October 22, 2025, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has formed a new study group, Oakland County Community and Public Spaces (OC CAPS), under the leadership of Commissioner Penny Luebs (D-Clawson). This initiative aims to strengthen community-driven placemaking projects across the county and help local municipalities access grant funding opportunities.
The Board recognizes the importance of Public Spaces Community Places, a creative placemaking and funding initiative administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in conjunction with the locally-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. To support this initiative, the Board recently appropriated $200,000 to be used as matching grant funds, of up to $10,000 per project, for eligible public placemaking projects.
The newly formed OC CAPS Study Group will play a key role in reviewing project applications and aligning local initiatives with the county’s broader placemaking goals. The group will be composed of Oakland County Commissioners, staff from the Oakland County Economic Development department, and additional stakeholders selected by the study group’s leadership.
“Creating welcoming, inclusive, and engaging public spaces is essential to the vitality of our communities,” said Luebs. “This study group will help ensure that public investment in these spaces is meaningful, community-driven, and impactful.”
The group will assess proposed projects based on criteria including:
- Project definition, focus, and scope
- Community impact and alignment with placemaking priorities
- Local financial commitment and matching fund viability
- Project location, with preference for traditional downtowns or historic corridors
- Implementation timeline and feasibility
All awarded projects must be completed within one year of receiving MEDC funding. To keep projects on track, OC CAPS will meet regularly to review progress and ensure accountability.
This collaborative effort builds on Oakland County’s commitment to supporting local communities and empowering residents to help shape their public spaces.
For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit OakGov.com/BOC or call 248-858-0100.
