A Note from Commissioner Morgan

As your county commissioner, I want to hear from you. Washtenaw County government is working to build a stronger community and support our hardworking families through investments in essential human services – public health, mental health, affordable housing, community violence intervention, public safety, and more. We are taking bold action to tackle climate change and creating a plan for building a more resilient future – please share your thoughts on these efforts at https://www.resilientwashtenaw.org/.
 
We are also working to strengthen our local economy, and small businesses, and to ensure stable economic opportunity for all residents. My number one priority as your commissioner continues to be ensuring that we are providing quality, accessible, and efficient government services and to ensure that we are supporting all residents, particularly those most in need throughout our county. Thank you for your continued engagement. 

Jason Morgan
Commissioner, District 8

News from the Last Quarter (April-June)

May 4th - Commissioners Adopt Goal of Saving Lives by Stopping Violence

At their May 4th meeting, the Commissioners adopted a list of 14 recommendations as a framework for addressing gun violence to save the lives of young people. The resolution highlighted work already starting at the county in line with these goals and took additional action to begin working towards other parts of the recommendations.

Learn more about this policy framework and next steps for this work by clicking here.

May 4th - Commissioners Approve Additional Support for Direct Assistance Programs

At their May 4th meeting, the Commissioners approved two resolutions that support the expansion of important direct assistance programs operated by the Office of Community and Economic Development: the Barrier Busters Network and the Weatherization Program.

Barrier Buster agencies can access the Emergency Unmet Needs Fund to support residents facing evictions, utility shutoffs, and other situations that, if not for direct assistance, could result in further crisis. Weatherization offers free home improvement services like insulation, repairing and replacing inefficient appliances, air-sealing, and more to lower energy bills and make homes more comfortable.

Learn more about the Board's increased support for the programs by clicking here.

June 1st - Board Invests $3.5 Million in Human Services

At their June 1st meeting, the Board of Commissioners cemented Washtenaw County’s commitment to increasing and extending funding for human services in the community when they allocated $3.5 million to work supporting Washtenaw County residents. The funds include an expanded, long-term commitment to the New Human Services Partnership (NHSP), as well as additional allocations to maintain key social safety net funding for community partner agencies.

Learn more about this investment in Human Services by clicking here.

June 21st - First Household Connected as part of Board’s Historic Broadband Infrastructure Investment

In September 2021, the Board of Commissioners approved a historic investment for Washtenaw County to become one of the first counties in the state to create a path for every household to access highspeed broadband internet. In June, the first Washtenaw County household was connected to broadband infrastructure as a result of that investment.

In total, over 3,000 Washtenaw County households will be connected as a result of this investment in the next few years. Connecting Washtenaw County is one of many investments made by the Board of Commissioners using American Rescue Plan funds.

Learn more about the first household connected and what it means for our community by clicking here.

Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved