Oakland County highlights loan‑forgiveness outreach: 3,292 users and $32.7 million projected

Oakland County committee members heard an update on a county outreach program that helps residents apply for federal and state loan‑forgiveness programs, with staff reporting 3,292 people connected to the service and a projected $32.7 million in total forgiveness.

The presentation described the county’s role in assisting residents with paperwork and referrals. County and program staff told the committee the $32.7 million figure is a projected total based on enrolled users and likely program outcomes; committee members pressed for clearer metrics on how much money has actually been discharged so far versus the projection.

Commissioners asked for a breakdown of ‘engagement’ versus completed applications and for average savings per enrolled resident. Presenters said the program tracks engagement (initial connections) and users (those who follow through on an application) separately; at the meeting staff gave an average annual savings figure near $1,700 as an illustrative metric but noted that figure represents an average projection rather than audited, realized discharges.

Questions at the meeting also covered eligibility and whether nonprofit employees are treated differently; presenters said nonprofits can be eligible for some forgiveness programs and that the outreach team helps nonprofit employees and small‑business owners identify and complete applications.

The committee did not take formal action on the update but asked staff to return with clearer, audited figures showing money actually forgiven to date and a more explicit definition of the program’s engagement and success metrics.