A Note from Commissioner Hodge
The 2023-2024 session is well underway, and I am excited to share important initiatives and developments that have taken place since January. Throughout this year, we have been focused on strengthening the human services safety net and tackling the persistent housing crisis across the County. We have made historic investments in these sectors, with our board allocating $5.8 million in the month of April alone. I am committed to making our county a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to thrive and will continue working alongside our community partners to make that a reality. On top of addressing the human services and housing challenges facing our county, one of my top priorities continues to be promoting generational success and disrupting generational poverty. I am proud to share that the County Government, in partnership with the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, has launched My Future Fund. Starting this summer, families with elementary students in our county will be able to claim their My Future Fund account to start saving for life after high school. The accounts will come with a free $25 deposit and lower income students can receive an additional $475. In addition to the accounts, students will receive ongoing financial education and support as they grow up. I have been spearheading this program since its inception and am overjoyed to see it come to fruition after years of work. We recently held a kickoff event at Erickson Elementary where I got to guest host a gameshow focused on talking to kids about their future. |
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In May, the Board of Commissioners held a priorities & policy retreat that focused on five key areas: - Promoting and Improving Human Services Delivery
- Providing Good Government
- The Creation of an East Side Community and Recreation Center
- Developing New Funding Sources
- Energy and Sustainability
As we continue through 2023, you can expect to hear from me on a quarterly basis with updates on our mission to build a stronger Washtenaw and opportunities to engage with County government and make your voice heard. Justin D. Hodge Commissioner, District 5 Chair, Board of Commissioners
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Resilient Washtenaw
In December 2022, the Board unanimously approved the final version of the Resilient Washtenaw Climate Action Plan. The Resilient Washtenaw plan includes a set of aggressive but practical strategies, principles, goals, and actions to help Washtenaw County reach carbon neutrality, as an organization by 2030, and as a community, by 2035. Developed from February to October 2022, the Resilient Washtenaw team hosted 17 public events and ensured residents had the opportunity to share how climate change has impacted their personal life and the communities in which they live. The team also worked with key County staff, the Washtenaw Environmental Council, and the Board of Commissioners. Learn more about how Washtenaw County is leading the way on climate action
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Advisory Council on Reparations
The Board approved the establishment of an Advisory Council on Reparations. The Council, aligned with a national trend of the study and repair of systematic and institutional racial injustice, is the next step in an on-going effort by the Board to advance racial equity.
The Washtenaw Reparations Plan will aim to outline the specific ways that County policies have historically and continually harmed the lives of Black people. It will include specific actions to address redress in the sectors of homeownership and access to other quality affordable housing, increasing business ownership and career opportunities, strategies to grow financial equity and generational wealth, closing the gaps in health care, education, employment and pay, neighborhood safety and fairness within criminal justice.
Learn more about the Advisory Council on Reparations
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$5.8M to Housing and Human Services in 2023
Throughout the month of April, the Board of Commissioners invested a total of $5.8M to Housing and Human Services. During the April 5th meeting, the Commissioners allocated $3M to organizations that address the housing and homelessness crisis. The funds will go directly to rental assistance, move-in assistance, and extended emergency sheltering through 2023. During the April 19th meeting, the Commission funded contracts for the Human Services Transition Program totaling $2.8M. These funds will support critical services and programs for residents in need throughout the County. The agencies funded include Avalon Housing, Ozone House, Food Gatherers, Jewish Family Services, Faith in Action, Manchester Community Resource Center, and the Washtenaw Health Plan. The funding will support these organizations through December 31, 2024. Learn more about this historic investment here
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Broadband Investment Update
The Washtenaw County Broadband Project is making great strides in 2023. Last September, the Board of Commissioners allocated $14.6M from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to broadband expansion to get all these areas of Washtenaw County connected to high-speed, reliable internet. The Broadband Project is working with five internet service providers to connect all corners of Washtenaw- Comcast, Charter, Midwest Energy and Communications (MEC), Washtenaw Fiber Properties (WFP), and Mercury Broadband. These five providers have all begun work and residents can track the progress done to date by using this interactive GIS map. Construction has started in Bridgewater and Manchester Townships and permits from the Washtenaw County Road Commission are in process for Webster, Northfield, and Dexter Townships. Freedom Township Hall, near Pleasant Lake in Southwest Washtenaw, has recently been connected to broadband. Homes around Pleasant Lake are expected to be connected by the end of May.
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Parks 50th Anniversary
In 2023, the Parks Commission celebrates its 50th Anniversary! The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission has provided outstanding programs and amenities to residents and visitors since 1973. The Parks commission started as five roadside parks and 205 acres of what would become Park Lyndon, and has grown to a nationally recognized park system offering a wide range of recreation opportunities. Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation now manages 59 parks & preserves, a vast array of recreation programs from archery to fishing, summer camps for students to young adults, and more than 40 miles of trail that makes up the Border-to-Border Trail. Learn more about the 50th Anniversary Events you can be a part of this summer!
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Upcoming Board of Commissioners Meetings
All Meetings are open to the public and you can attend either in person or by Zoom. You can find information on how to join here. - July 12 at 5:30 PM: Working Session
- July 12 at 7:00 PM: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- August 2 at 5:30 PM: Working Session
- August 2 at 7:00 PM: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- September 6 at 5:30 PM: Working Session
- September 6 at 7:00 PM: Board of Commissioners Meeting
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