Focus Macomb - July 2025

• Message from Mark
• Demand high for newly completed affordable housing constructed in Eastpointe through Macomb County, Community Housing Network partnership
• Macomb County, Sterling Heights and Utica Community Schools collaborate to enhance safety at Havel Elementary School
• Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! helps secure over $413K in Going PRO Talent Fund awards for local employers
• Bassmaster tournament returning to Lake St. Clair, Cheers to Chesterfield provides opportunity to watch live
• Macomb County Office of Senior Services seeking sponsors and vendors for Senior Fun Festival
• Michigan State University Extension offers coding, digital skills camp for ages 8 to 13
• Macomb County Office of Senior Services to host open house at Goldenberry Adult Day Caring Center
• BizClips: News updates
• Upcoming events

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the July issue of Focus Macomb!

As I often say, our Macomb County team works tirelessly to make this a great place to live, work, and play, and that hard work continues to pay off.

To kick things off, I’m proud to share some exciting news: Macomb County recently ranked 8th in the nation for best technology practices in the 2025 Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the National Association of Counties (NACo). This recognition highlights our dedication to strengthening cybersecurity and improving services that support both residents and businesses.

In addition, we received 14 other NACo awards, including three standout submissions from our Planning and Economic Development (PED) team. These projects focused on talent attraction, a study of Lake St. Clair’s assets, and a career exploration initiative with Center Line Public Schools. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.

We also had the honor of welcoming back the Mandela Washington Fellowship, with 23 young African leaders visiting Macomb earlier this month. Now in its second year here, the program, hosted through Wayne State University, gives Fellows a chance to explore public management, leadership, and community impact. Thank you to Wayne State for choosing Macomb as a host and giving us the opportunity to share ideas and experiences.

Another major milestone: Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) marked 108 years of continuous operations. With this milestone, we commemorate all military personnel and civilians who have served at SANG, as it’s not just a base – it’s a symbol of perseverance, innovation and commitment to both Michigan and the United States of America. 

In the spirit of service and longevity, I was also proud to welcome Richard Campbell Maxwell to the Macomb 100 Club. A U.S. Army medic in the 1940s, Richard has traveled the world and now returns to the region where he grew up. We’re honored to have him back home.

On a personal note, my family grew this month. What started as a foster turned into an adoption of a 5-year-old husky from Macomb County Animal Control. We’ve renamed him Ricky (formerly Ryker), and although my dog Lucy is still adjusting, I think they’ll become great companions. It’s a reminder of the life-changing work happening at our shelter and the joy adoption can bring.

We’ve also had a lot of fun this month. Sterlingfest was once again a fantastic celebration of community, arts, and entertainment. If you missed it, there’s still more ahead! The “Cheers to Chesterfield” Bassmaster Elite event is right around the corner on Lake St. Clair, one of the country’s top fishing spots. It promises a weekend full of excitement and community spirit.

And don’t forget National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, at Freedom Hill, hosted by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department. It’s a great opportunity to build stronger bonds between residents and law enforcement while enjoying a fun evening together. We hope to see you there.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to report that the Central Intake and Assessment Center (CIAC) is on track, on schedule, and on budget for completion in 2027. This state-of-the-art facility will transform how we connect people with the support they need, when they need it most.

And as we continue to enjoy summer, don’t forget to cool off with a visit to one of our many local ice cream shops. For more ideas on how to make the most of the season, visit our attraction page or Make Macomb Your Home Events to brainstorm ideas. 

Stay safe and cool,

Mark Hackel

Demand high for newly completed affordable housing constructed in Eastpointe through Macomb County, Community Housing Network partnership

On Thursday, July 10, local officials showcased the newly constructed Kelly Court Apartments in the City of Eastpointe, an affordable housing initiative that saw Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) partner with Community Housing Network. County Executive Mark Hackel kicked off the ribbon cutting ceremony for the $1.8 million project, citing high demand for these types of efforts across the region.

“We understand housing affordability and attainability are challenges facing many of our communities,” Hackel said. “That’s why we work closely with partner organizations and agencies to address the gaps that currently exist. There’s more to be done, but I’m proud of this project in Eastpointe and thrilled that it will soon help people make Macomb their home.”

Kelly Court Apartments feature eight modular homes, located on the northeast corner of Kelly Road and Toepfer Drive. They include:

• 4, one-bedroom units at 698-square-feet
• 3, two-bedroom units at 889-square-feet
• 1, one-bedroom ADA unit at 889-square-feet

The designer and contractor for the project was InnovaLab Development Group and the modular builder was Champion Homes. Monthly rents will range from $946 and $1,378. Two units will be occupied by families with incomes that do not exceed 50 percent of HUD-Adjusted Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining six units will be occupied by families with incomes that do not exceed 60 percent of AMI. 

“Modular developments such as Kelly Court offer an innovative solution to the affordable housing crisis we face as a nation,” said Kirsten Elliot, president and CEO of Community Housing Network. “We have created a model for workforce housing that can be built on smaller tracts of land so more people can live in the communities where they work. This wouldn't be possible without the support of Macomb County and the City of Eastpointe, who recognize the needs of their residents. Community Housing Network is excited for future opportunities to build on the success of this project by replicating this model at other sites throughout the region.”

Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED added: “This project has been incredible to watch come together. The ribbon cutting is the first of many celebrations we will have as we continue to address housing availability and affordability. Our department and Community Housing Network are continuously working together to get communities the resources they need.” 

Construction on Kelly Court began this spring, and residents will be able to move in this August. Currently, Community Housing Network has seen a large response, with over 300 applications submitted by interested parties. Housing trends contribute to that number. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury: “For the past two decades, rents and house prices have been rising faster than incomes across most regions of the United States. For some households, increased housing costs means there is less to spend on everything else, including food, health care, clothing, education, and retirement savings.  For others, particularly younger Americans, high costs may be preventing them from living on their own or starting families.”

Additionally, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), an average minimum wage worker would need to work 2.4 full-time jobs to afford a one-bedroom rental at a fair market rate. Other recent studies by the NAEH estimates there is a nationwide shortfall of 3.8 million affordable homes. Here in Michigan, the shortfall is estimated to be 185,354 affordable homes – and just over half of the need is right here in Metro Detroit.

For these reasons, Community Housing Network has partnered with Macomb County for several years to create homeownership opportunities through acquisition/rehab/resale and rental property development. In this instance, the Kelly Court Apartments were funded by Macomb County’s HOME program, a federal block grant which is distributed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The County contributed more than $1.1 million from its grant. Additional funding includes $229,513 of program income from a 2019/2020 HOME-funded acquisition/rehab/resale project and a $450,000 permanent loan obtained by Community Housing Network through Springhill Housing Corporation.

“We are taking the feedback from our communities and working to get more affordable housing, like this project” said Stephanie Burgess, project manager, MCPED. “Our partnership with Community Housing Network has made the Kelly Court Apartments possible.”

To help guide Macomb County and partners on future projects, residents are encouraged to take the Community and Housing Needs Assessment Survey . Responses will determine needs and facilitate the development of solutions. 

Macomb County, Sterling Heights and Utica Community Schools collaborate to enhance safety at Havel Elementary School

In partnership with the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the City of Sterling Heights and Utica Community Schools, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) recently completed work to enhance road safety at Havel Elementary School. In response to community concerns regarding traffic and adverse driver behavior, such as speeding and distracted driving, upgrades to traffic safety infrastructure were installed at the school.

The school zone safety enhancement project included the following updates:

• Pushbutton-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) on both sides of each crosswalk.
  • RRFBs alert drivers that someone has pushed the button and will be entering the crosswalk.
• Advanced warning sign with a flasher activated when the pushbutton is activated for the RRFB, giving drivers advanced warning of pedestrian activity.
• Updated the overhead crosswalk light.
• Existing School Speed Limit flashing lights remain in place to

“Public safety is our number one priority. Collaborating with our community partners to implement traffic technologies and strategies is part of our mission to enhance the safety of our roadways and make school zones safer for everyone in Macomb County,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “While we can install new technologies and deploy the latest safety strategies, it’s up to motorists to obey the rules of the road to help keep our school zones as safe as possible.”

The new beacons, updated crosswalks and high visibility signage are anticipated to enhance the overall safety of the school zone at Havel Elementary School and the functionality of the roadway.

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! helps secure over $413K in Going PRO Talent Fund awards for local employers

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! is proud to announce that 12 local companies have been awarded a combined $413,474 through the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund (FY25 Cycle 2). These grants will support high demand skills training for current and newly hired employees, including registered apprentices.

The Going PRO Talent Fund helps Michigan employers train their workforce by covering the cost of short-term, customized training for new hires and existing employees. The goal is to give workers the skills they need to succeed in high-demand careers such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and IT, while helping businesses stay competitive and grow.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is one of the most effective tools we have to support our region’s employers in building a skilled workforce. These grants allow companies to train employees in high-demand skills and stay competitive, and we’re proud to play a role in helping them succeed,” said Justin Al-Igoe, Executive Director, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

The 12 businesses that received funding with support from Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! include:

• Bru Tek

• BTM Company

• Company Products

• Concord Tool and Manufacturing, Inc.

• Metro Electric

• Northern Industrial Manufacturing Corporation

• Rocktech Systems, LLC

• Synergy Prototype Stamping LLC

• Trendset Communications Group

• US Farathane, LLC – Sterling Heights

• US Farathane, LLC

• ZF Axle Drives Marysville, LLC

Across the state, this funding cycle will support training for more than 4,600 current employees and 3,200 new hires, including 1,788 Registered Apprentices. Since 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has helped train over 225,000 workers and supported more than 7,400 Michigan businesses.

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! is the workforce development agency serving Macomb and St. Clair counties, connecting jobseekers and employers with programs, training, and support services that strengthen the local economy. The agency continues to partner with local employers to develop customized training strategies that grow talent pipelines and help companies remain competitive.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, including how local employers can apply for future funding opportunities, visit www.msc-mw.org/gptf or contact your Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Business Services Representative. 

Bassmaster tournament returns to Lake St. Clair in conjunction with Cheers to Chesterfield Festival

Macomb County will once again play host to a major fishing tournament this summer, welcoming the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament to Lake St. Clair Thursday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10. This beloved international event is invitation-only for qualified individuals and will feature 100+ Elite Series anglers.

In Michigan, the competition is slated for August 7-10 with daily takeoffs set for 7 a.m. ET and weigh-ins starting at 3 p.m. Those interested in viewing the event are encouraged to visit the shoreline and fishing pier at Brandenburg Park. Bassmaster LIVE coverage can be found on Bassmaster.com and FOX Sports platforms.

Those attending can also check out the Cheers to Chesterfield Festival being held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Elite Series: 

Thursday, August 7  

3-8 p.m.

• 3 p.m. Bassmaster weigh-in
• 3 p.m. Food trucks and vendor booths
• 6:30 p.m. Live music

Friday, August 8  

3-10 p.m.

• 3 p.m. Bassmaster weigh-in
• 3 p.m. Food trucks, beer service, vendor booths, kids shows and activities
• 6 p.m. Live music
• 10 p.m. Fireworks

Saturday, August 9  

Noon-10 p.m.

• 12 p.m. Kids fishing tournament
• 12 p.m. Food trucks, beer service, vendor booths, kids shows and activities
• 3 p.m. Bassmaster weigh-in
• 6 p.m. Live music

Sunday, August 10  

Noon-3 p.m.

• 12 p.m. Food trucks, beer service, vendor booths, kids shows and activities
• 3 p.m. Bassmaster weigh-in

More details including parking, permitted items and other notes can be found on the Chesterfield Township website. 

Macomb County Office of Senior Services to Host 34th Annual Senior Fun Festival

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services will host its 34^th annual Senior Fun Festival on Thursday, September 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.at the Lorenzo Cultural Center located at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. Attendance to the Senior Fun Festival is free.

Recognized as Macomb County’s largest senior expo, the Senior Fun Festival is intended to serve as an opportunity for seniors and caregivers to learn about services and community resources to help enrich their lives. In addition to services and community resources for seniors and caregivers, the event will also feature raffles, entertainment, refreshments and snacks, and swag bags for the first 500 attendees.

More information on the Senior Fun Festival can be found here.

Michigan State University Extension offers coding, digital skills camp for ages 8 to 13

Michigan State University Extension is hosting 4-H Tech Camp, an engaging hands-on technology experience for youth ages 8 to 13. The camp runs August 12 – 14, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Robert A. VerKuilen Building, located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township.

This three-day camp introduces students to foundational technology skills of basic coding using Apple’s Everyone Can Code curriculum. Campers will explore the world of coding and learn essential digital skills through fun, hands-on activities with iPads and Sphero robots. No prior experience is needed to register.

The camp fee is $30, which includes snacks and all necessary supplies. Limited scholarships are available upon request. Registration is now open and will close on August 8.

Macomb County Office of Senior Services to host open house at Goldenberry Adult Day Caring Center

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services will host an open house for caregivers and professionals at its GoldenBerry Adult Day Caring Center on Thursday, August 14th from 3 -5 p.m. at 21885 Dunham Road, Entrance Door B in Clinton Township.

GoldenBerry is a state-of-the-art day program in Macomb County for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related conditions. The center offers respite care for those who are in need of assistance caring for their loved ones. The open house will feature tours of the facility along with appetizers and refreshments for attendees.

GoldenBerry includes meals/snacks, activities, exercise, transportation, health monitoring, medication management, personal care, socialization, caregiver support, and much more. Staffing includes certified nursing assistants, registered nurse accessibility and a social worker. Flexible schedules are available.

To attend the open house, please RSVP by contacting Angela Arnott via email at Angela.Arnott@macombgov.org or call 586 469-5580.

A flyer on the GoldenBerry adult day care open house can be found here.

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

Upcoming events

Cheers to Chesterfield/ Bassmaster Tournament August 7-10  Times vary
Summer Discovery Cruises July 11 - August 9 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
National Night Out Tuesday, August 5 5 - 8 p.m.
GoldenBerry Adult Day Caring Center Open House Thursday, August 14 3 - 5 p.m.
Volunteer Recruitment Fair Thursday, September 11 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.