Today, the Wayne County Commission approved the allocation of nearly $100M of American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward the development of county-wide workforce development programs as
well as an investment in 13 community projects. The approved projects total $97,545,160 in ARPA spending.
Wayne County will invest $50M of the nearly $100M into their new Workforce Development initiatives. The
program is aimed at strengthening local workforce development and include four subprograms: Subsidized
Training and Employment Program, Career Navigator Program, Return to Work Program, and
Underrepresented Workers Assistance Grant Program. As an endorsement of Wayne County’s workforce
development initiatives, the County has received over 30 letters of intent from Collaborative members and
other key stakeholders to support the design, implementation, and sustainability of the four programs.
This initiative is a part of Wayne County’s pandemic and economic recovery plan to help Wayne County
residents obtain and retain high-quality jobs and careers. The program will assist residents disproportionately
impacted by COVID-19 access a wide range of tailored services that strengthen their entry, stability, and
impact in the workforce. The Workforce Development Program is designed to reduce barriers to employment,
create career pathways and drive industry growth.
The Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, (SEMCA) will serve as the County’s subrecipient for ARPA State
and Local Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and will assist Wayne County’s Economic Development Department with
implementation of programs alongside community partners.
“It’s no secret that COVID-19 gravely impacted the lives of our residents and the functionality of our business
community,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “With initiatives such as The Workforce
Development Program and investments in our communities through redevelopment and rehabilitation, we are
able to find real solutions that will have a lasting impact for Wayne County residents and steady our economic
future. I am proud of our progress. These investments pledge our commitment to the betterment of our 43
communities.”
Wayne County also worked closely with community and municipal partners to invest in key projects
throughout the County. The first round of community projects receiving county investments include:
• Downtown Outdoor Fitness Park, City of Lincoln Park
• Demolition of Riverside Hospital, City of Trenton
• Motown Museum Expansion, City of Detroit
• Kentucky Street Lots Project, City of Detroit
• Goudy Park Amphitheater Pavilion, City of Wayne
• Van Buren Township Community & Senior Center, Van Buren Township
• Victory Station Rehab, City of Belleville
• Lange Park Action-Adventure Park, City of Taylor
• Mill Street Redevelopment, City of Ecorse
• Dearborn PEACE Project, City of Dearborn
• Daylighting the Rouge River Park, City of Northville
• Joe Louis Greenway, City of Detroit
• Boys and Girls Club, City of Detroit, and Highland Park
An additional 42 projects remain in the review pipeline for future funding and execution. The county’s
community contributions focus on investments in human infrastructure including public spaces, health,
education, housing, and economic recovery. Wayne County has worked collaboratively with its municipalities
to identify, prioritize, and prepare projects, ensuring each project is aligned with county priorities and serves
the best interest of county residents.
About Post Author
