Washtenaw County Launches Financial Empowerment Center

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI., September 5th, 2023 – Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, in partnership with the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), announced today the grand opening of...

Board of Commissioners urge the Michigan Legislature to ban flavored tobacco products

Ann Arbor, MI- At their June meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution urging the Michigan Legislature to protect the health and well-being of its residents. The resolution urges the Michigan Legislature to end the sale of f...

Washtenaw County to Commemorate Juneteenth with 3rd Annual Flag Raising Ceremony

Ann Arbor, MI – On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Washtenaw County Administration will celebrate its 3rd Annual Juneteenth Observance with a flag raising ceremony and short program. At their June 7th meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners...

Board Invests $5.8M in Housing and Human Services in the Month of April

Board Invests $5.8M in Housing and Human Services in Month of April

Ann Arbor, Mich., This month, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have allocated a total of $5.8M to Housing and Human Services projects and programs. During the meeting on April 5...

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Approve $3M to Address Housing and Homelessness Crisis

Ann Arbor, Mich., At their Wednesday evening meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a proposal to allocate $3,000,000 to local human service provider organizations and address the current eviction and homelessness ...

Board Approves New Advisory Council on Reparations

February 16, 2023

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Approve New Advisory Council on Reparations

Ann Arbor, MI- At their February 15^th meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved the establishment of an Advisory Council on Re...

Funding Moves Forward for Eastern County Recreation and Community Center

MEDIA RELEASE

November 21,  2022

For Immediate Release

Contact: Crystal S. Campbell || Public Information Officer 

[email protected] || (734) 478-1856

FUNDING MOVES FORWARD FOR EASTERN COUNTY RECREATION ANDCOMMUNITY CENTER

Washt...

Washtenaw County Board Invests in Affordable Home Ownership Development

Sustainable, Mixed-Income Platt Road Development Moves Forward

housing developments 

Washtenaw County, MI – At the most recent Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Andy LaBarre offered a liaison report about the exciting recent news surrounding the Veridian at County Farm housing development...

Board of Commissioners Approve Additional Support for Direct Assistance Program

Last week, the Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions that support the expansion of important direct assistance initiatives administered by the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED): the Barrier Busters Network and the Weatherizatio...

Commissioners Adopt Community Violence Interruption Policy Framework; Invite Cities and Townships to

Washtenaw County, MI – In response to a series of tragic gun violence incidents that resulted in the shooting deaths of young men in Washtenaw County in the Summer of 2021, a diverse group of people, including community members...

Board of Commissioners Passes $11 Million Package to Invest in Community Health and Wellbeing

Washtenaw County, MI – Last night, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a series of investments using funds from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. This is the second package of investm...

Clerk/Register of Deeds Online and By-Mail Services

The public is encouraged to access services provided by the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register's office online and by mail for both convenience and safety.

Order Certified Copies of Vital Records 

• Birth, Death & Marriage records are avail...

Public Community Period: Needs Assessment for Washtenaw Urban County 2024-25 Annual Action Plan

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Needs Assessment for Washtenaw Urban County 2024-25 Annual Action Plan

Pursuant to U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development regulations, notice is hereby given by the Washtenaw County Office of ...

Washtenaw County Launches Financial Empower Center, Offering Free Financial Counseling

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI., September 5th, 2023 – Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, in partnership with the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), announced today th...

Washtenaw County Brownfield Program 2021-2022 Biennial Report

WASHTENAW COUNTY BROWNFIELD PROGRAM 2021-2022 BIENNIAL REPORT, SHOWS SIGNIFICANT ASSISTANCE WITH BROWNFIELDS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI., July 31^st, 2023 – Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (WCBRA) has released its 2021-20...

Foster Grandparent Program Celebrates 55 Years of Service

The Washtenaw County Foster Grandparent Program honored 44 senior volunteers at the “Mahalo Moments” luncheon for their service. The event featured many fun opportunities for honorees including traditional Polynesian dancers, a themed menu, and fun photo-...

FY2023 Community Action Plan Community Services Block Grant

The Community Action Plan (CAP) serves as a roadmap demonstrating how Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) eligible entities plan to deliver CSBG services. The CAP identifies and assesses poverty related needs and resources in the community and establish...

Foster Grandparent Program Recruiting Volunteers, Ages 55+

Washtenaw County’s Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is currently recruiting income-eligible individuals, ages 55 years or older, for a rewarding opportunity to provide educational support and mentorship to youth in local schools, daycare setting...

Request for Community Reviewers - New Human Services Partnership

Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw Urban County have worked diligently to develop the New Human Services Partnership, replacing Coordinated Funding of Human Services.  The renewed focus of the Partnership is to incorporate ...

Barrier Busters: 20 Years of Service to Community in 2021 - Provided $530K in Emergent Needs

As the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continued through 2021, the Barrier Busters Network responded to individual crisis by providing emergency assistance to residents across Washtenaw County. A comprehensive summary of the group’s co...

Barrier Busters Network Continues to Assist with Emergent Needs, 3rd Quarter Report Available Now

The Barrier Busters 3rd Quarter Report provides information about the type of funding requests distributed to Washtenaw County residents from July 1 - September 30, 2021. Highlights include: 

• 45.3% of total requests in the third quarter assisted u...

New Human Services Partnership to Replace Coordinated Funding

Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor are working together in coordination with other local funding agencies to develop a New Human Services Partnership to replace Washtenaw Coordinated Funding.

The New partnership will focus investments in efforts to...

Foster Grandparent Program Celebrates 55 Years of Service

The Washtenaw County Foster Grandparent Program honored 44 senior volunteers at the “Mahalo Moments” luncheon for their service. The event featured many fun opportunities for honorees including traditional Polynesian dancers, a themed ...

CANCELED: April 20th Public Hearing on Washtenaw Urban County Draft 2022 Annual Action Plan

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NOTI...

Affordable Housing

Our office partners with a number of community partners to improve, protect, and expand our county's affordable housing stock.

Learn more about this work by checking out https://www.washtenaw.org/722/Affordable-Housing 

Historic Preservation

The Washtenaw County Historic Preservation Program is dedicated to supporting local historic districts, spurring heritage tourism, and attracting investment in our historic resources.

Learn more about this work by checking out https://www.washtena...

Millage Advisory Committee approves additional funding for the Washtenaw Health Project

The Millage Advisory Committee approved additional funding for the Washtenaw Health Project. $165,000 in funding will allow the Washtenaw Health Project to continue and expand efforts to ensure mental health care is accessible to all, particularly those w...

$4 million in federal funds stretch millage dollars and enhance services

Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator for the State of Michigan since 2001, grew up in rural Michigan with a father who experienced bipolar symptoms. Like many of those without access to mental health support, Stabenow’s father and family struggled.

When ...

Zen spaces, support animals, and more. Millage mini-grants fund emotional supports for students

Since 2019, the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage has provided the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD)  with funding for mini-grants to create school-based programs that support students’ mental welln...

Washtenaw jail-based behavioral health services aim to break the cycle of recidivism

For the last four years, Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage has provided financial support to reduce recidivism rates–the rates at which individuals return to jail after serving their time–among Washtenaw County jail r...

Millage Advisory Committee approves funding for 5 Healthy Towns mental health initiative

In February, the millage approved a one-year pilot grant for 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF), a foundation dedicated to improving personal and community wellness in five rural Michigan  communities (Chelsea, Dexter, Gr...

It takes a millage: 2022 Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage annual report

2022 was the fourth year that the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage provided funding to expand access to mental health and substance use services across Washtenaw County.In the latest impact report, we share information about d...

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health hires new youth and families wraparound facilitator

Finding mental health and substance use support for children and teens can overwhelm and frustrate families. The more organizations involved, the more challenging it becomes. Often, families that are going through an incredibly challenging time aren’t awa...

Michigan Ability Partners works to decrease homelessness in Washtenaw County

“There's a lot of need. We see that every day” says Jan Little, Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Ability Partners, a housing agency in Washtenaw county.  “But we also see progress. We see the numbers going down on the [county’s Community Housi...

Washtenaw County housing agencies expand services following millage funding project

In 2019, four local housing agencies were awarded a total of $1.2 million in funding from Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation millage to increase supportive housing and services for youth and adults contending with mental healt...

$2.3 million awarded to fill gaps in youth mental health care

Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage Advisory Committee has awarded $2.3 million over three years to the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) to fill gaps in youth mental health programming. The grant will give ...

Presenting NAMI Washtenaw County’s local resource guide, Taking Care.

“Your Mind Matters” are the first words you see when you open Washtenaw County’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s new mental health resource booklet, Taking Care. 

Even though mental illnesses are very common—one in five Americ...

A Q&A with Willie Sturdivant, Jr., LEADD Case Manager with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health

We recently spoke with Willie Sturdivant, Jr., a case manager at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) who works with the county’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion and Deflection (LEADD) program.

Q. How did you come to work f...

Washtenaw County's crisis response team offers in person support

We sat down with Emily Scheitz from the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health crisis response team to learn about the unique way it serves the county, and the team’s plans for the future.

The crisis team provides 24/7 crisis mental health care to everyo...

The millage shares its 2021 annual impact report

We are delighted to share the latest Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage annual report. The impact of the millage–on Washtenaw County Community Mental Health services and on the services provided by essential community partners–h...

Washtenaw County aims for systems-level criminal justice reform with a new pilot program

By Gregory Powers

While the U.S. incarceration rate recently fell to its lowest level since 1995, the nation still incarcerates a larger proportion of its population than any other country in the world. Right now, there ...

CLR Academy–a sports-focused, leadership program for K-8 youth–expands with millage funding

By Gregory Powers

In Washtenaw County, there’s a free summer program for K-8 youth who reside in neighborhoods with common barriers to healthy living—a lack of transportation or healthy foods, or a history of gun violence. And, this year, it’s exp...

Thanks to millage funding, new positions at WCCMH and partner agencies help meet community needs

By Kimberly Snodgrass

From reentry support staff to peer support specialists, Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation millage has funded community-based positions since 2019. These highly specialized posit...

The national 988 Lifeline for mental health launched. What does that mean for Washtenaw?

By Gregory Powers

Launched in July 2022, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national behavioral health initiative, backed by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 24/7 line is desi...

Washtenaw County explores the prospect of a youth assessment center

By Kimberly Snodgrass

Almost three decades ago, Hillsborough County–home to Tampa, FL–was in the middle of a juvenile justice crisis. 

The county’s youth detention centers were overcrowded. Its youth recidivism rates were high. And its law...

With greater resources from millage, WCCMH becomes access point for substance use referrals

By Gregory Powers

In Washtenaw County, there’s a phone number for individuals seeking substance use support—a 24/7 hotline that gives people access to an immediate screening, referral to a community provider, or guidance on how to get connected to services...

Millage funding helps NAMI build relationships and trust in Washtenaw County communities

Story by Cleoniki Kesidis

“Outreach is not easy work,” says Judy Gardner, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Washtenaw County (NAMI). “It’s relationships building. It’s showing up. It’s building trus...

Mental Health First Aid trainers are teaching our community how to respond to those in need

Story by Seaira Wainaina and Gregory Powers

Each year in the United States, one in five adults and one in six youth experience mental illness. And in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—with social isolation, job...

A tsunami of need: the millage provides social workers to support youth in schools

Story by Cleoniki Kesidis

As pandemic conditions change, the need for mental health services in schools continues to rise.

“It’s like a tsunami,” says Stacey Doyle, a Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) social worker. “Because of the pand...

Reentry redux: How millage funds help residents of the jail navigate community reentry

By Erin Spanier

Returning to the community after a jail stay. 

It sounds simple enough on the face of it, but even in resource-rich communities like ours, more than half of Michiganders will return to jail within three years of release. An...

Success from planning: how community conversations, collaboration shaped the millage’s initial years

By Elisabeth Paymal

If indeed “planning is everything,” then what makes planning successful? As we reflect on the impact of the first three years of the Washtenaw County's Public Safety and Mental Hea...

Millage funds help Ozone House youth with housing and supportive services

For over 50 years, Ozone House has played a pivotal role in Washtenaw County—assisting runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth and their families.

While stable housing is a primary focus, the organization has expanded its mission ...

Introducing LEADD: A new millage-supported program to divert from jail to mental health services

Imagine this situation: Someone is intoxicated, possibly struggling with a larger problem like addiction or poverty, and refusing to leave a business. The business owner calls the police. What should the police do?

“Traditionally, the police had two option...

Millage partners with 5 Healthy Towns to tackle mental health needs of western Washtenaw County

When it comes to health and wellness programs and services, Washtenaw County is typically viewed as a “resource rich” community—home to two major health systems and a robust collection of social service organizations.

Many of these organizations have simil...

Millage funds an expansion of the mobile crisis team to partner with the Chelsea Police Department

When the mental health and public safety millage began funding services in Washtenaw County, a key goal was increasing access for rural residents.

While the eastern part of Washtenaw County is urban, the western part is mainly agricultural and rural. Chels...

With millage support, Student Advocacy Center helps local youth navigate their education

Students with mental and behavioral health needs often struggle in school, as early as elementary school. They may feel misunderstood, confused, or uncomfortable. And sometimes, it causes them to act out—which can disrupt their education and set them on a...

Washtenaw's mental health millage attracts press, serving as a model for others communities

Throughout 2021, the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage was featured in a number of local publications—and even nationally in Politico. Media mentions like these have a ripple effect, making it possible for the millage to serve...

Corner Health Center is serving the psychiatry needs of Washtenaw County youth with millage funding

One-stop care. What is it? A place that meets your needs holistically—from physical health to mental health, from wellness to treatment, from education to support.

For some, it might sound like a lofty ideal. However, at a colorful storefront on N...

Millage funding and partnerships are reforming how Washtenaw County responds to public safety

Beginning in 2019, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH)—with funding from the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage—came together to adopt a set of police reforms.

The ref...

Millage mini-grants are normalizing conversations about mental health in Washtenaw County schools

As the 2020 school year wrapped up, students at Clague Middle School on Ann Arbor’s northeast side were checking out books from a new mental health library—made possible by mini-grant funding from the Washtenaw County Public Saf...

New cross-sector partnerships—aided by millage funding—are supporting justice-involved youth

After the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage passed, a partnership began between Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) and Washtenaw County Children’s Services—a co...

Fostering hope, peer support specialists are helping people on their journey to recovery

There aren’t too many job applications where checking the box for a criminal history or a mental illness or a history of addiction would give you an edge. But for peer-support specialists, it’s a decided advantage. 

Valerie Bass, who has ...

Not just a bed. Millage funds shelters, staff to help residents get and stay healthy

For Avalon Housing, the millage has funded support services at Hickory Way, a residential community that offers easy access to transportation and amenities for those who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Each apartment at Hickory Way is meant...

Breaking the stigma: How the mental health millage is empowering youth to reach out

"I wish parents knew that mental health is real,” says one #wishyouknew social media post beside a portrait of a local teen. Another says, "Don't talk at me or down to me, talk with me.”

The Wish You Knew campaign, funded by Washtenaw County’s Pu...

County hospital visits decrease as millage-funded programs ramp up

Recently, Dr. Victor Hong, medical director of psychiatric emergency services (PES) at Michigan Medicine, contacted the millage-funded CARES team at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. He had been notified that an individual in the community showed ...

Millage fuels partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and police

Since the implementation of Washtenaw County’s voter-approved Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage in January of 2019, meaningful partnerships have flourished across the county. These partnerships expand access to mental health and substan...

Millage-funded CARES team: serving all residents, regardless of insurance status

Mental health care access for everybody–no matter what their insurance status is.

This was an ambitious goal of Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, which residents passed two-to-one, ensuring that everyone in o...

Independent, reliable cash: Millage allows Washtenaw County to address local needs

When JFK signed the Community Mental Health Act in 1963, community-based mental health and substance use treatment options began to spring up across the U.S. These new programs allowed people with significant mental illnesses and developmental disabilitie...

The expected--and the unexpected--impact of a room and phone

Across the U.S. nearly 1.4 million people rely on homeless shelters and transitional housing programs each year. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and social service agencies across the nation--some well, and others poorly--employed...

Garret's Space delivers 20,000 mental health flyers to homes across the county

As suicide rates continue to rise throughout the nation, especially among young people, one local Washtenaw County family is working to help those in need access services.

Suicide rates increased 33 percent nationally from 1999 to 2017, with the sharpest i...

First year of reentry services grant focuses on new staff, housing supports

In 2019, Washtenaw County received a $1 million, four-year grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Administration. The purpose: To address high recidivism rates--the rates of individuals returning to jail after release--among those with mental health and su...

County jail expands use of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder

Nationally, about 80 percent of people in jail abuse alcohol or drugs. About half are considered clinically addicted. Oftentimes, substance use plays a direct or indirect role in a person’s jail time–which is why access to treatment is so important for bo...

WCCMH Black Lives Matter Task Force

On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd’s death at the hands of police led hundreds of thousands of people throughout the nation to join the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. While the BLM movement is broad, it essentially seeks to eradicate systemic racism thro...

A Q&A with CARES Team Access Supervisor Shannon Ellis

The CARES team is a group of mental health professionals funded by Washtenaw County's voter-approved Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage on May 1, 2019 when services were expanded to all residents, regardless of insurance status or severi...

WCCMH launches 24/7 crisis center with millage resources

Washtenaw County residents have long asked for a 24/7 crisis center—a place where individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis can go for help and emotional support. Thanks to the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, this vision ha...

Millage funded “prayer and care” summit: Mental health resources for faith communities

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Washtenaw County (NAMI WC) has organized a virtual summit for members of the clergy to learn about mental health resources for faith communities. The Prayer and Care summit will be held on Octob...

Washtenaw ahead of the curve in national movement for police reform

George Floyd’s death this spring, at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, sparked massive protests across the nation for meaningful police reforms to address police brutality toward Black individuals—which has been well-documented in recent year...

Millage funds Mental Health First Aid train the trainer initiative

This summer, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health put out a call for volunteers. The purpose? To become certified as Mental Health First Aid instructors, who will then share what they’ve learned with others in the community.

Mental He...

COVID-era telehealth expansion brings both improvements and challenges

The coronavirus pandemic has created hundreds of complicated challenges--from an increased strain on the U.S. Postal System to delays in needed health care services. But the coronavirus pandemic has also spurred solutions, including a dramatic uptick in t...

In Washtenaw County, millage helps mitigate the impact of COVID-19

From economic strains to a now six-month period of isolation, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily life. In Washtenaw County, “the unsurprising result,” as Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder reports for Concentrate, is “an uptick in stress, anxiety, depres...

New website features millage background, data, and accomplishments

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is pleased to share a new website for information about the county’s eight-year Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, which will be in effect through 2026.

The millage site feature...

Community Mental Health releases 2019 annual report

Washtenaw County's Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage is an eight-year, voter-approved homeowner tax that generates resources for mental health and substance use treatment programs that improve health and quality of life across the count...

For Washtenaw County residents, mental health services are just a phone call away

Thanks to the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, all Washtenaw County residents can get help 24/7 for depression, anxiety, addiction, and more. And receiving aid is as easy as calling 734-544-3050.

As Erin Spanier report...

Mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is continuing to provide essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our 24/7 CARES line, expanded with funding from the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage in 20...

WCCMH staff join Washtenaw's Crisis Negotiation Team

Last November, five mental health professionals from Washtenaw County’s Community Mental Health were tapped by the Sheriff’s Office to join Washtenaw County’s Crisis Negotiation Team. 

During the first week of December, the CMH staff attended a on...

Millage Q&A with Community Corrections Manager Renee Wilson

The Washtenaw County Community Corrections Department, part of the sheriff’s office, provides jail diversion options and assistance for people at all stages of the criminal justice process--from initial detention and court hearings to time spent in jail a...

Washtenaw County prepares to launch LEAD

This January, Washtenaw County and the City of Detroit were among 15 jurisdictions hand picked from regions across the country to participate in the inaugural LEAD National Learning Conference hosted by the U.S. Public Defender Association and the LEAD Na...

$1 million grant to reduce recidivism, improve community reentry for individuals with MHSUD

Washtenaw County has received a $1 million, four-year grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Administration to address high recidivism rates among individuals with mental health and substance use disorders to build on collaborative work between the Washten...

More SURE Moms, thanks to Washtenaw County voters

With a $90,000 investment from Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, the SURE Moms program—designed to unite, support, and empower mothers of justice-involved youth—is being extended to more moms across the county.

Under ...

New partnership with Corner Health provides behavioral health care for teens and young adults

Founded 39 years ago by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to address health disparities among teenage moms, the Corner Health Center in downtown Ypsilanti has grown into a tremendous local resource: a full-service integrated health clinic that addr...

Four local agencies receive millage-funded supportive housing contracts

Four local agencies have been awarded millage contracts to enhance supportive housing for youth and adults with mental health and substance use concerns. 

“One of the key recommendations made by Washtenaw County’s Community Mental Health Advisory ...

Coming soon: Washtenaw County crisis observation and assessment center

In an unassuming brick building just down the street from the Washtenaw County Health Department in Ypsilanti a new community resource is in the final stages of development. It’s an observation and assessment center for individuals in crisis--one that com...

Millage Q&A with Washtenaw County Commissioner Andy LaBarre

In 2017, Washtenaw County Commissioner Andy LaBarre was instrumental in the development and passage of the county’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, which currently provides about $16 million per year. Thirty-eight percent o...

WISD receives funds for youth mental health programming

A two-year Public Safety and Mental Health Millage grant of $107,000 has been awarded to the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) for mental health and anti-stigma activities. In year one, WISD will use roughly half of these resources to provide ...

#wishyouknew mental health campaign launches across the county

The #wishyouknew youth mental health campaign officially kicked off on Monday, November 25, with artwork by local artist Lauren Mills, quotes from outreach with hundreds of Washtenaw County youth and adults, and a short video featuring Alisha Spencer, a l...

Washtenaw and Detroit to participate in national LEAD training institute

Washtenaw County and Detroit are the first Michigan jurisdictions to be chosen to participate in the national Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) training institute in Seattle, WA.

Five Washtenaw County diversion leaders--from the Washtenaw County Sh...

Washtenaw County organizations invited to apply for millage-funded supportive housing grants

This spring, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health asked the Washtenaw Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) to develop a request for proposals process designed to increase supportive housing services across Washtenaw County. We are pleas...

NAMI Washtenaw receives millage contract for outreach in underserved communities

A Public Safety and Mental Health Millage Contract of $158,000 has been awarded to NAMI Washtenaw County (NAMI WC) to design and implement a mental health education and outreach program for youth and families in the under-served communities of Ypsilanti, ...

High schools invited to apply for anti-stigma campaign grants

This August, the Millage Advisory Committee approved a funding application from the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) to support anti-stigma campaign activities at all interested Washtenaw County high schools.

The campaigns will focus on positi...

Help design an anti-stigma campaign for Washtenaw youth

In our last millage communication, WCCMH introduced readers to planned anti-stigma campaign efforts that are being led, through a millage-funded contract, by the Washtenaw County Health Department. The first two years of this anti-stigma work will focus o...

Millage-funded therapeutic groups forming

Thanks to millage funding, our CARES team staff members are offering four new group therapy options for Washtenaw County residents. These groups are for everyone in the community--regardless of insurance or severity of need. Additional groups will be adde...

Millage funds rural service delivery expansion

As of July 1, the CARES team had received 250 outpatient service referrals from Ypsilanti (115), Ann Arbor (88), Saline (11), Dexter (6), Whitmore Lake (5), Chelsea (3), and Milan (3).

While most of the referrals are currently coming from the county’s urba...

Underfunding and deficit reduction

Due to underfunding by the state and federal government of Michigan’s community mental health system—behavioral health services for low-income individuals and those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, emotional disturbances, and developmental dis...

Substance use disorder systems transformation kicks off 100-day challenge

Since November 2018, dozens of representatives from Washtenaw-area organizations--including one-dozen staff members from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health--have been participating in a substance use disorder system transformation process hosted by ...

Introducing the millage advisory committee

In the spring of 2019, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health established a Millage Advisory Committee (MAC) to provide strategic oversight on Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Millage activities and investments. The 13-member...

Millage-funded staff work to meet countywide demand

A countywide mental health and substance use disorder service expansion--particularly for historically underserved populations across Washtenaw--has been a key priority for millage investments from the start.

As such, when millage funds first became availa...

Millage will allow WCCMH to train trainers in mental health first aid

While many of us know how to administer first aid for health conditions, few of us are trained to provide similar help for those experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. To build community capacity, WCCMH regularly offers Mental Healt...

Provide input on a millage-funded countywide anti-stigma campaign

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is working with the Washtenaw County Health Department to develop and launch a county-wide campaign to reduce stigma around mental health and addiction. 

Health department staff will begin their work with a...

Transforming Washtenaw's substance use disorder system

About a dozen Washtenaw County Community Mental Health staff members have been actively participating in a series of local meetings, sponsored by the Washtenaw Health Initiative, that are designed to develop a collaborative action plan to address substanc...

Planning juvenile justice diversion activities

Research from the National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice (NCYOJ) shows that behavioral health and trauma conditions are consistently higher among youth in the juvenile justice system when compared with the general adolescent population.

Washtena...

Announcing millage-funded countywide service expansion

On May 1, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) will extend services and service-navigation assistance to all county residents who are unable to secure community-based mental health and substance use services, regardless of their insurance type...

Public safety accomplishments and plans for future millage investments

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health works closely with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office to improve services for residents with mental health and substance use disorders who come into contact with law enforcement and the corrections system.

Their ...

Plans for initial millage investments

At their October 3 meeting, Washtenaw County Commissioners approved 11 recommendations from the Community Mental Health Advisory Council (CMHAC) regarding early priorities for the county’s mental health millage investments.

Washtenaw County Community Menta...

#WishYouKnew campaign reduces mental health stigma

The #WishYouKnew campaign was recently featured in a Concentrate article: 

"At the community level, Wish You Knew has partnered with the Washtenaw Intermediate School District to create a public campaign combating stigma among families,"...

End of COVID-19 public health emergency

On January 31st, 2020, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the United States. 

The PHE will end effective May 12th, 2023. 

To learn about how this will impact WCCMH...

WCCMH 2021-2022 Annual Report is here

More than just numbers, the report shares all the great accomplishments of the people we serve and the people committed to delivering that service. 

You can read our WCCMH 2021-2022 Annual Report here.

14A Court Policy Regarding Livestreaming and Zoom

POLICY REGARDING LIVE STREAMING AND ZOOM

14A has discontinued live streaming dockets.  Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case, hearing-by-hearing basis on request of an attorney or party for good cause shown.  An attorney or p...

Clean Slate Initiative

MCL 780.621g provides that convictions that are at least seven years old and meet certain criteria can be automatically set aside and the case will be made non public.  If a charge qualifies to be set aside, there is nothing that the defendant wi...

U of M Law Students Made a Video About Landlord Tenant Process

Andrew Cutillo, Megan Giles, Seyoung Oh, Adam VanDeusen worked with Judge Simpson from the 14A District Court to develop a video to help litigants navigate the Landlord Tenant court process.  We are grateful for their hard work and hope that the ...

14A District Court Pioneers Online Case Resolution

Partnering with Court Innovations/Matterhorn, an Ann Arbor based company, the 14A District Court has implemented three different online case resolution platforms with more on the horizon.  The 14A District Court piloted the first of its kind onli...

FDA Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

Along with WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches (sold locally at Dollar Tree and on Amazon), additional products have been added to this recall for elevated levels of lead:

• Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
• Weis-bra...

Washtenaw County Health Department Shares Findings from Extreme Weather Preparedness Survey

The Washtenaw County Health Department is releasing an Extreme Weather Preparedness Survey Summary detailing findings from a local survey of older adults in Washtenaw. The summary shares key survey findings describing knowledge gaps and barriers to commun...

‘Tis the Season for Fall Vaccinations

11/29 update: Walk-ins at the Health Department for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are welcome during clinic hours all through the month of December! 

Stop by without an appointment Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:00am or 1:00-4:00pm to get vaccinated (555 ...

Jobs at the Health Department

For the most recent information about open positions at the Health Department, visit the Washtenaw County jobs page.

• Public Health Nurse (three positions open: 16002, 16003, 16004; apply by Tues, Jan 2)
• Social Worker (two positions open: 16000, 16001; apply...

Opioid Deaths, Non-Opioid Drug Overdose Deaths Continue Increasing in Washtenaw County

The Washtenaw County Health Department has released a new Opioid Report detailing recent local drug overdose data trends. Though Washtenaw County has had lower drug overdose death rates than Michigan and the U.S. since 2019, local deaths are increasing.&a...

Catch Up Washtenaw: Local Vaccination Rates are Down

Vaccination rates among our local kids have fallen. This leaves children and our community at risk for preventable diseases and outbreaks. Please help us encourage local families and community members to catch up on their routine vaccinations. If you didn...

Washtenaw County Health Department Releases Firearm Death Report

The Washtenaw County Health Department is releasing a new Firearm Death Report detailing trends in firearm deaths from 2011-2022. Firearm death rates have been increasing in recent years at the county, state, and national level. 

“Unfortunately, f...

COVID-19 Mortality Report: 2020-2023

Español: COVID-19 Informe de mortalidad: 2020-2023

Washtenaw County Health Department is releasing a COVID-19 Mortality Report on the first three years of the pandemic (March 1, 2020 - Feb 25, 2023). While the loss of local lives was si...

What to know about COVID-19 in Washtenaw County

Note: this post has been up since June 2022, but it is continually updated with the latest information. 

Washtenaw County is currently at a "low"?COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level. See local COVID-19 data, including wastewater surveillan...

2021 Health Department Annual Report highlights vaccination efforts and ongoing COVID-19 response

We are pleased to share our 2021 Annual Report with our partners and community. 2021 was another challenging year dominated by COVID-19, but importantly, our pandemic response gained the new tool of a vaccine that reduced serious illnesses and deaths.

Our ...

Alize Asberry Payne, Racial Equity Officer named Crain’s Detroit Notable Leader in DEI

Crain’s Detroit has named Alize Asberry Payne as a Notable Leader in DEI for 2023.  Ms. Payne serves as the County’s courageous and innovative Racial Equity Officer. As the first in the role since the 2018 establishment of Was...

Board Invests $5.8M in Housing and Human Services in the Month of April

Board Invests $5.8M in Housing and Human Services in Month of April

Ann Arbor, Mich., This month, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have allocated a total of $5.8M to Housing and Human Services projects and programs. During the meeting on April 5...

Funding Moves Forward for Eastern County Recreation and Community Center

MEDIA RELEASE

November 21,  2022

For Immediate Release

Contact: Crystal S. Campbell || Public Information Officer 

[email protected] || (734) 478-1856

FUNDING MOVES FORWARD FOR EASTERN COUNTY RECREATION ANDCOMMUNITY CENTER

Washt...

December 12 - Washtenaw County Parks Commission Meeting - Virtual Public Instructions

Help Shape the Future of Recreation in Washtenaw County

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission is in the process of developing a Comprehensive Master Plan to guide the organization for the next five years and beyond. PROS Consulting has been engaged to optimize the planning process. With more tha...

Michigan Folk School Becomes Part of WCPARC

WCPARC is excited to announce acquisition of the Michigan Folk School (MFS) in on January 1, 2023. Since 2017, the Commission has partnered with MFS to provide an array of classes and programs at Staebler Farm County Park. With this recent acquisition, WC...

WCPARC 2022 Annual Report

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has provided outstanding programs and amenities to residents and visitors since 1973. What started with five roadside parks and undeveloped land in Lyndon Township has grown to a nationally recognized p...

Staebler Farm Park Development Proposal

The vision for the development of Staebler Farm County Park has been rooted in the desire to highlight the cultural, agricultural, and natural resources on site. It will offer Washtenaw County residents the opportunity to learn new skills, enjoyi...

Funding Moves Forward for Eastern County Recreation and Community Center

MEDIA RELEASE

November 21,  2022

For Immediate Release

Contact: Crystal S. Campbell || Public Information Officer 

[email protected] || (734) 478-1856

FUNDING MOVES FORWARD FOR EASTERN COUNTY RECREATION ANDCOMMUNITY CENTER

Washt...

Washtenaw Prosecutor, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Enter Partnership

The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office (WCPO) and the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formally establishing a collaborative partnership to enforce workers’ righ...

Prosecutor's Office Releases 2022 Year End Report

 In 2022, we secured major convictions, built new programs, litigated major cases, and secured millions of dollars in resources to benefit our community. But none of our work was done alone. To our partners, volunteers, and staff, we extend our h...

Prosecutor's Office Publishes 2021 Year End Report

In 2021, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office implemented a number of new policies, initiatives, and projects aimed at protecting public safety, and promoting fairness and equity in the criminal legal system. These changes came as the result...

Notice of Quorum of the Board of Commissioners

 BOARD OF COMMISIONERS 

220 NORTH MAIN STREET, P.O. BOX 8645

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48107-8654

734-222-6850

NOTICE OF QUORUM OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF WASHTENAW 

WASHTENAW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  

WEDNE...

WCSO Community Police Academy Registration Now Open!

The Community Police Academy is designed to give you a behind the scenes, in-depth look into the everyday happenings of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. Our goal is to make this course an informative and enjoyable experience for everyone in...

Support the WCSO Shop with a Cop Program - Today!

Our mission is to provide children in need, with a fun opportunity to engage with local law enforcement officers and to provide financial support for these families. Because these four events are funded entirely from donations, the generosity of our donor...

WCSO Working to Reduce Vehicle Theft

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed these two manufacturers reported 2.7 stolen vehicle claims per 1,000 insured vehicles in the second half of 2021. This number was nearly double the theft claim frequency for ALL other vehicle makes (approx...

Sheriff Clayton announces new Data and Information Dashboard

“Since January 1, 2009, we have been guided by several core values,” offered Sheriff Clayton. “The WCSO Data and Information Dashboard is the latest example of our ongoing commitment to our value of openness and engagement wi...

Media Release: Joint Law Enforcement Statement Mideast Violence

the public safety leaders of Washtenaw County are diligently working to ensure Washtenaw County is safe for those who live, work, or visit during these uncertain times.

Over the last several weeks, we have met with numerous Jewish, Muslim, and Arab leaders...

Media Release: New Distracted Driving "Hands Free" Law

Did you know, it is now illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads? Operation includes being stopped at a light or in traffic but does not include being legally parked. Under the law,...

Access Your Credit Reports Weekly - For Free!

Everyone can access free weekly credit reports from each of the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 

Credit reports contain the financial and personal data used by businesses and potential creditors to assess a...

How to Claim Remaining Proceeds after a Tax Foreclosure from Michigan Legal Help

Breaking the Cycle

How Washtenaw County effected meaningful change by mitigating the inequities of fees and fines

Be on the lookout for counterfeit money!

Washtenaw County Treasurer urges caution as reports of counterfeit cash emerge.

Issues of the Environment-Managing the deer population in Michigan

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50am and 8:50am. 

• December 6, 2023:  Managing the deer population in Michigan

  Deer populations in Michigan are already overpopulated in some area...

Upcoming Events, Garden Work Days, Rain Garden Tours, & More

Plan to attend some great events, garden work days, rain garden tours, & more using this event list.  

https://www.washtenaw.org/3567/Events

Check back often for updates!

Master Rain Gardener Class

Master Rain Gardener Class

Winter 2024

LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM with in-person tours. 

DATES: Five Thursdays: Jan 25-Feb 22 

TIME: 10 am – Noon.  Office hours 9-10 am. 

TOUR DATES:  Washtenaw: January 25, 1:...

Business Owners – protect water quality inside, outside & under your building!

Business Owners – protect water quality inside, outside & under your building! 

Businesses have a direct effect on the water quality in the Rouge River watershed. When rain and snow/ice melt travel across the land (watershed) and int...

Flook Dam Informational Meeting

On October 25, 2023, Washtenaw County hosted a meeting to provide an update regarding the status of the ongoing repairs for the Flook Dam located in the Portage Base Line Lake Level District. 

An overview of the lake level history, how the lake le...

Issues of the Environment-Michigan Clean Water Corps works to keep Washtenaw County's water clean

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50am and 8:50am. 

• November 29, 2023:  Michigan Clean Water Corps works to keep Washtenaw County's water clean and safe 

  They say, “It ta...

Lowering of Portage and Base Line Lakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2023

Scott Miller, P.E., Deputy Water Resources Commissioner

Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office

734-222-6860

[email protected] 

Lowering of Portage and Base Line Lakes&nbs...

Issues of the Environment-Washtenaw County expands household toxics disposal program

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50am and 8:50am. 

• November 22, 2023:  Washtenaw County expands its program to properly dispose of toxic household materials 

  Without thi...

Issues of the Environment-Safety a key issue in growing environmentally-friendly cycling community

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50am and 8:50am. 

• November 15, 2023:  Safety a key issue in growing environmentally-friendly cycling community in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County...

Rain Gardens on Parade in Southeast Michigan. Get on the map!

See the rain gardens in your neighborhood or add your own project to the RainScaping of Southeast Michigan crowdsourced map. 

Gardeners love to see other gardens. It is how we learn, get inspired,  and get ideas. Now you can see the rain ...

Environmental Excellence Award Winners

The Environmental Excellence Partnership Program (E2P2) recognizes businesses and non-profit organizations in Washtenaw County that are leaders in environmental protection. These organizations practice environmental behaviors in water quality protection, ...

Welcome New Community Partner for Clean Streams: Zero Waste

Welcome to our newest Community Partner for Clean Streams: Zero Waste! This organization is behind the Trash Talk tours, Zero Waste challenges and a new initiative to make it easier for you to get reusable take out containers from local restaurants. Learn...

A Video on Pocket Forests

One of our 2023 Overall Environmental Leadership award winners, Barbara Lucas, has made a movie! Prepare to be inspired to build your own pocket forest.

This video is a brief intro to the concept of planting native tree and shrub species close together in ...