Michael J. Abdallah

This document presents the Fiscal Years 2026-2028 Adopted Budget and General Appropriations Act for Oakland County, Michigan. It outlines a fiscally responsible financial plan prioritizing investments in community well-being, public safety, and economic development. Key strategic goals include fostering a thriving and inclusive economy, ensuring healthy residents, developing a skilled workforce, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating livable neighborhoods, advancing environmental sustainability, ensuring public safety and fairness in the criminal justice system, and achieving organizational excellence. The budget emphasizes balanced growth, fiscal discipline, and transparent resource allocation to meet community needs and maintain a strong financial foundation.

This guide aims to enhance workforce development in Oakland County through comprehensive Registered Apprenticeship Programs. It covers in-demand occupations across Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Information Technology, Service Professions, and Emerging Registered Apprenticeships, detailing program structures and application processes. The initiative is designed to equip residents with fulfilling careers and provide businesses with a highly-skilled workforce, aligning with the Oakland80 goal to achieve 80% post-secondary degree or skills certification among eligible adults by 2030.

The committee reviewed and approved the minutes from the January 14, 2026 meeting. Key agenda items included receiving and filing the FAA Traffic Report through February 2026, and the Statements of Operations and Expenditures for November and December 2025. The committee processed actions related to the Airport Land Lease with DCT Realty, LLC, specifically receiving and filing a lease termination effective April 1, 2026, and receiving and filing a request for a new 25-year lease renewal effective the same date. Furthermore, the committee approved two Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Grant Contracts, subject to ratification by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners: one for Obstruction Marking/Lighting/Removal-Wetland Mitigation and another for the design phase of reconstructing Taxilanes 4 T-Hangar Taxilanes and Aprons at Oakland/Troy Airport.

The meeting commenced with a review and approval of the minutes from the February 10th meeting and the subsequent agenda approval. Communications included reports on the animal shelter intake and disposition, a state police grant application for hazardous materials preparedness, a Legionella update from risk management, and an appointment letter for Miss Martins as the Deputy Director of Public Services. Miss Martins was introduced, highlighting her 15 years of experience in workforce development and economic mobility, particularly with justice-impacted populations. The committee received and filed communications, addressing a concern regarding the official formatting of the Legionella memo. Recommendations from the Sheriff's Office involved an agreement for participation with the Oakland County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team and an amendment to the agreement with Oakland Community Health Network concerning mental and behavioral health services, adding provisions for tele-psychiatric visits via iPads. The Health and Human Services section addressed an amendment to the Home Investment Partnership ARPA grant from HUD, seeking approval to add 19 positions and accept the second portion of the grant, including increased planning and administrative activities up to the 15% HUD cap. The final item involved approving an allocation of additional funding for marine safety patrols on Oakland County Lakes for the 2026-2028 voting season, following the lapse of prior grant funding. The meeting concluded after a public comment section where a resident voiced concerns regarding the Michigan Judiciary's handling of complaint records and case closures.

The meeting commenced with a pledge recitation. Key agenda items included the approval of the minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting and the subsequent agenda. A public comment period included an introduction of Charlotte Krauss, the new digital communication specialist for the transit division. The committee reviewed several communications, including minutes from the Airport Committee, summaries of county surplus events, monthly and quarterly reports from public works and transit providers (SMART), and an environmental assessment letter. Specific discussion arose regarding the growing ridership reflected in transit reports and the need for improved connectivity. Significant time was dedicated to a presentation on the county's new Materials Management Plan, which is mandated by the state (MCL 324.115) to replace the outdated 1990s Solid Waste Plan. The presenters detailed the plan's goals, focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and supporting a circular economy, noting the extensive municipal approval process required. The committee also discussed the Oakland Thrive organization's success in supporting small businesses and upcoming plans for the Economic Outlook Luncheon on April 22nd. The session concluded with presentations on the Materials Management Plan.