WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans highlighted a decade of progress and unveiled a bold, forward-looking vision focused on expanded transit, health equity, economic growth, public safety, and infrastructure in his 10th annual State of the County address.
Speaking to a packed auditorium at Woodhaven High School, Evans emphasized the transformative power of collaboration and the county’s renewed momentum on Wednesday (April 9).
Significant milestones include 10 consecutive balanced budgets, a population increase for the first time since 2018, and a continued rise in the county’s credit rating, placing Wayne County in the top investment tier.
Evans discussed several initiatives and achievements during his address:
Medical Debt Relief: The county has wiped out $40 million in debt for 70,000 residents, with more relief on the way.
Expanded Transit: A historic step toward regional mobility will put a countywide transit proposal before voters in 2026 following the repeal of a decades-old opt-out clause. Evans is committed to receiving input from all 43 communities to inform a data-driven, common-sense approach to improve transit for residents.
Juvenile Justice: The Moving Forward series is making significant strides in rehabilitating young people. Juvenile Youth Services is being nationally recognized for steering youth away from trouble before it’s too late.
Fresh Food: A countywide Fresh Food Truck program will bring healthy food to seniors and families in need.
Rx Kids: This pilot program will financially support new and expecting mothers.
Youth Vision Testing: More than 3,500 children have received free eyeglasses through a school-based vision program.
Throughout the address, Evans returned to a central theme of shared leadership.
On public safety, Evans credited the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative and cross-agency collaboration for contributing to Detroit’s lowest homicide rate in over 50 years and countywide reductions in crime.
He also noted investments of over $63 million in infrastructure last year, including road and bridge repairs, drainage upgrades, and green energy projects through the PACE program, which has surpassed $100 million in lifetime investments.
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