As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners is proud of the progress made toward achieving goals in line with our common purpose: To make a positive impact for our residents.

In 2024 we made significant strides in community and economic development, public health and safety, financial stewardship and collaboration, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our residents. As an organization, we continued moving forward with our Capital Improvement Plan with the goal of safeguarding the financial future of Genesee County, so that we can continue to provide vital programs and services to our residents.

The Board invested nearly $13 million in programs and services that support the health and wellness of children and senior citizens in Genesee County. This includes grants of $100,000 for improvements at all 16 senior citizen centers in Genesee County and continued support of Head Start and Healthy Start and more for our youngest residents.

One of the major highlights of 2024 was the ongoing development of Genesee County’s first state park. This ambitious project encompasses 230 acres along a beautiful 3-mile stretch of the Flint River, centered near the confluence of the Swartz Creek. The park, which will be completed in 2026, will be another incredible recreational asset for residents and visitors.

We are also proud to be home to a new extension of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail in Grand Blanc Township, further enhancing our outdoor offerings and promoting active lifestyles.

This past year, the Board was also excited to have taken the first steps toward the creation of a new recycling and education center located on a previously blighted property near downtown Flint. This center, once completed, aims to promote sustainability by offering an incredibly valuable resource to residents.

With that in mind, the Board also expanded opportunities for residents to participate in recycling days, one of the most-popular services for residents offered by Genesee County for the disposal of household hazardous waste.

In 2024, Genesee County was thrilled to earn status as a veteran-friendly employer, a recognition that speaks to our collective belief in what our retired service members have to offer our organization. In addition, we launched a microgrant program designed specifically to support local veterans-service organizations.

We were also honored to be able to invest significant funds in the Sacred Heart Veteran Village in Flint and to achieve our highest-level of participation in Operation Green Light for Veterans in 2024!

We were excited to cut the ribbon on the brand new Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) on Pasadena Avenue in Flint Township in 2024. JJC is designed to meet the needs of justice-involved youth right here in Genesee County, with the goal of empowering young people to transform their lives for the betterment of our entire community.

Genesee County’s Broadband Initiative, NextGenesee, in collaboration with the Merit Network, spread its wings in 2024. Through this initiative, the Board is demonstrating its commitment to high-speed, high-quality and affordable Internet access for every corner of Genesee County. This initiative is vital as we strive to close the digital divide and support economic growth across the county.

The Board, in partnership with the Metropolitan Planning Commission, developed another new initiative called Our Housing Future in 2024. This program was created to develop and enhance affordable and safe housing throughout Genesee County.

With growth in mind, Genesee County was proud to host a symposium in 2024 with our partners from UM-Flint aimed at planning for the future of economic and community development in our county. These collaborative efforts are vital to securing the economic future for our children and grandchildren.

As part of our efforts to improve community amenities, we expanded the footprint of Wolverine Campground and continued to enhance its facilities. These improvements not only provide more recreational opportunities for residents, but also attract recreation-minded visitors to our region.

Finally, we approved an expansion and renovation of the Legal Resource Center at the 7th Circuit Court, ensuring better access to legal information and resources for all citizens.

This is just sample of the incredible progress made in the last calendar year.

In 2025, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners will remain committed to leveraging resources to meet the needs of residents while thinking big about the future of our entire community.

Together, we can do big things in 2025!