OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

 

Recovery Plan Performance Report

as of July 31, 2021

Submitted to the U.S. Department of Treasury

Under the Requirements of the American Rescue Plan Act

Oakland County, Michigan • 1200 N. Telegraph Road • Pontiac, MI 48341
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

1

Table of Contents

General Overview..................................................................................................................... 1

Section 1.0 - Executive Summary ........................................................................................ 2-3

Section 2.0 - Uses of Funds................................................................................................. 4-5

Section 3.0 - Promoting Equitable Outcomes....................................................................... 6-7

Section 4.0 - Community Engagement.................................................................................... 7

Section 5.0 - Labor Practices.................................................................................................. 7

Section 6.0 - Use of Evidence................................................................................................. 8

Section 7.0 - Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category ..................................................... 8

Project Inventory................................................................................................................. 9-12
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

2

SECTION 1.0 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Oakland County (the “County”) presents its Recovery Plan Performance Report (“Recovery Plan”) 

for the period ending July 31, 2021, as required by the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). 

The County was awarded $ 244,278,949 in ARPA funds for the purposes of developing projects 

that address the immediate needs of the negative health and economic impacts experienced by 

residents, community organizations, and business owners from COVID-19. As of the reporting 

period ending July 31, 2021, the County does not have ARPA related expenses against the ARPA 

appropriations authorized by the Board of Commissioners.

The County’s goals are to create projects that are interconnected with the primary objective of 

ARPA funding, which is to address the pandemic’s economic fallout and lay the foundation for a 

strong and equitable recovery. 

The County Executive immediately convened a COVID-19 Community and Economic task force 

to gather input from a broad-range of county stakeholders. This task force, reviewed data, met in 

subcommittees and considered recommendations by the County Executive. In June and July,

the Board of Commissioners approved the use of American Rescue Plan Funds to address the 

following acute needs:

MENTAL HEALTH: Funding was allocated to support non-profits providing mental 

health services and to address mental health concerns in our schools and 

emergency rooms.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Funding was allocated to provide legal assistance to 

residents facing foreclosure and eviction. Funds were also allocated for landlord 

mitigation assistance.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Funding was allocated to provide wrap around 

services, including child care to residents transitioning back to work or looking for 

new jobs. Funds were also allocated to support residents seeking training and 

educational opportunities to upgrade their skills as a result of COVID-19.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Funding was allocated to help businesses recovering 

from COVID, including professional services such as counseling and technical 

assistance.
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

3

SECTION 1.0 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (CONTINUED)

The above priorities are currently in the implementation stage. As the County starts these 

programs over the next 2-5 months, we are also awaiting State action on the $5.7 billion of ARPA

dollars they have received to determine if there are opportunities for county funds to match and 

leverage their efforts. We are talking with cities, villages, and townships to understand their 

priorities. 

The County is now evaluating long-term community needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 public 

health emergency and its negative impacts. The County has identified the following focus areas:

Health Care Increase access to quality mental, physical, and behavioral health care and

reduce health care disparities by addressing the social determinants of 

health.

Housing and Food Insecurity Address the long-term need for quality public housing by creating a system 

that provides affordable housing options throughout the county and reduce

homelessness.

Workforce Development Advance the number of residents with a post-secondary degree or 

certification, eliminate barriers to employment, and ensure a pipeline of skilled 

workers for local businesses.

Economic Innovation Establish an economic eco-system that supports advanced technologies and 

entrepreneurship. Recognizing the role of Foreign Direct Investment in our 

county economy, the county seeks to retain its ranking as a global destination 

while supporting increased opportunity for female and minority-owned 

businesses.

Environmental Sustainability Address climate change and preserve our natural resources. Recognizing 

that our expansive park and trail system, thousands of lakes, and recreational 

opportunities contribute greatly to our quality of life, the county seeks to build 

on this and ensure all residents benefit.

Placemaking and Infrastructure Partner with local governments to reinvest in critical water and sewer 

infrastructure. Invest in arts, culture, and other initiatives to promote vibrant 

and thriving communities.

Improving Government 

Operations

Fund direct efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within Oakland County 

using tools not eligible under other federal/state funding sources; facilitate 

more effective and efficient remote work by County employees under county 

and departmental remote/hybrid work policies; enable residents to access 

County services using online platforms, reducing the need for in-person 

interactions with County departments; and ensure residents are fully served 

by the county efficiently and equitably. 
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

4

SECTION 2.0 - USES OF FUNDS

Oakland County intends to use these identified funds to support a strong and equitable recovery 

from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn by employing the following strategies:

• Focus on programs that improve mental and physical well-being of individuals and the 

community.

• Focus on programs that support development of youth both inside and outside of a 

classroom setting.

• Focus on programs that support residents with housing challenges by providing

assistance to residents facing eviction and other civil matters related to financial 

hardship caused by the pandemic.

• Focus on programs that support Small Businesses’ recovery from the economic 

downturn.

• Focus on providing wraparound services to those seeking employment, training, and 

educational opportunities as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.

The County believes employing these strategies will maximize impact and provide effective, 

efficient, and equitable outcomes.

The strategies described above will support the communities, populations, and individuals in 

Oakland County by:

• Providing mental and behavioral health support necessary for individuals and families to 

recover.

• Mitigating the impact of uncertainties brought about by the pandemic and economic 

downturn.

• Providing individuals with the opportunity and the resources to upgrade their skills and 

gain employment.

• Supporting businesses and their employees by developing joint strategies to increase 

employee retention, provide supportive services, share best practices, and take 

advantage of opportunities funded through other programming. 

The County has created a stringent approval process to ensure control over the expenditure of 

American Recovery Plan Act funds. After project formation by County departments and 

committees, each project undergoes an internal program eligibility review to ensure the funds 

are an eligible use under the ARPA guidelines, incorporating review and recommendations from

an independent consulting firm. Finally, the projects are submitted to the County Board of 

Commissioners for review and formal approval. Before incurring any obligations or expenses, 

the county generates full program documentation, which is reviewed by both legal counsel and 

the independent consultants. 
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

5

SECTION 2.0 - USES OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)

The County plans to leverage the use of other federal recovery funds to maximize coverage and 

success. As projects are considered, the County will look to leverage other potential Federal, 

State, Local and private funding opportunities.

The County’s strategies will promote each designated expenditure category, in the following 

ways:

Public Health (EC 1) - The county will promote Public Health by putting multiple programs in 

place to support the mental and behavioral health and well-being of disproportionately impacted 

residents, as well as supporting youth programs and emergency room mental health services, 

among other programs.

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2) – The County will address Negative Economic Impacts 

from the pandemic by creating and implementing programs around job training assistance, 

small business economic assistance, housing assistance, and support for individuals facing 

barriers to access education and/or certifications.

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) - In partnership with local 

community organizations, the County plans to invest in housing support for disproportionately 

impacted communities, including homeless residents.

Premium Pay (EC4) – The County is not considering premium pay for employees at this time. 

Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure (EC 5) - The County is researching

infrastructure planning programs to determine the best path to improve access to quality water, 

sewer, and broadband services. 

Revenue Replacement (EC 6) – The County plans to improve current and future 

communications in times of crisis. County Management is confident this will have widespread 

and lasting impact to the County’s residents.
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

6

SECTION 3.0 - PROMOTING EQUITABLE OUTCOMES 

The County is committed to operationalizing equity. This year, with the support of the Board of 

Commissioners, an independent contractor was hired to conduct an equity audit of county 

services. A thorough analysis was done of county programs including outcomes. Stakeholder 

interviews were conducted and comparisons with peer counties were evaluated. The 

comprehensive data as well as recommendations for improving county services are nearing 

completion and will be presented in September. This equity audit will provide a comprehensive 

baseline on Equity Goals, Awareness, Access and Distribution, and Outcomes. 

The County’s acute spending programs are intended to improve equitable outcomes and address 

the following areas:

• Mental and Behavioral Health 

• At-risk Youth 

• Housing Insecurity

• Under and Unemployed individuals

• Small Business 

The County is taking several approaches to ensure access to the first round of programs that are 

currently in the design phase. These measures include:

• Contracting with expert and trusted non-profits to deliver housing foreclosure and eviction 

assistance.

• Contracting with United Way for Southeastern Michigan to access its vast network of nonprofits to ensure awareness of the mental health grants.

• Partnering with the county’s mental health authority, Federal qualified health center and 

Intermediate School District to design the school mental health support system.

• Utilizing the county’s six workforce offices to reach under-and unemployed individuals.

• Utilizing the county’s economic development department, business liaisons and Main 

Street partnership staff to support the business navigators in reaching small businesses.

The County is establishing a Pandemic Response Ad Hoc Oversight Committee to provide 

oversight to the pandemic response efforts and ensure that levels of access to benefits are 

equitable, including removing administrative barriers to access. A similar framework was used 

by the County successfully to manage the distribution of CARES Act funding.

Finally, the County has established a new Department of Public Communications and community 

engagement to improve communication to the community regarding public health emergencyrelated information and resources that will be available through the County’s SLFRF funds.

The first phase of the County’s expenditure of funds targets acute or emergency needs that have 

been identified in the community including mental health services, workforce shortages and 

housing insecurity/threat of foreclosure or eviction. These programs are still in the planning 

stages, but equity and access to services is a top priority of the county. In addition, the 

comprehensive Equity Audit of all county services will provide a future roadmap.
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

7

SECTION 3.0 - PROMOTING EQUITABLE OUTCOMES (CONTINUED)

Future submissions will share outcomes and address challenges. Project outcome data will be 

developed as projects are implemented and report criteria established. The County is evaluating 

the most effective approach(es) to ensuring that equitable outcomes are achieved under current 

federal guidance.

Larger projects approved to date are broad based geographically but targeted to groups 

disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Some future projects are likely to target specific 

geographic areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, but those determinations have not 

yet been made.

SECTION 4.0 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 

The County is committed to engaging the community to develop projects that are pivotal in 

shaping the strength, sustainability, and equity of The County’s recovery from COVID-19 

pandemic and future economic growth. 

Community Engagement strategies that have been undertaken to date include:

County Executive COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force - The Task Force is comprised 

business, education, labor, health care, community and local government leaders. The work of 

the task force, and subgroups formed across specific priority policy areas, informed initial projects 

to address the acute County needs and guiding principles to be utilized in the development and 

presentation of proposals. The guiding principles require that proposed programs address equity, 

effectiveness, sustainability, efficiency, prioritization and are transformative. 

Department of Public Communications - The County recognized the need to improve 

communication with the Community. The Public Communication Department was created to 

centralize and improve overall effectiveness of public communication and community 

engagement.

Survey of Local Governments - The County is conducting a survey of all local units of 

government to understand their priorities and to identify areas where cooperation and resource 

leveraging make sense for all levels of government.

SECTION 5.0 - LABOR PRACTICES 

No infrastructure projects have been approved to date. The County has experience in 

administering labor requirements as required by state and federal grants. Projects using federal 

funds will comply with all applicable federal labor requirements. The county has also instituted its 

own responsible contracting policy which focuses on elevating the importance of safety on the 

job.
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

8

SECTION 6.0 - USE OF EVIDENCE 

The County will address use of evidence for the projects as listed below. 

• The application process for the Mental and Behavioral Health expenditure of $10 

million requires interventions be evidence-based and delivered by State of Michigan 

licensed professionals in good standing. This competitive grant process will be 

administered by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, an agency deeply immersed 

in the social services and well versed in confirming such interventions. Funds allocated 

thus far are not directed toward evaluation as there is the expectation that they will be 

spent within a year to address acute mental and behavioral health needs of County 

residents, leaving inadequate time for evaluation design and implementation.

• Future awards will monitor the amount of funds allocated to evidence-based 

interventions for appropriate expenditure categories.

SECTION 7 - TABLE OF EXPENSES BY EXPENDITURE CATEGORY 

As of the reporting period ending July 31, 2021, the County does not have ARPA related 

expenses against the ARPA appropriations authorized by the Board of Commissioners.
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

 

9

PROJECT INVENTORY AND OVERVIEW

Expenditure Project

Project Allocation Project Number Group Category Description

Oakland 80 Career Navigators 

MR# 21283 adopted on 06/23/2021

$2,874,000 100000003457 2 2.7 Project will fund 6‐12 Oakland80 Career Navigators, embedded in 

communities throughout Oakland County. Navigators will help 

individuals understand their skills and the potential education and 

training paths to gain access to high quality, in-demand jobs with

pathways to advancement. Navigators, also known as success coaches, 

will ensure the positive outcome of the residents accepted into the 

Michigan Reconnect and Future for Frontliners program. 

Oakland County Business Resource Network 

Success Coaches (in partnership with OLHSA)

MR# 21283 adopted on 06/23/2021

$1,050,000 100000003457 2 2.9 Project will build on an ongoing successful partnership with OLHSA to 

deploy three Success Coaches to support businesses and their 

employees with employee retention. Coaches guide the development 

of joint strategies to increase employee retention, provide supportive 

services, and share best practices. Topics include childcare, 

transportation, employee health and wellness, education/training, and 

other employee-focused needs

Flexible financial assistance for individuals 

facing barriers to access education/certification

MR# 21283 adopted on 06/23/2021

$1,500,000 100000003457 2 2.3 Project will empower Michigan Works! to provide assistance to

individuals facing financial barriers limiting access to career credential 

and higher education programs. This targeted assistance mirrors aid 

provided through federal funding for barriers to employment, including 

support for transportation, childcare, work clothing, books and 

supplies, housing, utilities and training/education opportunities. The 

County will establish six offices throughout Oakland County to services 

the community. 
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

10

PROJECT INVENTORY AND OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

Expenditure Project

Project Allocation Project Number Group Category Description

Enhanced services for child welfare-involved

families facing negative economic impacts

MR# 21283 adopted on 06/23/2021

$1,200,000 100000003457 2 2.3 Project will provide an equitable recovery related to childcare for 

disproportionately impacted individuals and families seeking a return 

to work. The County will grant $1,200 per household to families where 

childcare is a barrier to employment. The grant is limited to 1,000 

households who qualify at up to 300% of the U.S. federal poverty 

guidelines or meet Oakland County Michigan Works! Agency’s 

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Dislocated Worker, Adult, 

or Youth Program Eligibility guidelines. The childcare scholarship will

support families with coverage costs which include co-pays, application

fees, direct care costs, and more.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Non-Profit Grant

Program

MR #21284 adopted on 06/30/2021

$10,000,000 100000003458 1 1.10 Project will support non-profits delivering mental health services in the

community and build upon the success of the partnership between 

United Way of Southeastern Michigan and Oakland County established 

in 2020. In partnership with the County, United Way will administer 

the grant to provide assistance to non-profit organizations delivering

mental health services. 

Youth Assistance Grant (appropriated from 

$2m assignment above)

MR# 21316 adopted on 08/05/2021 

$50,000 100000003509 2 2.3 Project will support services to youth. The county will contract Oakland 

County Youth Assistance Coordinating Council to administer the Youth 

Assistance Grant program and to distribute funding for eligible 

expenses. This project allows the County to provide assistance to at

risk youth and their families impacted by the pandemic. The project 

initiatives or support fall into three categories: emergency needs, 

mental health and skill building. 
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

11

PROJECT INVENTORY AND OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

Expenditure Project

Project Allocation Project Number Group Category Description

Housing Legal Aid and Assistance

MR# 21284 adopted on 06/30/2021

$2,000,000 100000003459 2 2.5 Project will support the County’s partnership with Lakeshore Legal Aid 

and the Legal Aid and Defender Association to provide assistance to 

residents facing eviction and other civil matters related to financial 

hardship caused by the pandemic. Organizations will assist individuals 

in need with gaining access to financial assistance available through 

government and community agencies.

Small Business Recovery and Resilience 

Business Professional Services Assistance Grant 

Program

MR # 21284 adopted on 06/30/2021

$2,500,000 100000003460 2 2.9 Project will renew a successful program that was utilized in 2020 to 

provide support to businesses and non-profits with obtaining

professional services (i.e., accountants, attorneys, consultants). This 

project will utilize business community navigators to provide 

counseling and assistance to businesses and organizations with 

technical assistance in obtaining federal, state and local relief 

resources. Targeted outreach will be made in underserved 

communities by partnering with organizations with deep roots in 

those communities.

Unlocking Doors Oakland Program in 

partnership with Alliance for Housing

MR# 21176 adopted on 07/27/2021

$315,000 100000003512 3 3.11 Project will support the County’s “Unlocking Doors Oakland” program 

that was established in response to COVID-19 for the purposes of

encouraging landlords to rent to homeless persons who lack sufficient 

credit and rental payment references, or who are otherwise perceived 

as a high-risk tenant. Under the program, homeless persons who

receive a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) with a Homeless Preference 

or Permanent Supportive Housing through the Alliance for Housing’s 

special programs are to be eligible. Project funding is earmarked to 

reimburse the expenses to landlords for damages that exceed the 

amount covered by a tenant’s security deposits. The project will fund 

claims made during a tenant’s first eighteen months in housing and 

claim amounts are capped at a maximum of $3,000 per tenant. 
OAKLAND COUNTY RECOVERY PLAN

12

PROJECT INVENTORY AND OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

Expenditure Project

Project Allocation Project Number Group Category Description

Business Community Navigators

MR# 21284 adopted on 06/30/2021

$500,000 100000003461 2 2.9 Project will allow the Economic Development Department to obtain 

the services of business community navigators to provide counseling 

and technical assistance to Oakland County businesses and 

organizations in obtaining federal, state, and local relief resources. 

The County will target businesses owned and controlled by individuals 

qualifying as economically and socially disadvantaged. 

Arts, Beats, and Eats sponsorship (only $80K to 

be expended)

MR# 21310 adopted on 08/05/2021

$125,000 100000003503 2 2.12 Project will promote awareness in cultural diversity in arts, 

entertainment, and food programming and presentation. The event 

will be transformational in terms of impact to small business, mental 

health and celebrating a return to normalcy. In addition, the event, 

will fund the gate staffing and infrastructure support to support two 

initiatives: One initiative allocating a portion of admission revenue in 

partnership with Kroger to support food insecurity and support 

organizations that deal with hunger and food needs in the

community. A second initiative will focus on continuing meaningful 

support to participating non-profit organizations. Finally, the project

will support awareness for the LBGTQ community including possible 

direct support as developed by engagement conjunction with the 

LBGTQ community.

TOTAL $22,114,000