The National Association of Counties (NACo) has announced Macomb County as a recipient of four Achievement Awards for 2024. The annual awards program, now in its 54th year, recognizes innovative and effective county government initiatives that strengthen services for residents. Awards are given in 18 different categories, including children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health and civic engagement.
“To have our teams recognized on a national level speaks volumes about the quality of services and programs we provide residents,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. “Macomb County employees work tirelessly to make our community a great place to live, work and play, and I’m thrilled that these teams are receiving these honors for their efforts.”
Macomb County departments and offices receiving awards include Planning and Economic Development, Human Resources and Labor Relations, Information Technology and the Board of Commissioners. The following work was highlighted:
- New Macomb County Website - Planning and Economic Development/IT
A county website is the outfacing and first contact the government institution has with its community. It provides residents with information and access to government programs. The Macomb County website, macombgov.org, had become outdated in its look, design and functionality. Internally, it became difficult for content editors to populate and update. With more than 50 departments, hundreds of pages and dozens of content creators/editors, moving to a new website was a massive undertaking. After a two year effort, the new Macomb County website is now internally and externally user friendly, more mobile friendly, more visually appealing, and it has Improved search engine optimization and improved ADA compliance.
- More Than A Job - Planning and Economic Development/HR
In an effort to promote careers at Macomb County, the County communications team and the Human Resources and Labor Relations (HRLR) Department partnered to develop an external marketing campaign beginning in summer/fall 2022. The campaign aimed to highlight the tangible benefits of working for the County, while also communicating a core message - that working for Macomb is ‘More Than a Job.’ Disseminating this message was integral to the success of the effort, as every business is hiring and many workplaces offer good pay and health care. Macomb County needed to differentiate itself in a crowded job market. The campaign would achieve this by telling real employee stories and highlighting the emotional connection County workers feel about their roles. It would also demonstrate how public service can be rewarding in ways beyond a paycheck. Together, HRLR and communications would create a library of assets with employee stories and images, a new website platform highlighting careers and benefits, and a digital and print advertising campaign. This resulted in a significant increase in website traffic and applications. Today the ‘More Than a Job’ campaign remains the County’s main hiring message.
- Yoga at the Hill - Board of Commissioners
The County Board of Commissioners partners with a local yoga studio to bring free yoga classes to residents each year. The event, named “Yoga at the Hill,” takes place at a County’s park, Freedom Hill, centrally located in the County, on a Saturday morning in June. Classes are offered for everyone - beginners, intermediate, chair and children. Due to the availability of pavilions at the park, the event is held rain or shine. This program was started a few years ago to increase awareness of the Board of Commissioners and county services, promote greenspaces, local businesses and healthy and wellness activities. This event continues to grow with residents looking forward to it each year.
- Mount Clemens/Macomb County Partnership - Planning and Economic Development
In January of 2023, the City of Mount Clemens partnered with the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) department to enhance the processes of any economic development activities within the city, ranging from business retention to expansion and attraction. The coalition consisted of the mayor, city manager, the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and staff from MCPED. By utilizing the connections and tools at MCPED’s disposal, the County and City were able to increase visitation and draw in businesses.
“Mount Clemens is a small city and has a small staff with limited resources. Our partnership with Macomb County Planning & Economic Development expanded our toolbox tremendously,” said Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp. “The MCPED staff have brought ideas and strategies to our team that would have been otherwise out of reach. With their help, we have increased business attraction with the opening of several new businesses throughout the city. They have also counseled many of our existing businesses, increasing our business retention. Collaboration between Mount Clemens and Macomb County has served as an integral resource for our revitalization of our great city!”
This is the 43rd year that Macomb County has participated in the NACo Achievement Awards Program. Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.
Tom Lehrer
586-808-3452
Lehrer@macombgov.org
