Here’s the online version of the October 2026 Commissioner Connections Newsletter. If you want to get this information in your email inbox, subscribe here!
Modernizing How Genesee County Connects, Communicates and Serves
| Our Information Technology team (pictured above) is advancing a “digital nervous system” for Genesee County—a coordinated approach to connecting people, information, and services. The goal is to help residents navigate county services, give employees easier access to knowledge and provide leadership with greater visibility into departmental activity and results. Three initiatives support this effort: Project Genny: AI-powered web and phone assistants designed to help residents find answers and connect with county services. The project also includes development of a County-controlled internal AI assistant, or large language model, to help staff find and use county information with appropriate security, access controls and human oversight. Digital signage and department metrics: Displays in public and employee areas provide service information, announcements, and updates. Incorporating department metrics will make county work and progress more visible, supporting transparency and informed discussions about service delivery. GenHUB: The County’s intranet site provides a common starting point for employee communications, shared resources and everyday tools, strengthening coordination and knowledge sharing across departments. Together, these initiatives improve county operations by reducing time spent searching for information, improving communication, and helping employees and leadership respond to needs more effectively. Implementation is progressing in stages, with refinement guided by departmental needs and user feedback. Departmental participation-maintaining accurate information, identifying meaningful metrics, and contributing shared resources-will be essential to making this digital nervous system useful and sustainable. |
What’s Happening in Genesee County?
| Celebrating 50 Years at Crossroads Village For 50 years, Barbara Newtown has been part of the story of Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. Barbara joined the Village when it opened in 1976 and remains the only current staff member who has been there since the beginning. In recognition of her extraordinary legacy, the boardwalk leading to the historic carousel will be dedicated as Newtown Way, ensuring her contributions remain part of Crossroads Village for generations to come. Read More |
| Celebrating Fathers and Families at the Second Annual Dad Stroll Join Genesee Healthy Start and community partners on Saturday, October 3, for the second annual Dad Stroll at Mott Park Clubhouse in Flint! This free, family-friendly event celebrates fathers and father figures who make a difference in the lives of children and families. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a community walk, family activities, prizes, refreshments and valuable resources. Everyone is welcome to participate in this special celebration of fatherhood and stronger families.Read MoreRead More |
| Wave of Light: Honoring Precious Lives Join the Genesee County Health Department and Genesee County Healthy Start on Thursday, October 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. for a special Wave of Light event honoring infants whose lives were lost and raising awareness about safe sleep practices. Held at the Genesee County Administration Building, this meaningful gathering will feature guest speakers, remembrance activities, educational resources and giveaways. Together, we can support grieving families while promoting a safer, healthier future for our youngest residents. Read more |
| Celebrating a Century of History and Public Service Genesee County celebrated a remarkable milestone as residents, judges, public servants and community leaders gathered to mark the 100th anniversary of the Historic Genesee County Courthouse. The centennial celebration featured the unveiling of new public art, tours of the courthouse’s original courtrooms and a community reception. The event honored a century of history and public service while celebrating the generations of people who have helped shape Genesee County. Read more |
| Get Ready for the November Election Michigan’s General Election is Tuesday, November 3, and voters have several ways to cast their ballot, including absentee voting, early in-person voting and voting at the polls on Election Day. With absentee ballots available beginning September 24 and statewide early voting running October 24 through November 1, now is a good time to check your registration, review important deadlines and make a plan to vote. Read More |
| Honoring Those Who Served: Armed Forces Resource Rally Draws Huge Crowd Genesee County’s annual Armed Forces Resource Rally was a tremendous success! Click the video above to see what we are talking about! Veterans, active-duty service members, military families and community members gathered at Elms Park for an afternoon of connection, appreciation and access to valuable resources. Hosted by the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services, the event brought together community partners and organizations dedicated to supporting those who have served our country and their families. Read More |
| Rain Doesn’t Stop Successful Vaccine Clinic Rainy weather couldn’t stop Genesee County residents from turning out for one of Genesee County Animal Care’s most successful free vaccine clinics to date. Dogs and cats received important vaccinations that help protect against serious, preventable diseases, while the strong turnout highlighted the community’s commitment to healthy pets and responsible pet ownership. A second free clinic will be held Sunday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at Genesee County Animal Care. Read more |
| Supporting Genesee County Seniors Genesee County continues its longstanding commitment to helping older adults remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities. Through the voter-approved Senior Services Millage, the County supports senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home care, legal assistance and many other essential services for residents age 60 and older. Read more |
| Wave of Light: Remembering Precious Lives The Genesee County Health Department and Genesee County Healthy Start invite the community to a special Wave of Light event on Thursday, October 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Administration Building. This meaningful gathering will honor infants whose lives were lost, offer support to grieving families and raise awareness about safe sleep practices. Join us as we come together in remembrance, compassion and a shared commitment to protecting our youngest residents. Read more |
| Growing More Native Plants at For-Mar A new hoop house at For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum is giving the Genesee County Parks horticulture team more room to grow native plants right here in our community. The expanded growing space will support future Native Plant Sales and garden projects throughout the county park system while helping strengthen native habitats and support local wildlife. Read more |
| Connecting Communities: ChoiceOne Bank Trail Celebrates Grand Opening A beautiful fall day provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating the opening of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail, connecting Linden, Fenton Township, and Fenton. The new two-mile trail represents more than a decade of community input, planning, and collaboration. The celebration also honored the late Victor Lukasavitz, whose vision helped make this project a reality. This exciting milestone brings Genesee County another step closer to a connected trail network, creating more opportunities for residents to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors. Read more |
| A New Fall Running Tradition in Genesee County The Crim Fitness Foundation is bringing a new 13.1-mile challenge to this year’s Halloween Hustle. Debuting October 24 at Crossroads Village, the Halloween Half Marathon will take runners through some of Genesee County’s most scenic outdoor spaces, including the Flint River and Iron Belle Trail, Bluebell Beach, Mott Lake and Stepping Stone Falls. Read more |
Get Away, Right Away: Events Around Genesee County in October
| October 1: The Rocket Man Show — FIM Whiting Auditorium, Flint October 2-4: The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals — Flint Community Players, Flint October 3: Flushing Harvest Fest — Downtown Flushing October 3: Jesse McCartney — FIM Capitol Theatre, Flint October 3-30: Halloween Ghosts & Goodies — Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint October 5 & 7: Ghost Light Cabaret: An Evening of Elton John — Flint October 9: Little River Band — FIM Capitol Theatre, Flint October 9-24: The Howling Haunted Trail — Fenton October 10: Pumpkinfest — Downtown Davison October 10: Montrose Orchards Cider Run 5K — Montrose Orchards October 10: Flint Symphony Orchestra: Bernstein, Gershwin and Hanson — FIM Whiting Auditorium, Flint October 10: Legends of Combat 8 — 810 Sports Complex, Flint Township October 14: Cars & Bars Fundraiser — Flint October 16-25: Dead Man’s Cellphone — University of Michigan-Flint Theatre October 16: FSPA Faculty Concert: Alexander Lee, Saxophone — Flint October 16: Who’s Bad — The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience — FIM Capitol Theatre, Flint October 17: Fall Harvest Festival at For-Mar — For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, Burton October 17: Jeepers Creekers Costumed Fun Run & 5K — Swartz Creek October 17: The Great Pumpkin Contest & Trunk or Treat — Genesee County Fairgrounds, Mt. Morris October 17: Trick or Treat Trail — Bentley High School, Burton October 17: Downtown Swartz Creek Trunk or Treat — Downtown Swartz Creek October 21: Flint Under the Stars: The Glam Reaper’s Ball — FIM Capitol Theatre, Flint October 21: The Price is Right Live! — FIM Whiting Auditorium, Flint October 24: Harvest Festival — Valley Church, Burton October 24: Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Vampire Masquerade Ball — FIM Capitol Theatre, Flint October 24: Creed Fisher — This Whiskey and Me Tour — The Machine Shop, Flint October 25: Flint Symphony Orchestra: Frightfully Fun Pops — FIM Whiting Auditorium, Flint October 26: Halloween Hustle 5K, Kids’ Trick-or-Trot & Halloween Half Marathon — Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint October 29: FSA Accessibility-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat — Flint Throughout October: Ooky Spooky Light Show — Longway Planetarium, Flint |
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