2023 State of the County Address Recap

Oakland County Executive, Dave Coulter, delivered his fourth annual State of the County address to an in-person audience at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield Township Tuesday night. The speech emphasized the county’s values of community, respect, inclusion and gratitude – which is why Coulter selected the Berman Center to host this year’s speech.

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Oakland County’s #OaklandTogether40 Under 40 Class of 2023

Oakland Together 40 graphic

Congratulations to the members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2023!

The 11th Oakland Together 40 Under 40 class honors young professionals who live and/or work in Oakland County. These individuals exemplify Oakland Together, Oakland County Executive David Coulter’s vision for a community working together to leverage its strengths, address its challenges, and find value in working with regional partners.

Approximately 175 candidates, born after Dec. 31, 1982, applied for the recognition. A panel of independent judges selected the new class.

Among the members are a cancer researcher, a reading specialist, a city finance director and firefighter, a lawyer and young leader in the Jewish community.

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2023 Fire & Ice Festival in Oakland County

The Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is back January 20th and 21st for another year of family fun and winter festivities that you can enjoy for FREE. The community celebration will be packed with events like axe throwing, cornhole, climbing wall, ice sculptures along Main Street, fireworks on both nights, The Big, Bright Light Show, live music, TasteFest, and so much more!

“The Fire & Ice Festival is a fun-filled opportunity to get out of the house, even in the depths of winter, to enjoy some fresh air and regain a sense of community. The event attracts thousands of people from across the region to get a taste of how joyful and active winter can really be.”

-Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter

The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday, January 20th and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. both days.

Take a look at our video for a preview of the fun:

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2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observations in and around Oakland County

Washington: Martin Luther King, Jr memorial monument on September 2, 2015 in Washington, DC.

As we reflect of the life of Dr. King, we cannot do so without considering his legacy of service to mankind. Observed as a national day of service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day encourages people to volunteer to improve their communities. Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. this upcoming MLK Day on Monday, January 16, by attending an event or participating in a day of service.

Learn more about the MLK Day of Service on their website, where you can also search for volunteer opportunities or register a project. The United Way and Volunteer Match have additional resources and opportunities to make it a “day on, not a day off.”

This year also marks the inaugural Oakland County Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Organized by the Oakland County Equity Council, various service projects were made available to Oakland County employees at several locations throughout the county.

“It is our hope that our staff throughout the county, in whatever ways they are able to do so, will assist us in demonstrating Oakland County’s commitment to the mission of Justice and Equality that Dr. King fought for so vehemently.”

​Oakland County Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Harry Weaver III

While Oakland County, Michigan Government offices are closed on Monday, January 16, Oakland County Parks and Recreation is offering a Free Park Entry Day in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. for the public to enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks, playgrounds, fishing spots and park amenities.

Browse the list of observations and commemorative events happening in and around Oakland County below:

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