Detroit Today: Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter discusses how the region is changing

The former mayor of Ferndale spoke to Stephen Henderson about his vision for Oakland County.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.

If you drive north down the Woodward corridor, you may notice a change in the political climate. Black Lives Matter signs line the streets of Royal Oak — while Democratic representatives like Hayley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow are supported by women-led activist groups in Birmingham and its neighboring cities.

These changes have led to real policy shifts, too. The county voted for a millage to expand public transit, has used federal dollars to build more affordable housing and expand homeless shelters, as well as adding mental health co-responders to local police departments.

But challenges remain. The resident population is aging quickly and it’s struggling to retain young people, among other issues.

This week, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter addressed these things and more at the state of the county speech. He joined Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson to talk about his vision for Oakland County’s future.


Listen: Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter shares his priorities for the region


Guest

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter says he is working with the mayor of Detroit as well as Macomb and Wayne County leaders to create policies that benefit the entire Southeast Michigan region.

“The metro Detroit region is in competition with metro regions across the country. We shouldn’t be in competition with each other here — it’s a self-defeating kind of strategy,” says Coulter.

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Authors

  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.
  • Sam Corey
    Sam Corey is a producer for Detroit Today on 101.9 WDET, which includes finding and preparing interesting stories for radio. He enjoys salsa dancing — and actual salsa.