Oakland County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oakland County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Service Agreement Between the Art Institute Authority and the DIA
A study group has examined the service agreement that governs the relationship between Oakland County's Art Institute Authority and the Detroit Institute of Arts. The findings will be discussed Tuesday, and could shape what county residents pay for and receive from the museum.
HUD housing and community development funding for Program Year 2026
Nearly $6 million in HUD funds for CDBG, HOME and ESG programs will support housing and neighborhood development — but three neighborhood development staff positions are being deleted as part of the plan.
Adoption of the FY 2027-2029 county budget
The authority unanimously adopted its FY 2027 budget, which funds its operations supporting the county's DIA partnership.
Zoo millage levy and November 2026 ballot proposal
The zoo millage renewal goes to the November 2026 ballot at a restored 0.10 mill (about 10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) for ten years, 2028-2037. Hoffman objected that it overrides the Headlee rollback.
Marathon Health employee clinic and MiLife near-site wellness center
Two health care deals passed over RFP objections: a six-year county employee clinic lease in Pontiac and a $26.9 million near-site clinic agreement with five cities. Critics wanted independent competitive bidding; supporters cited access and cost savings, and a Spisz amendment added annual reporting.
County-Local Government Relations Tension
Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and Kym Worth, president of the county Supervisors Association, accused the county of locking local leaders out of decisions on dispatch, police services, water, and transit contracts — including a 36% police services increase handed to 12 communities with 30 days' notice. They want a seat at the table, not control.
County Ombudsman proposal stalled
County Executive Dave Coulter recommended creating a county ombudsman — an independent ethics watchdog — but a push to force a board vote failed 2-16. The idea stays in committee, and critics say it's being quietly buried.