Enter the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win $1,000, $500 or $250

Woman holds a sign that says, "I heart shopping small and local."

Oakland County launched the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes, which gives residents a way to promote their favorite small businesses in the county and win some cash for the holidays.

From Nov. 1 through Nov. 25, shoppers can submit a selfie from small businesses’ brick-and-mortar locations, including its exterior, signage or interior. Created by Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development with financial sponsorship from  Genisys Credit Union,  participants have the chance to win $1,000, $500 or $250.

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2023 Black History Month Events in Oakland County

black history month graphic

February is Black History Month! To learn more about Black history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.

This originally began as Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, following the Civil Rights movement, the weekly observance transformed into a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month.

Listen to Oakland County Executive David Coulter share his thoughts on Black History Month in the video below.

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Radon Test Kits Half Off During the Month of January

In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, Oakland County encourages residents to take action and test their homes for radon by offering radon test kits half-price ($5) all month.

What is radon you ask? Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is usually harmless outdoors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

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Oakland County Mobile Boat Cleaning Stations Help Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Mobile boat cleaning station at park

Oakland County is home to thousands of lakes and rivers our residents use for boating and paddling, fishing, and hunting. These outdoor activities can unintentionally disperse aquatic invasive species (AIS); non-native plants, animals, and other organisms that can harm our local economy, environment and even our health.

In the summer of 2020, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners established the Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose (CD3) Pilot Program to raise awareness about the dangers of aquatic invasive species and to educate residents about how to help prevent the spread of these species in Oakland County waters.

The CD3 Pilot Program utilizes mobile boat cleaning stations to empower local water enthusiasts to better protect Oakland County waterways. These stations help users to clean, drain and dry their watercraft, and to dispose of any living organisms (plant or animal) that may be clinging to the crafts. With support from Oakland County Parks and Recreation, the pilot program ran for the final weeks of the 2020 boating season, throughout the 2021 season, and just launched for the 2022 season.

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2022 NoHaz Collection Days

Paint being collected at NoHaz event

Let Oakland County’s NoHaz Collection team help you safely dispose of household hazardous materials ranging from pesticides, paints, air fresheners, propane cylinders, cleaning solutions, prescription medicines, and more.

You’d be surprised just how many everyday items are considered hazardous waste. Many of the objects that help us in our daily lives become dangerous when disposed of alongside regular rubbish. Do you have an item you’re unsure about? View lists of accepted and non-accepted materials in the FAQ section of Advantage Oakland’s NoHaz web page, or call the NoHaz Hotline at 248-858-5656.

2022 NoHaz Collection Dates and Locations

Registration links will be posted approximately three weeks prior to each collection event.

All events will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 30

Oakland County Service Center Campus
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac
Follow signs once on campus

Saturday, June 4

Oxford Middle School
1420 Lakeville Road, Oxford
From M24/Lapeer Road, travel east on Burdick Street

Saturday, July 23

Kensington Church
4640 S, Lapeer Road, Orion Township

Saturday, September 24

Oakland County Service Center Campus
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac
Follow signs once on campus

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