridership has grown 60% in western Oakland County and 402 new transit drivers have been hired. The Veterans Ride Free program has grown as well, providing more than 7,200 rides in less than a year for veterans and their caregivers.
Parks
Oakland County voters passed Parks’ 20-year investment millage last year to preserve land for future generations and revitalize existing trails and recreational features.
To learn more about Coulter’s State of the County Address, go to OakGov.com/SOTC.
