Oakland County approves development agreement for Pontiac parking decks after heated debate

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners on June 11 approved a development agreement with Endeavor Pontiac Partners LLC for construction of parking decks and site improvements in downtown Pontiac, passing the measure 10-8.

Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, moved the measure. “I am before the body to bring item 14a, the development agreement with Endeavor Pontiac Partners, LLC for the construction of parking decks and site improvements in Pontiac, Michigan,” she said as she introduced the item.

Supporters said the parking and site improvements are central to revitalizing Pontiac’s downtown and enabling reuse of buildings. Commissioner Brendan Johnson said the project will “revitalize our county seat” and create jobs, and Commissioner Miller added that the work will support mental health by providing employment opportunities. “This will revitalize our county seat. It’ll also revitalize the city of Pontiac,” Miller said.

Opponents raised questions about the cost and the project’s financial case. Commissioner Joliet said she opposed the larger plan because of “the amount of money that we’re spending in one single community” and questioned language in a county press release that, she said, did not justify the stated math linking a $174,000,000 budget to projected savings. “It initially says the $174,000,000 budget for the county’s downtown Pontiac revitalization project was approved on May 23… that doesn’t justify the math,” she said.

Commissioner Spitz and Commissioner Cavell also opposed the measure, citing a lack of detailed financial documents and raising concerns that the project’s total cost could be substantially higher once financing costs are included. Spitz said materials handed out in caucus showed four line items and that, as presented, the project could cost “a total of $303,000,000 before accounting for bond interest,” and noted a $30,000,000 borrowing from county savings described in materials.

After debate the clerk reported the vote tally: “There are 10 yays, 8 nays,” and the resolution was adopted. The motion was made by Commissioner Smith Charles and seconded by Commissioner Angela Powell.

The agreement directs staff to execute the development agreement with Endeavor Pontiac Partners LLC; the transcript did not record further contract details such as the timeline for construction, specific financing instruments, or bond terms. Commissioners who requested additional financial documentation did not have those documents entered into the record during this meeting.

The board also handled related items later in the Economic Development and Infrastructure agenda, including an amendment to an architect contract and other administrative approvals for county projects.

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Votes and next steps: The board approved the development agreement 10-8. The transcript did not specify exact construction start dates or bond issuance schedules; any required administrative steps or external approvals were not detailed on the record.