A Note from Commissioner Hodge

I believe that the role of government is to strengthen our communities and improve people's lives. In many ways, county government is the safety net for residents because we provide so many critical services. My focus has been and will continue to be improving how we deliver our health and human services to move us closer to being a county where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and be successful. 
 
Over the last few months, we have seen a rise in gun violence in our county. I know that many in our community are hurting and grieving the loss of loved ones right now. Since last year, I have been working with a group of elected officials and community leaders to develop strategies to stop community violence. That work has contributed to actions we have taken as a county to affirm our commitment to saving lives as well as allocating more than a million dollars to violence interruption work. I see this as just the first of many steps to come. I will continue working tirelessly to make our community safer and expand opportunities for all of our residents.
 
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Justin Hodge
Commissioner, District 5
Chair, Working Session
734-249-3664

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.

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