Board of Commissioners unanimously adopts bipartisan budget focused on housing and human services, public health and safety, and workforce development

Board of Commissioners unanimously adopts bipartisan budget focused on housing and human services, public health and safety, and workforce development

September 18, 2025, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI.- At the Sept. 18 Board meeting, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the triennial county budget for fiscal years (FY) 2026-2028, which includes more than $1.1 billion for FY 2026.

"This budget makes some of our greatest investments in the people of Oakland County, the services that strengthen our quality of life, and the availability of safe and affordable housing for all," Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) said. "The efforts made across the aisle to ensure this is a balanced, fiscally sound budget demonstrate the strength of our leadership and the focus we place on the well-being of our residents."

The FY 2026 balanced budget was adopted following a thorough, collaborative and bipartisan endeavor. County Executive David Coulter first proposed the three-year budget to the Board of Commissioners on July 17, 2025. After this proposal, the Finance Committee hosted 24 budget hearings with county department leaders to perform an in-depth review of the plan.

As part of the budget review process, commissioners made adjustments to ensure alignment with the county's priorities and residents' current needs, creating a transparent, sustainable and truly balanced budget. The adopted FY 2026 includes:

• $2 million for the Oakland County Housing Trust Fund to assist in the construction of more than 120 units of affordable housing over the next three years
• $200,000 for emergency housing shelter needs
• $650,000 for the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Unit
• $250,000 for the Clerk/Register of Deeds to begin digitization of vital records for public access and preservation
• Continuation of funding to allow Oakland County residents and employees to access Savi services to assist with student loan debt repayment navigation
• Expansion of beach water quality monitoring to sample an additional 200 beaches each week during the summer
• Creation of new positions within the county, including:
  • Circuit Court personnel to support an increased caseload
  • Veterans Benefits Counselor to meet the growing demand for benefits navigation and claims support
  • Oakland Connects Housing Coordinator to provide additional support for housing of residents experiencing homelessness
  • Sheriff's Office Sergeant for the Human Trafficking Task Force

"Oakland County continues to demonstrate its dedication to preserving our financial foundation with this year's budget," Commissioner Gwen Markham(D-Novi), who chairs the Finance Committee, said. "The budget for the next three years will continue to fund some of the county's most successful initiatives and also includes funding for new programs and much needed staff members to allow us to expand and provide even more support for our residents' needs. As always, I am grateful for the hard work of the Finance Committee, Board staff and all the staff members from county departments who participated in budget hearings. They all put a great deal of time and effort into creating another responsible, balanced budget."

The total budget funds for fiscal years 2026, 2027 and 2028 are $1.15 billion, $1.11 billion and $1.13 billion respectively.

With the 2026-2028 budget, the county prioritizes public health and safety, housing and human services, and workforce investment while maintaining Oakland County's reputation for fiscal responsibility.

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit OakGov.com/BOC or call 248-858-0100.