Macomb County, MI

07/24/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Focus Macomb - July 2024

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to Focus Macomb. I'd like to begin with some big news. Earlier this month we officially broke ground at the site of the future Central Intake and Assessment CenterCIAC), a modern facility that will replace the County's outdated jail structure and that will serve as a national model for public safety. I was joined at the ceremony by Sheriff Anthony Wickersham and other community leaders to discuss the project, and to take a sledgehammer to old buildings that will soon be torn down. All told, we'll demolish and clear approximately 77,850-square-feet of the existing jail (D-Blocks, maximum security, rehabilitation and the annex). And that will make way for the new $228 million facility - which notably, is completely funded through a combination of federal, State of Michigan and County dollars, with no tax increases on the public. I'm proud of the initiative and the collaboration among so many partners that is making this happen. Truly, this will be more than a jail. It will be an opportunity to address some of the root causes of crime and recidivism, and it will be a chance to take a mindful approach to mental health.

This month also saw some major announcements and incredible celebrations. Let me begin with that. Today I joined community leaders from across the region to deliver the annual State of the Lake address. We highlighted our water assets, the importance of our Blue Economy and the work County teams are doing to protect and promote our freshwater shoreline for generations to come. Then, last week, we joined Macomb Community College and the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, for the official announcement of the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative(M3), a federal, state and local partnership to help rebuild the maritime industrial base workforce the Navy needs. M3 will establish training pipelines and programs to meet the Navy's need for thousands of new workers and jobs across the state and the broader Great Lakes region. I am so thrilled that this effort is starting right here in Macomb, and I'm proud that our local community college can play a role in ensuring our nation's defense.

Now, I can hardly believe it's the end of July, but there's still so much summer left and so much to do here in Macomb County. You can take in a baseball game at Jimmy John's Field, or go to a concert at Freedom Hill. You can grab a scoop of ice cream at a local shop or parloror visit a local farmers markets. And of course, there are plenty of places to dine along the water. So find your next seasonal outing at www.makemacombyourhome.com, or check out our special events Facebook pagefor all the details and information you need to attend local fairs, gatherings and more.

Thank you and take care,

Mark

Groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction on the new $228 million Macomb County Central Intake and Assessment Center

On Friday, July 19, Macomb County hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Central Intake and Assessment Center (CIAC), a modern facility that will replace the County's outdated jail structure and will serve as a national model for public safety. This event featured officials breaking down walls to mark the start of construction, which will see approximately 77,850-square-feet of the existing jail (D-Blocks, maximum security, rehabilitation and the annex) demolished and cleared from the site.

"I am extremely happy and grateful that we have arrived at this 20-plus-year venture," said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. "We have been working diligently over the last few years to come up with a facility that will focus on three key needs at the Macomb County Jail - Central Intake and Assessment Center, robust pretrial services, and a new medical and mental health facility. As your Sheriff, I am excited to start this new journey that will improve the overall criminal justice system and operations at the Macomb County Jail."

Construction of the CIAC is expected to be complete by mid-2027. With the estimated project cost of $228 million, Macomb County is demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its community by utilizing a combination of federal, State of Michigan and County funding with no tax increases to fund this effort.

When complete, the Central Intake and Assessment Center will be approximately 159,202-square-feet. There will be 278 additional cell beds, some standard and some similar to hospital environments to emphasize rehabilitation for incarcerated men and women. In total, Macomb County will have 1,178 beds.

Safe Streets for Macomb County: Department of Roads developing Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan

As part of the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) ongoing mission to provide the public with a safe and efficient transportation system, the agency announced plans to develop a Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan (CTSAP), known as Safe Streets for Macomb County, which will include a complete review of all roads under Macomb County jurisdiction.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant will help fund the safety action plan whose goal is to develop a holistic strategy to help reduce the number of incidents and prevent fatalities and serious injuries on Macomb County roadways.

Key components of the safety action plan include comprehensive safety analysis, community engagement and collaboration, and identifying and prioritizing safety strategies and projects. Safe Streets for Macomb County will also consider equity throughout the process, including the disproportionate impacts of traffic crashes in disadvantaged communities.

With community input, the safety action plan will prioritize roadway and infrastructure projects that address transportation safety challenges for Macomb County residents and support MCDR's efforts to secure future funding opportunities for safety projects. Over the next 18 months, MCDR will be working with representatives from local municipalities, major employers, school districts, and community groups to identify concerns and ideas related to the safety action plan.

As part of Safe Streets for Macomb County, MCDR is conducting a public input survey, which can be completed online at hub.macombsafestreets.com. Additional information and public input opportunities will be available online at macombgov.org/roads.

Macomb County honors a one of a kind centenarian

On July 25, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development had the honor of attending the 100th birthday celebration for Fran Metcalf, a county resident, a Navy veteran and an original 'Rosie the Riveter!'

It was a real joy and privilege to join Fran for her special day as it's not common to meet a real-life hero!

Fran worked at the GM plant in Cleveland, Ohio making air duct assemblies for over 75 B-29 Airplanes. She worked there from 1943-1944, when she turned 20 and was then able to join the Navy and serve in Brooklyn, NY. Fran was honorably discharged in 1946, and notably, the planes she helped build were also used several years later during the Korean War. What a legacy! Thank you for your service!

If you know any centenarians, please reach out to the link below. We would love to celebrate you!

Macomb County named sixth in the nation for best technology practices

Macomb County was recently recognized as one of the top counties in the country with the best technology practices. The honor is bestowed by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), which recently released the results of the 22nd Annual Digital Counties Survey. The survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities.

"This year's survey results highlight how counties are responsibly embracing new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in its various forms and other digital tools and platforms to respond to top priorities of their constituents and elected officials," said Teri Takai, senior vice-president, CDG. "The Center for Digital Government is excited to recognize and congratulate this year's winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better."

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the Macomb County IT team, the leadership provided by the Office of the County Executive, and the collaboration with county's Planning & Economic Development team, as well as the various county Departments in Macomb County who make it their mission to serve our constituents through innovative, digital means," said Jako van Blerk, CIO, Macomb County. "It makes Macomb County a better place to live, work, and thrive."

Macomb County was listed in sixth place in the 500,000-999,999 population category. More information and additional winners can be found here.

Macomb County executive appoints Tom Lehrer as deputy county executive

County Executive Mark Hackel is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Lehrer as deputy county executive. Tom, who currently serves as the public information officer for Macomb County, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence to his new role.

"Tom's professional experiences in the public and private sector make him an ideal fit for this position," said Executive Hackel. "His technical knowledge, engaging approach and effective communication skills will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of Macomb County."

As deputy county executive, Tom's new responsibilities will expand the public information officer role to better connect the county's strategic communications and public engagement efforts. He will lead a team of communication professionals from across the county to ensure that the public has access to information about the valuable services, programs and resources available to them. Additionally, Tom will oversee Macomb County Animal Control.

Before joining Macomb County, Tom's career path included a remarkable 20-year career at AT&T, working as an educator in the City of Detroit, entrepreneurship and small business ownership. He holds a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to step into the role of deputy county executive," said Tom Lehrer. "Working alongside Executive Hackel and our dedicated team, I look forward to showcasing the exceptional services and assets Macomb County offers."

Orange barrel season is in full swing at the Department of Roads

Road, bridge, and transportation infrastructure work is underway throughout Macomb County with more than 50 active, planned, and completed projects that are a part of the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) annual construction and maintenance programs.

Construction, rehabilitation, and preservation work includes primary and local road projects, bridges and culverts, and asphalt resurfacing and concrete pavement repair projects as part of MCDR's county-wide pavement preservation program. MCDR will also treat 21 miles of unpaved roads through the agency's limestone program, which started in mid-July and is anticipated to be completed in September. Additional work includes township residential streets as part of MCDR's subdivision reconstruction program, non-motorized pathways, various maintenance projects, and traffic technology and communication network modernizations. Find active MCDR projects and status here.

For a list of Macomb County construction projects, locations, and information, visit macombgov.org/roads. Motorists can also sign up to receive text alerts for constructionand trafficupdates at macombgov.org/roads.

The Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office hosts Macomb Community College's Crime Scene Investigation Camp

The Macomb County Medical Examiner's office recently hosted a group of approximately 15 9-11th grade students enrolled in CSI at the PSI, one of Macomb Community College's nine summer career academies offering hands-on career exploration. The students met with staff at the Medical Examiner's office on Thursday, June 27 - the fourth day of the 4-day camp that started on June 24.

The class introduced participants to the science and techniques used in the investigation of crime scenes to help promote increased interest in forensics and law enforcement. The first three days of the camp focused on a variety of hands-on investigative scenarios (i.e. foot impressions, blood splatters, and hair sampling) that culminated in more comprehensive crime scene scenarios at the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office on the fourth day of the camp.

"This was our inaugural CSI camp, and I couldn't be more pleased to have had the opportunity to engage the students in hands-on exploration of crime scene investigation," said Macomb Community College Professor Samantha Bowlin who designed the curriculum and led participants through the 4-day camp. "This was a great opportunity to introduce this subject matter at an early age and, hopefully, spark a desire to learn more about potential career options, if not more about CSI careers. It simply wouldn't have been possible without the willingness and collaboration with the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office."

Save the dates

National Night Out

Thursday, Aug. 1

Senior Fun Festival

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available.
Thursday, Sept. 19

For more happenings throughout the county, visit Make Macomb Your Home events and stay up to date with the Make Macomb Your Home official Facebook page.

Department:Planning and Economic Development