By Warren C. Evans, County Executive
I have always said that being a public servant means serving the public. That has been my guiding principle for the more than five decades I have spent serving the people of Wayne County. In my mind it is a sacred promise I have made to all of our residents, whether they voted for me or not.
To that end, my administration continues to make good on that promise by providing the sort of programs and opportunities designed to improve everyone’s quality of life.
Medical Debt Relief
Since the 2025 launch of Wayne County’s Medical Debt relief program, more than 83,000 residents have received $58 million in medical debt elimination. Wayne County is committed to helping our residents move forward with less financial stress and a healthier future.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Thanks to this program, Wayne County residents are saving hundreds each month:
• $9.11 million in projected loan forgiveness
• $12.72 million in managed student debt
• A 66% average monthly payment reduction
• An average monthly savings of $443
Public Works
• More than 2,500 miles of roads swept
• More than 6,000 catch basins cleaned
• The Miller Rotunda Bridge has been replaced
• The Allen Road Project is on track, building a stronger, safer connection.
Affordable Housing
We’ve committed more than $1 million dollars in down payment assistance. Additionally, we’ve awarded preliminary letters to more than a dozen affordable housing projects.
This is about more than ideas on paper. It’s about stability for families who want to put down roots. We’ll keep investing in housing that more people can afford.
Small Business Support
We’re launching a small business hub that helps entrepreneurs move from idea to growth with free or low-cost support. We’re talking about business planning, financial guidance, legal help, and access to capital and new technologies.
We’re giving entrepreneurs in every community a clear path to launch, grow, and thrive.
As we help small businesses grow and stay right here in Wayne County, we also have to make sure they can afford to live here.
When I began my first term as County Executive in 2015, the short-term goal was simple: let’s just survive.
But short-term goals don’t build a vision. They just keep you afloat.
And just staying afloat has never been my idea of success.
A real vision means seeing beyond where we are to where we need to be, then building the bridge that gets us there.
From the start, my vision has been clear: a strong and vibrant local economy, and safe, healthy and family-friendly communities. We’ve come a long way. But what excites me most is where we can be in the next five years if we stay focused and keep working together
Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans is a lifelong public servant. From leading Michigan’s most populous and diverse county through dual health and economic crises, to restoring fiscal responsibility following the Great Recession, Executive Evans is a proven leader. During his administration there have been 11 straight balanced budgets, plus an ‘A’ credit rating from Wall Street which has helped spark substantial economic development.
Before he was elected Wayne County Executive in 2014, Evans rose through the ranks of the Sheriff’s office, serving as Undersheriff, the department’s second-in-command officer, from 1987 through 1991. In 2001, Evans was named Chief of Special Operations for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, before being appointed as Wayne County Sheriff in 2003, where he served until 2009, winning two subsequent elections in 2004 and 2008. He has also served as Chief of Staff of the Wayne County Commission and Assistant County Executive.