[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6536922,"mediaKeyId","3655817-de186e4da91ab00841e14a0c3d1b4a90","parentId",3655817,"title","Votes at a glance: Oakland County committee forwards Pontiac redevelopment to finance; approves a range of county projects and bond referrals","audioSeconds",3652,"startMs",834000,"endMs",4486000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655817-de186e4da91ab00841e14a0c3d1b4a90&start=834&end=4486","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655817-de186e4da91ab00841e14a0c3d1b4a90/thumbnail_834000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6536922/Oakland-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Oakland-County-committee-forwards-Pontiac-redevelopment-to-finance-approves-a-range-of-county-projects-and-bond-referrals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536922-1fd65b11f5f221c7ce940024e898c889/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489647&Signature=oSdW5dZ0nLXwjxJgfPzoZdMXlp3DImNqNCjKwou20BrOax8mS6m4WhsQH5-4~8as5jiY6cJyfsVz7Qw5xLDOcWeKm0rMYrTdLajc669B52oH9Grh--ehFgy68dSu-xm0iFKtTw56GhXBcJrqDIA3xfLBF6JLzaRgpTEMhyDNXpTsMmtu~6I9ToZyzNTLE-DmXQg17IJIGpPCBz19kPjXGb1Ia~ta0JfLYy4qZ67PMMRURZaug1e3E7M0arViDc~xKYSLIWHJoAXY8FTRZ8nY2ufYJoCSWUrJS7A42exCCk3Qe46tCIGgRMNPoz-ggQEVWj7rqVW4SQRVIcYtt87F5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oakland County","date","2025-06-05T03:48:06Z","article","The Oakland County committee recorded formal recommendations and votes on a number of items during its May 14 meeting. The following is a compact listing of actions, motions and reported tallies taken on items discussed in committee.

- Oakland 80 quarterly report (Communications, item 7a): Committee voted to receive the report. Recorded tally: 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion: receive the Oakland 80 quarterly report.

- Consent agenda (items 8a–8b): Fiscal-year 2025 appropriations for the tri-party road improvement program with the city of Southfield (project 57571) and Groveland Township (project 58182). Motion to approve consent agenda carried by voice vote; recorded tally reported as 7 yeas, 0 nays.

- County executive recommendation (item 9): Recommend to finance the development agreement with Endeavor Pontiac Partners LLC (parking decks and site improvements in Pontiac). Motion moved by Commissioner Markham and supported by Commissioner Miller. Recorded tally: 5 yeas, 2 nays. Action forwarded to county finance committee for consideration of bond authorization and related resolutions.

- Water Resources Commission (item 10a): Recommend pledging Oakland County's full faith and credit to refinance the Oakland–Macomb Interceptor Drain drainage district (state loan/refinance asked by Michigan Treasury). Recorded tally: 7 yeas, 0 nays.

- Water Resources Commission (item 10b): Recommendation to finance issuance of bonds for improvements to the City of Pontiac water distribution system (SRF program coordination). Recorded tally: 6 yays, 0 nays.

- Water Resources Commission (item 10c): Amend scope/extend contract with Auger Klein Aller Architects, Inc. for design services related to the public works building; information and amendment forwarded. Recorded tally: 6 yays, 0 nays.

- Economic Development (item 11a): Professional services contract with Lakeside Advisory Services LLC (Jean Broad) for international and trade-related economic development work (former employee protocols disclosed). Recorded tally: 6 yays, 0 nays.

- Facilities management (selected items): Multiple recommended forwardings to finance and contract approvals: (12a) Health Lab relocation to the medical examiner's building (funding supplement requested; HRSA grant plus CIP); (12b) roof replacement at Building 49 West; (12c) probate court e-filing service-center project; (12d) purchase agreement for lakefront parcels on W. Walton Boulevard for park expansion. Committee recorded these motions as approved (votes reported during meeting typically reported as 6 yeas, 0 nays for the facilities items).

Notes: Many items were supported by staff presentations that included project exhibits and budget summaries. Multiple presenters emphasized procurement plans to include prequalified local contractors, prompt-pay language in major contracts, and ongoing community engagement for larger redevelopment projects. Several items will return to the board or to the county finance committee for final authorization (notably the Pontiac development agreement and any authorizations to issue bonds).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting 06-04-25","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members recorded votes on a range of county initiatives, including forwarding a Pontiac redevelopment financing request to the county finance committee (5-2) and approving water, facilities and professional-services items that will return to the full board or finance committee for final authorization.","taxTitle","Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",2835,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":44,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":50,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6536932,"Oakland County forwards Endeavor Pontiac development agreement to finance after debate over design, buy-local rules and pay terms",3328,4162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655817-de186e4da91ab00841e14a0c3d1b4a90&start=834&end=4162","/articles/6536932/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-forwards-Endeavor-Pontiac-development-agreement-to-finance-after-debate-over-design-buy-local-rules-and-pay-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536932-6881eee5a6507ddd29cb7ced3f10df3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489647&Signature=F~enGuNy19G8cZpNofTS3Ztm~r-jx7PLpA3KP7rCHzAZrMZ9O-P2utb1NgPQ90Fh6SDOKjYzJUuU5B1G0IANCsex-fm6U8IU1TOM1zpORMWH2QXkk5QFI-IdPJPvuHngcmqnjKKOEitgfbWkeLHU2v8BtJ7qyVNKLAnAgkjT7XUIXmuo14xYpF9hscvZE-0HYZdSvPqfPB8Fye6rn5IKSMQ8YNPmT0FYKykTfg5YFhVldK2Y2-yALxcCbBqUmkn1XIBalrYWAnj4wL~v6ljxXAIUlKz5XCSRmGGRuJNe-f9B7RO9fx6YvOyu7OcBO0RRfnWXX244G5ywvGc9hMftqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oakland County commissioners voted to recommend to the county finance committee a development agreement with Endeavor Pontiac Partners LLC that would fund construction of two parking garages and related site work in downtown Pontiac. The committee approved forwarding the measure after extended presentation by county staff and questions from multiple commissioners; the motion passed 5-2.

County officials said the project is framed as a redevelopment, revitalization and “reconnect” effort intended to improve downtown Pontiac’s walkability and to support county operations. “This is not a construction project. This is a strategic investment,” said Megan Sellers, deputy county executive, during the presentation, describing the partnership as a public-led effort to attract private development and restore connections across the site.

The agreement covers two garages: a seven-level “South Deck” with 610 spaces and a five-level “North Deck” with 429 spaces, according to slides presented to the committee. County staff said the South Deck would be prioritized so county tenants in the nearby 51111 building would retain parking during construction. Presentation materials shown to the committee also identified about 2 acres of vacated county-owned land included in the memorandum of agreement tied to the project and conceptual locations for future mixed-use, townhome and hotel development adjacent to the garages.

Bridal Leffler, the county chief financial officer, told commissioners the financing approach would use limited general-obligation-style bonds backed by the county’s general operating millage (a “full faith and credit” pledge). Leffler said debt service for the new bonds is being timed to dovetail with bonds that will retire in 2027 so residents should not see a tax-rate increase attributable to the project. The county’s finance team also said an allowance for recent tariffs and cost escalation was built into the budget and that the bonding resolution includes language permitting the county to reimburse itself from general funds before bond issuance.

Project documents attached to the county resolution include a form of development agreement already signed by the developer team, design exhibits, a project cost schedule and a construction timeline. Staff emphasized two contract clauses added at the county’s request: (1) a prompt-pay clause requiring payment to approved contractors/subcontractors within five business days of county approval of invoices; and (2) monthly public reporting on project activity. Sellers told the committee those terms were intended to support small businesses, county-based vendors and minority- and women-owned firms in Pontiac and Oakland County.

Endeavor and its consultant team joined the presentation. County staff named several members of the developer team and technical advisors attending, including Peter Munson of PMCO and Randy Roth, and referenced engineers and architects on the team.

Commissioners pressed on multiple topics during the roughly three-hour discussion: procurement and subcontracting opportunities for local firms, the effect of global steel/rebar tariffs on project costs, whether first-floor retail should be incorporated into the North Deck (staff said adding retail would add roughly $6 million because of additional structural requirements), pedestrian connectivity and “desire-line” walkways, how transit and existing bus stops will be integrated, security needs around an active demolition site, the possibility of condominiuming or subleasing deck floors in the future and whether the decks could be designed to accommodate future uses (for example, EV charging and vertical elevator/charging stacks). Commissioner Johnson repeatedly pressed on rebar and tariff risk and on pedestrian design; Commissioner Woodward asked about ownership and long-term maintenance; several commissioners urged first-floor retail where the deck fronts public space.

Pierre (project technical lead) and county staff said the development team had already held community engagement events and planned additional outreach; staff noted a town-hall-style meeting with city and project representatives scheduled in the coming week near the Phoenix Place Apartments to address demolition impacts and tenant questions. Sellers said the county and developer will continue community engagement and that the project team has created a project webpage and local outreach channels for feedback.

The committee moved the item to finance on a voice vote after debate. The recorded committee tally reported in the meeting audio was five yeas and two nays.

The agreement will return to the Board of Commissioners for final approvals required for bond authorization and any future authorizations needed to sell or condo out floors. Staff said they expect further design, procurement and bonding steps to return to the board before construction begins.

Why it matters: County staff and the developer framed the work as a catalytic public investment intended to unlock private redevelopment in Pontiac’s downtown while ensuring county operational needs (employee and tenant parking) are met. Commissioners’ questions focused on the balance between maximizing immediate county utility (parking for county tenants) and fostering street-level activity that supports retail and long-term downtown vibrancy.

What’s next: The measure was forwarded to the county finance committee for consideration of the bonding request and the formal financial resolutions required to issue county-backed debt and to reimburse preliminary expenditures; additional board votes will be needed to issue bonds and approve final contract execution.","Oakland County commissioners voted to recommend to the county finance committee a development agreement with Endeavor Pontiac Partners LLC to build two parking garages and site improvements in downtown Pontiac, forwarding the proposal after extended questioning about design, procurement and pay terms; the committee recorded a 5-2 vote to send the matter to finance.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6536927,"Oakland County presents Oakland 80 workforce report; staff say program removed $7.5M in barriers and directs residents to Oakland80 resources",606,144000,750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3655817-de186e4da91ab00841e14a0c3d1b4a90&start=144&end=750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3655817-de186e4da91ab00841e14a0c3d1b4a90/thumbnail_144000.jpg","/articles/6536927/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-presents-Oakland-80-workforce-report-staff-say-program-removed-75M-in-barriers-and-directs-residents-to-Oakland80-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536927-e7ec5aa1a74f49dfa4d803b3213c6cef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489647&Signature=lL~9xz0uxt-TwROzxalMErA--3ZphHYuAwiBs~EFauKRYEdH5sOqh~IoyUpggMLwOMu3n5imeL-FGjFQAIvEPJroLZpKzceZpGVSOfo~1mMm2XMoKTAXbbyvyCVIOd9Vpg48k0WZMaOXK-3UG~y1Avw9FSVnyWJzeYVc8h-Red1Tw0LL7t5GS-IQP1PlBF4YpEDBQK2A-OurER9MBQ7cMqxOF48Mhc2EaN6ABn4T-zgOjeHDaQ2c9LtHdGIr0x8PFaOxdY1cUtn9tSQvPmHpEKjMNOVfEWjYfldj4rB2n6cza2UEX8EziNGhd3SZJdSWRNPuVkrTWTsqQW1GP7pipA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oakland County staff presented a cumulative quarterly report on the county's Oakland 80 career and education initiative, describing outreach efforts, in-school navigators and a barrier-removal fund county officials said has helped residents overcome costs that limit postsecondary enrollment.

Jennifer Leland, a county staff member who led the presentation, told commissioners the report covers activity from the program's inception through Dec. 31 of the most recent reporting period. \"That's a cumulative report from the time of inception and exception of the resolution by the board up until, in this case, we have the data through December 31,\" Leland said. She said the next report will cover activity through March.

Leland said Oakland 80 has a suite of services: career-and-education navigators who are stationed at high schools and community locations, a flexible workforce assistance program that deploys success coaches to partner employers, and a business resource network that places success coaches at participating companies to help employees remain employed. She described outreach methods including social media, bus signs, billboards, direct mailings to targeted ZIP codes and thousands of community events.

Leland and commissioners discussed program details: Leland said there are now 19 Oakland 80 career-and-education navigators placed in high schools across the county and that the program operates a barrier-removal fund; she said about \"$7,500,000 of barrier removal\" has been spent to help residents with costs such as car repairs, books and supplies. She also referenced Michigan Reconnect tuition assistance and said the county supplements that program for incidental costs that can prevent participation.

Leland told commissioners that residents can reach Oakland 80 by calling +1 (888) 559-4360 and can find program information at Oakland80.com, Oakland80.org and OakGov.com/OaklandEighty; county social media handles include \"Oakland County\" and \"Oakland County Michigan Works\" across platforms.

Commissioners asked about timelines and spending. Leland said spending has been methodical to ensure program funds last through the program's current authorization; she noted the high-school navigator line item showed lower percent spent because many high-school navigators were onboarded only in September, producing a lower spend-to-date percentage that she expects will accelerate.

After the presentation Commissioner Smiley moved to receive the report; the committee's tally reported in the meeting audio was seven yeas and zero nays.

Why it matters: Oakland 80 is an Oakland County-funded workforce and education effort that the county says connects residents to postsecondary education, employer supports and barrier-removal assistance. The program combines in-school navigators, employer-facing services and a fund for immediate costs that inhibit education or employment.

What to watch: Staff said program reporting will continue quarterly; commissioners and staff noted ongoing outreach and an upcoming marketing push for fall postsecondary enrollment.","County staff presented a cumulative quarterly report on the Oakland 80 workforce and education initiative, describing outreach activity, career navigators stationed in high schools and a barrier-removal fund. Commissioners moved to receive the report.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Oakland County committee forwards Pontiac redevelopment to finance; approves a range of county projects and bond referrals

Oakland County forwards Endeavor Pontiac development agreement to finance after debate over design, buy-local rules and pay terms

Oakland County presents Oakland 80 workforce report; staff say program removed $7.5M in barriers and directs residents to Oakland80 resources