Latest news with #StateoftheCounty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dreamers not alone: Others this year sought to bring MLB to Orlando, said mayor
Editor's note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The Orlando Dreamers, the well-known baseball effort spearheaded by the late Pat Williams, was not the only player trying to bring Major League Baseball to Central Florida this year, revealed Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. Advertisement Demings, during his June 6 State of the County address, said that he has been approached by other entities interested in bringing Orlando a team. This is the first time the county revealed additional groups were making moves simultaneously as the Dreamers — which Williams started in 2019. Demings did not identify the other groups and was unaware of whether they were still active. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal's website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ghost of Brooks Patterson and specter of Donald Trump collide in Oakland County
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter's recent State of the County speech was held on the campus of the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit. Prayer rooms were made available for attending Muslims observing Ramadan. It was another in a string of signs that Oakland County has come a long way from the lily-white, country-club image cultivated by Coulter's predecessor, the late L. Brooks Patterson. Coulter, an openly gay Democrat, was named to replace Patterson after he died in 2019, and has twice been reelected to the top county post. He's maintained Patterson's emphasis on providing quality government services and fiscal discipline ― including maintaining Oakland's coveted AAA bond rating ― but Coulter has set a different tone in this once staunchly Republican county. And he says he's taking a broader view of county government's responsibilities at a time of great upheaval, which he largely blames on the actions of President Donald Trump's administration. 'The current turmoil in our county comes on top of a period of tremendous economic and societal disruption caused by Covid,' Coulter said in the March State of the County speech. Coulter's administration reflects a remarkable transition in Oakland County politics. After decades of Republican control, only one elected countywide GOP official remains: Sheriff Michael Bouchard. Democrats hold a seven-seat majority on the 19-member county board of commissioners. Patterson was a combative, business-oriented Republican who took an 'Oakland County first' approach to regional governance and economic development efforts. He was also a notorious Detroit basher, often using racially tinged language to demean the majority-Black city. It was something that, unfortunately, endeared him to many of his constituents. Perhaps Patterson's worst moment was a 2014 New Yorker magazine profile in which he said Detroit should become 'an Indian reservation, where we herd all the Indians into the city, build a fence around it, and then throw in the blankets and corn.' Opinion flashback: Noted troll Brooks Patterson makes Klan joke, proves obsolescence But Patterson's administration of the state's second-largest county, from a business perspective, was largely successful. During his 26 years leading the county, Oakland consistently outperformed the state and many of its national peers in job growth, incomes and economic output. Oakland County's economic engine has continued to roar under Coulter's leadership. Its median family income of $121,915 in 2023 was highest among the 30 largest counties in the state. Twenty-two percent of all goods and services generated in Michigan are produced in Oakland, the most of any county. The county's gross domestic product was higher than the GDP of 14 states in 2022, according to a 2024 University of Michigan forecast. Coulter has implemented a number of new programs, and expanded some of Patterson's, to help residents find housing, navigate college applications, financial aid and student loan forgiveness, and obtain health care. 'We've stretched beyond the role of normal county government because that's what the times demanded of us,' he said. Related: From Oakland County to Downriver, protesters rally against Trump, Musk and deportations And despite Trump's efforts to stamp out diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government, business and academia, Coulter is unapologetic in promoting DEI throughout his administration. 'I'm proud of the county's effort to create a welcoming county, a diverse workforce and to address the historic biases and stereotypes in all that we do,' Coulter said. Oakland County voters opposed Trump in all three of his elections for president by wide margins. That's not surprising, considering college-educated voters, especially women, are Trump's kryptonite. Fifty percent of Oakland County adults possess a bachelor's degree or higher, second only to Washtenaw County, according to Census figures. Under Patterson's leadership, Oakland County's growth largely happened in the open spaces of the northern and western portions of the county. Chrysler, now Stellantis, built a sprawling tech center in Auburn Hills and moved its headquarters there from Highland Park. Much of the county's residential growth has been concentrated in newer suburbs, such as Novi, Rochester Hills and South Lyon. Coulter, a former mayor of Ferndale, an inner-ring suburb, is focusing economic development efforts on revitalizing some of the county's older communities. His administration is in the midst of a massive $60 million-plus effort to restore Pontiac's downtown. The county is demolishing the long-vacant Phoenix Center, and is planning to move 700 county workers from the county's government complex to a new building downtown. Pontiac was once a booming auto manufacturing town, home to the Pontiac and GMC divisions of General Motors. But its massive auto plants closed decades ago decimating the city's economy. More than a quarter of its residents live in poverty. 'This is a turning point for Pontiac's future,' Coulter said in announcing the redevelopment project in April. 'For decades, many have disinvested in downtown Pontiac, limiting its potential.' Kurt Metzger, a longtime metro Detroit demographer and former mayor of Pleasant Ridge in Oakland County, told me Patterson was 'one of the very, very few' Republicans he has ever voted for. Patterson's creation of the tech corridor Automation Alley, and his emphasis on financial integrity and providing effective services were strong points, he said. But, Metzger said, ultimately he couldn't stomach Patterson's divisiveness. 'I disliked his personality, racism and lack of collaboration,' Metzger said. He stopped voting for Patterson in 2012. Coulter has maintained the county's coveted AAA bond rating ― the highest possible, lowering the cost of issuing debt ― supported public transit and championed regionalism, Metzger said. 'His social consciousness is the polar opposite of Brooks,' he said. Patterson was known to toss sharp barbs at opponents and friends alike. Some of his outlandish remarks made even his supporters cringe. You won't likely find Coulter doing that. 'Oakland County is in a stronger position today than it was 10 years ago,' he said. 'And we have gotten here without drama, destruction or division.' Rick Haglund is a retired reporter and business columnist who covered Michigan economics and government at newspapers throughout the state. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump, Coulter and ghost of Brooks Patterson collide in Oakland County
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Commissioners highlight growth during State of the County address
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners delivered this year's State of the County address on Monday. The presentation highlights the county's key accomplishments, investments and initiatives. Local leaders discuss student safety, bussing solutions Several topics were discussed, including the county's work in waste infrastructure, courthouse and jail renovations and human services. One thing the county pushed for was their continued efforts in the workforce, where they championed an increase in specialized job fairs. 'The need is there, but we have to get people targeted to get them help, to make sure they have the credentials to be able to get the job, and we work very hard at that,' said Commissioner Judy Dodge. Just this past February, the county held a construction job fair which nearly 300 job seekers attended. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to watch the Doña Ana County State of the County address May 6
Doña Ana County will host a State of the County address on May 6, 2025. According to a county news release, Doña Ana County Manager Scott Andrews and County Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez will deliver the State of Doña Ana County Address, which "will highlight the County's accomplishments over the past year, providing updates on key initiatives, and outlining a vision for the future." More: New Mexico State Auditor orders special audit of Doña Ana County and Sheriff's Office The State of the County address will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at the Doña Ana County Government Center located at 845 N. Motel Blvd. According to a county news release, members of the public who wish to attend must RSVP by emailing amandag@ The public is also invited to watch the address online on the county's YouTube page. Increasing community engagement and messaging were among Andrews' priorities that he explained during his public interview process. The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners ultimately selected Andrews in August 2024. Andrews had most recently served as the assistant city manager in Bakersfield, California, for two years. Andrews signed a three-year contract on Aug. 19, 2025 after interviewing for the position as one of four finalists. The County will pay him an annual salary of $220,000. Among his top priorities, Andrews is tasked with developing and implementing the county's strategic plan. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Doña Ana County schedules State of the County address
Epoch Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Orange County Hits Fiscal High Note in Annual Address
Commentary Hey, Orange County! Last week, my staff and I put the finishing touches on the State of the County address, which I delivered on April 23. I'll start with that, but there's so much more going on around the county that I'm excited to share with you as well. I delivered the State of the County address to a packed auditorium at the Emergency Services Center on April 23. The address highlighted the work of the county's departments, including Finance, Community Development, DPW, Parks, County Attorney, Human Resources, Tourism, Emergency Services, and many more. I am so proud of my administration—from our great part-time and full-time county employees to department heads and deputies—for their continued dedication and hard work on behalf of Orange County residents. I am happy and proud to say that the Orange County government is a well-oiled machine, running efficiently and on all cylinders. During my address, I spoke about the many positive developments in the county that protect taxpayer dollars and contribute to our positive fiscal ratings. We have continued to simultaneously reduce the county property tax rate, lower county debt, and share sales tax revenues with our municipalities. This combination keeps our financial rating as one of the highest in New York state, and, per the state's Comptroller's Office, our fiscal stress score remains at zero. Our unemployment rate is lower than those of both the federal and state governments, and our tax base continues to grow. We're moving full speed ahead in a positive direction! Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus delivers the State of the County address on April 23, 2025. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan If you missed it live, you're in luck—you can watch the full address on YouTube here: Related Stories 4/29/2025 2/5/2025 In other news, it was a wonderful evening celebrating the world's most incredible scientists, pioneers, conservationists, astronauts, and more at the Annual Gala of The Explorers Club. I had an amazing opportunity to meet and see some truly inspiring people. There's a distinct and special relationship that Orange County, the Orange County Land Trust, and our conservation partners locally share with The Explorers Club. The passion to explore and protect the environment is alive and well! Stay tuned, there's more to come regarding our conservation efforts. Speaking of great encounters, I ran into Chef Robert Irvine, truly a full-circle moment! We first met six years ago in April 2019 in Iraq during his USO tour to support the troops. Fast forward to the present, we recreated our original photo, swapped challenge coins, and shared our continued appreciation for the armed forces. It's always inspiring to see celebrities take time to support those who serve. Great seeing you again, Chef! Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus with Chef Robert Irvine at West Point in New York. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan I also have some exciting news about the Maple Avenue School in Chester—it is now officially owned by Orange County. Many thanks to the Chester Union Free School District for working with us to make this happen. We have exciting plans for this building that will bring real benefits to our residents. Once again, I ask that you please stay tuned. Switching gears to the international front, I'm thrilled to announce that Orange County has officially entered a sister city partnership with Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. This agreement will strengthen ties through smart city innovation, economic and tech collaboration, and cultural and educational exchange. As your county executive, I'm proud to build global connections that create new opportunities and growth for our county. Another point of pride: At this year's New York State Information Technology Leadership Awards held recently in Albany, two outstanding members of the Orange County IT Department—Karen Norrell and William O'Connor—were honored for their leadership and contributions to technology. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for their dedication to serving our community. Congratulations, Karen and William! And last but certainly not least, on April 24, we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day, where we honored the incredible individuals who keep the Orange County government running smoothly every single day. From Social Services to Mental Health, Health, Aging, Probation, and the Youth Bureau, and every great department in between, the hard work, dedication, and attention to detail of the county's administrative professionals are noticed and appreciated! Enjoy the beautiful spring weather! I hope to see you soon, around the county!
