Warren County Executive Warren C. Evans Emphasizes Collaboration as the New Currency at State of County Address

April 11, 2025

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans delivered his 10th State of the County address at Woodhaven High School, highlighting a decade of transformation under his leadership with the theme "Collaboration is the new currency. " Evans emphasized how Wayne County has moved from near-bankruptcy to financial stability with ten consecutive balanced budgets and an improved credit rating.

Who is affected

Wayne County residents, including 70,000 residents who had $40 million in medical debt eliminated
Expecting mothers and their babies who benefit from the Rx Kids program
Over 3,500 students who received free eyeglasses
Communities in Westland, Lincoln Park, Ecorse, Inkster, and Detroit where bridges were repaired
Residents who rely on public transportation, especially those who can't afford cars or are unable to drive
Youth in the juvenile justice system who benefit from rehabilitation-focused programs
County employees who received raises from the $25 million allocation
County retirees whose pensions are more secure due to improved finances

What action is being taken

Implementation of a partnership with Eastern Market to distribute fresh produce to schools and seniors through the Fresh Foods program
Expansion of the Rx Kids program which provides financial support to expecting mothers
Continuation of the school-based program providing free eyeglasses to students
Ongoing infrastructure investments across Wayne County, including bridge repairs and stormwater upgrades
Operation of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative that focuses on enforcement and violence prevention
Development of a countywide transit proposal to be presented to voters by 2026
Implementation of the Moving Forward series across youth rehabilitation networks
Allocation of $25 million for employee raises from the county's $2.23 billion budget

Why it matters

The county's financial stability allows for reinvestment in community programs and lower interest rates for public projects
Health equity initiatives like the Fresh Foods program and medical debt elimination provide vital support to vulnerable populations
Infrastructure improvements address immediate needs while preparing the region for a climate-resilient future
The reduction in crime, including Detroit's first annual drop in homicides in over fifty years, improves public safety
Transit reform will increase mobility and access to jobs, healthcare, and education for residents without vehicles
The shift in juvenile justice toward intervention and restoration offers better outcomes for young people

What’s next

By 2026, a countywide transit proposal will be presented to voters following the new Michigan law that eliminates the opt-out provision for the SMART bus system
The partnership with Eastern Market to distribute fresh produce will be launched
The Rx Kids program will continue expanding in Wayne County

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle