Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development has reopened with modified service delivery. Our physical office (415 W Michigan Ave) will remain closed to the public as employees continue to work remotely. For general questions, please call our main line (734.544.6748), leave a message, and we will get back to you within a day. This page will be updated regularly, so check back for new information.
See below for a list OCED projects and programs to see current operating status.
Barrier Busters is operating remotely at full capacity. If you are an individual in need of financial assistance, reach out to a Barrier Busters agency (find an agency here). If you are a Barriers Buster agency and have a question for OCED staff, please call 734.325.8372.
The Continuum of Care team is working remotely to implement a strategic response to the pandemic across the homelessness system and assist those experiencing housing instability. Their work includes partnering with community agencies to offer short-term support for eviction prevention using CARES act funding, as well as engage in longer-term systems planning to create eviction prevention and homelessness diversion programs. For more information, contact Anna O’Toole ([email protected] | 734.544.3052). If you are experiencing a housing emergency, contact HAWC at 734.961.1999.
Meals of Wheels is operating at full capacity. OCED is working with Food Gatherers and Senior Centers and nonprofit agencies around the county to provide meals for all members of our community. Click here to find more information, including a list of service providers. Please note that providers are working near or at capacity due to increased demand, so your patience and flexibility is appreciated.
Construction and rehabilitation of Affordable Housing Units has resumed following state guidelines. Active projects include construction or renovation of units at Swift Lane, Hickory Way, and the Glendale duplexes.
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority continues to meet monthly. Environmental Assessment and Clean-Up grants are still available. For more information, contact Nathan Voght ([email protected] | 734.660.1061).
Our Census Complete Count Commission work to increase census participation in Washtenaw County is ongoing. We will be reconvening partners to discuss summer outreach in the coming weeks. If you have not completed the census yet, please do so by going to my2020census.gov
Community Development Block Grant community infrastructure projects are moving forward following state guidelines. Active and upcoming projects include adding a midblock crossing on Packard Rd in Pittsfield Township between Torrey and Hawks avenues, the expansion of the playground in Superior Township’s Fireman’s Park, and the demolition of a dangerous building in the City of Ypsilanti. If you have questions about future or ongoing projects, contact Tara Cohen ([email protected]g | 734.544.3056).
Foster Grandparents will not have specific summer placements this year for the safety of the grandparents. No decision has been about placements this fall. If you are interested in learning more about the Foster Grandparent Program, please reach out to Sandy Bowers ([email protected] | 734.544.3040).
Home Improvement Programs are working remotely to accept new clients and move projects forward following state guidelines. Due to service suspension during the Stay At Home order, there may be delays in starting work. Your patience and flexibility is appreciated. If you have any questions, contact Yvonne Cudney ([email protected] | 734.544.3008).
SummerWorks is operating virtually this summer. Over 50 area youth are participating in virtual professional development workshops, and over a dozen are gaining some form of virtual work experience with local employers. For more information, visit summerworks.info
ReImagine Washtenaw continues to be active with two sidewalk infill projects to be completed this summer in the City of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. The Ypsilanti Township project is east of Golfside Road and includes a bus stop with shelter improvement and new pedestrian crossings to more safely connecting neighborhoods with Washtenaw Avenue shopping. The City of Ann Arbor project is a new non-motorized path east of Huron Parkway, in a highly utilized area for pedestrians, shopping and transit.
Washtenaw Housing Education Partners (WHEP) is hosting their homebuyer education courses virtually. For more information, visit washtenaw.org/738/
Welcoming Washtenaw is working to connect immigrant populations to resources and providers able to meet their needs. For more information, contact Moonson Eninsche ([email protected] | 734.544.3006)