Bob’s Update – March 15, 2010

I have identified three outcomes for the next two months 1) create a planning process with Verna for the 2012/2013 budget development; 2) assist Verna in responding to the changes in key leadership positions due to recently announced retirements; and 3) ensure a successful handover to Verna McDaniel as the next Administrator.

That said, we haven’t given up on our external activities – we remain committed to enhancing our community, so today I want to provide an update on what’s happening externally.

We have made a commitment to Economic Development through our partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK and Aerotropolis. Ann Arbor Spark, the driving force of regional business attraction, retention and growth and Aerotropolis, an exciting example of looking out for our future through municipal collaboration.

Efforts in the eastern part of the County continue with tremendous outreach and collaboration to do everything we can to support people in our community at risk of losing their homes to tax or mortgage foreclosure. These collaborations are led by County Treasurer Catherine McClary, and backed by our Board of Commissioners. The strength of community and collaboration is also demonstrated through the Blueprint to End Homelessness and those ongoing, successful efforts; as well as the Washtenaw Literacy Coalition, another huge and well engaged collaboration focused on reading and writing, but also using literacy skills in health care, the workplace (including computers) and finance. 

The list could go on and on, so let me take a moment to talk about a few new ones.

• University of Michigan Transportation Technology Forum: Verna and I had an opportunity to attend a forum hosted by the University of Michigan which brought experts together with state and local governments to explore future transportation opportunities. Opportunities that include the development of a more efficient system to connect the Central, Medical and North campuses and the possibilities include rail, monorail, dedicated road and other technologies. This is just the type of thing that can enhance the community, quality of life and attract and retain businesses.  
• Humane Society of Huron Valley Grand Opening: The community celebrated the grand opening of the HSHV last week.  What you might not know is that the County is statutorily mandated to round up and, essentially, euthanize stray dogs. Here in Washtenaw County we have been lucky enough to have the HSHV take a strong animal welfare approach to those regulations - something that I think mirrors this community’s culture. The County helped finance the new complex in terms of dollars but also through our bonding capabilities. I’m thankful that the County had a hand in this and that I had an opportunity to see it finish before my retirement.

I believe we’re changing the organization for the better and at the same time enhancing the community. Our focus has been on internal operations as it should be, but our commitment to the community remains a key driver in everything that we do.  

Bob