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.
