Washtenaw County, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Washtenaw County is a county in the U.S. state
of Michigan
. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. Its county seat
is Ann Arbor
. The United States Office of Management and Budget
defines the county as part of the Detroit–Warren–Flint
Combined Statistical Area
. The county is home to the University of Michigan
, Eastern Michigan University
, Washtenaw Community College
, and Concordia University Ann Arbor.
In 1822, the Legislative Council of the Michigan Territory
government defined the boundaries of the county; however, it was deemed to be a part of Wayne County
. Washtenaw was established as a separate county by an act of the Michigan Territorial Legislature in 1826. It was attached for administrative purposes to Wayne County until {before 1829} when county government was seated. Ingham
and other counties were formed from portions of territorial Washtenaw County.
Swamps were drained and farms were tiled to lower the water table. The swamp northwest of the I-94 and US-23 intersection, and areas within Waterloo Recreation Area still appear as they did to early settlers. As productive farms became established, the local deer herds grew. In the 1820s and 1830s, the events surrounding the independence of Greece
from Turkey
inspired construction of Greek Revival buildings, and the names of townships, towns, and children.
The "frostbitten constitutional convention" was held at Ann Arbor, the county seat, in 1835. Following resolution of the Toledo War
(1835-1836), in which Michigan Territory gave up its claim to the Toledo strip in exchange for most of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837. The University of Michigan, founded at Detroit in 1817, was then moved by the state to Ann Arbor in 1839 as a consolation for the city not being named the new state capital, as it had hoped. The University subsequently became and remains the largest employer in the county.
In 1849, the Michigan State Normal School (now Eastern Michigan University
) was established in Washtenaw's oldest settlement, the city of Ypsilanti
.
of 2000, there were 322,895 people, 125,327 households, and 73,692 families residing in the county. The population density
was 455 people per square mile (176/km²). There were 131,069 housing units at an average density of 185 per square mile (71/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 77.40% White
, 12.29% Black
or African American
, 0.36% Native American
, 6.30% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 1.04% from other races
, and 2.57% from two or more races. 2.74% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 17.4% were of German
, 9.0% English
, 8.4% Irish
, 5.3% Polish
and 5.0% American
ancestry according to Census 2000. 87.1% spoke only English
at home; 2.7% spoke Spanish
and 1.7% Chinese
or Mandarin
.
By 2005 non-Hispanic whites were 74.5% of the county population; African-Americans 12.2%; Native Americans 0.4%; Asians 7.8%; and Hispanic or Latinos 3.1% of the population.
There were 125,327 households out of which 29.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.40% were married couples
living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.20% were non-families. 29.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 22.10% under the age of 18, 17.10% from 18 to 24, 32.10% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 8.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 98.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $51,990, and the median income for a family was $70,393 (these figures had risen to $59,887 and $80,779 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $49,304 versus $33,598 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $27,173. About 5.10% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.60% of those under age 18 and 5.80% of those age 65 or over.
There are also a number of unincorporated communities, such as Bridgewater, Dixboro
, Delhi Mills, Geddes, Mooreville, Salem, Stoney Creek, Whittaker, Whitmore Lake
, and Willis.
Also see: Official Washtenaw County website page listing localities
The Board of Commissioners has eleven members, elected from single member districts, on a partisan ballot, in November of even-numbered years. The term is two years. Information as of January 2011
nasium). These parks include one with a water sprinkler area for children to splash through, one park with a substantial water park
component, and one golf course. The recreation center has a swimming pool, indoor track, basketball
courts, complete set of resistance machines
, a weight room, and several multipurpose rooms.
Washtenaw county is in the process of acquiring land for natural preservation. The program started in 2001 and will end in 2011. Eight parcels of land had been purchased as of July 2007. These parcels are of special ecological, recreational, and educational benefits. They are preserved in a natural unimproved state and are open to the public during daylight hours.
Project. The stated aim of this project is to one day provide wireless access to 100% of all county residents.
regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners
controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Washtenaw County. The 2010 census places the population at 113,934, making it the sixth largest city in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 344,791 as of 2010...
. The United States Office of Management and Budget
United States Office of Management and Budget
The Office of Management and Budget is a Cabinet-level office, and is the largest office within the Executive Office of the President of the United States .The current OMB Director is Jacob Lew.-History:...
defines the county as part of the Detroit–Warren–Flint
Metro Detroit
The Detroit metropolitan area, often referred to as Metro Detroit, is the metropolitan area located in Southeast Michigan centered on the city of Detroit which shares an international border with Windsor, Ontario. The Detroit metropolitan area is the second largest U.S. metropolitan area...
Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
. The county is home to the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
, Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University is a comprehensive, co-educational public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ypsilanti is west of Detroit and eight miles east of Ann Arbor. The university was founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School...
, Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College is a community college located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1965, WCC welcomes more than 13,000 people from over 100 different countries for study each year and grants certificates and degrees to over 1,400 students annually...
, and Concordia University Ann Arbor.
History
The earliest histories mention trade conducted in the area at the Potawatomi Trail and Pontiac Trail crossings of the Huron River by French traders, and later English then American settlers. The first successful settlement was established at the present site of Ypsilanti about 1809 by French traders.In 1822, the Legislative Council of the Michigan Territory
Michigan Territory
The Territory of Michigan was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from June 30, 1805, until January 26, 1837, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Michigan...
government defined the boundaries of the county; however, it was deemed to be a part of Wayne County
Wayne County, Michigan
-History:Wayne County was one of the first counties formed when the Northwest Territory was organized. It was named for the American general "Mad Anthony" Wayne. It originally encompassed the entire area of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as small sections that are now part of northern...
. Washtenaw was established as a separate county by an act of the Michigan Territorial Legislature in 1826. It was attached for administrative purposes to Wayne County until {before 1829} when county government was seated. Ingham
Ingham County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 279,320 people, 108,593 households, and 63,744 families residing in the county. The population density was 500 people per square mile . There were 115,056 housing units at an average density of 206 per square mile...
and other counties were formed from portions of territorial Washtenaw County.
Swamps were drained and farms were tiled to lower the water table. The swamp northwest of the I-94 and US-23 intersection, and areas within Waterloo Recreation Area still appear as they did to early settlers. As productive farms became established, the local deer herds grew. In the 1820s and 1830s, the events surrounding the independence of Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
from Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
inspired construction of Greek Revival buildings, and the names of townships, towns, and children.
The "frostbitten constitutional convention" was held at Ann Arbor, the county seat, in 1835. Following resolution of the Toledo War
Toledo War
The Toledo War , also known as the Michigan-Ohio War, was the almost entirely bloodless boundary dispute between the U.S. state of Ohio and the adjoining territory of Michigan....
(1835-1836), in which Michigan Territory gave up its claim to the Toledo strip in exchange for most of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837. The University of Michigan, founded at Detroit in 1817, was then moved by the state to Ann Arbor in 1839 as a consolation for the city not being named the new state capital, as it had hoped. The University subsequently became and remains the largest employer in the county.
In 1849, the Michigan State Normal School (now Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University is a comprehensive, co-educational public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ypsilanti is west of Detroit and eight miles east of Ann Arbor. The university was founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School...
) was established in Washtenaw's oldest settlement, the city of Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Ypsilanti is a city in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 22,362. The city is bounded to the north by the Charter Township of Superior and on the west, south, and east by the Charter Township of Ypsilanti...
.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 722.53 square miles (1,871.3 km²), of which 709.94 square miles (1,838.7 km²) (or 98.26%) is land and 12.59 square miles (32.6 km²) (or 1.74%) is water.Transportation
Interstates
I-94Interstate 94Interstate 94 is the northernmost east–west Interstate Highway, connecting the Great Lakes and Intermountain regions of the United States. I-94's western terminus is in Billings, Montana at a junction with Interstate 90; its eastern terminus is the U.S...
I-94 Business Loop is a route traveling through downtown Ann Arbor.
US highways
US-12U.S. Route 12U.S. Route 12 or US 12 is an east–west United States highway, running from Grays Harbor on the Pacific Ocean, in the state of Washington, to downtown Detroit, for almost . As a thoroughfare, it has mostly been supplanted by I-90 and I-94, but remains an important road for local travel.The...
Michigan AvenueU.S. Route 12 in MichiganUS Highway 12 is a US Highway that runs from Aberdeen, Washington to Detroit, Michigan. In the US state of Michigan it runs for . Previous to the creation of Interstate Highways in Michigan, US 12 ran along Michigan Avenue between Kalamazoo and Detroit, a highway corridor now served by I-94...
a/k/a Chicago Road
BUS US 12 is a loop traveling through downtown Ypsilanti
US-23U.S. Route 23 in MichiganUS Highway 23 is a United States Numbered Highway that runs from Jacksonville, Florida to Mackinaw City, Michigan. In the US state of Michigan, it is a major north–south state trunkline highway that runs through the Lower Peninsula...- BUS US 23 is a loop route traveling through downtown Ann Arbor.
Michigan state trunklines
M-14M-14 (Michigan highway)M-14 is a east–west state trunkline highway in the southeastern portion of the US state of Michigan. Entirely freeway, it connects Ann Arbor with Detroit by way of connecting with I-96.-Route description:...
M-17M-17 (Michigan highway)M-17 is a long state trunkline highway in the U.S. state of Michigan, connecting the cities of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County. It was once part of a highway that spanned the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan before the creation of the U.S. Highway System in 1926...
M-52M-52 (Michigan highway)M-52 is a north–south state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan. The southern terminus is on the Ohio border, where it continues as State Route 109 . The highway passes through communities like Adrian, where it intersects US Highway 223 , Chelsea and Webberville along its course...
M-153M-153 (Michigan highway)M-153 is a state trunkline highway in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also known as Ford Road for nearly its entire length, except for its westernmost portion where it splits from Ford Road and junctions with the M-14 freeway...
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 322,895 people, 125,327 households, and 73,692 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 455 people per square mile (176/km²). There were 131,069 housing units at an average density of 185 per square mile (71/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 77.40% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 12.29% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.36% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 6.30% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.04% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.57% from two or more races. 2.74% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 17.4% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 9.0% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 8.4% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 5.3% Polish
Poles
thumb|right|180px|The state flag of [[Poland]] as used by Polish government and diplomatic authoritiesThe Polish people, or Poles , are a nation indigenous to Poland. They are united by the Polish language, which belongs to the historical Lechitic subgroup of West Slavic languages of Central Europe...
and 5.0% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
ancestry according to Census 2000. 87.1% spoke only English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
at home; 2.7% spoke Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
and 1.7% Chinese
Chinese language
The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
or Mandarin
Standard Mandarin
Standard Chinese or Modern Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin or Putonghua, is the official language of the People's Republic of China and Republic of China , and is one of the four official languages of Singapore....
.
By 2005 non-Hispanic whites were 74.5% of the county population; African-Americans 12.2%; Native Americans 0.4%; Asians 7.8%; and Hispanic or Latinos 3.1% of the population.
There were 125,327 households out of which 29.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.40% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.20% were non-families. 29.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 22.10% under the age of 18, 17.10% from 18 to 24, 32.10% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 8.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 98.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $51,990, and the median income for a family was $70,393 (these figures had risen to $59,887 and $80,779 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $49,304 versus $33,598 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $27,173. About 5.10% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.60% of those under age 18 and 5.80% of those age 65 or over.
Cities, villages, and townships
Washtenaw County was formed from a portion of Wayne County. It is one of many Michigan counties which has a name not borne by any other county in the United States. As the population increased, townships were formed. Amongst the townships, communities have grown from hamlets into villages and cities. Some of the townships have elected to incorporate as charter townships.| Cities | Villages | Charter Townships | Townships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barton Hills, Michigan Barton Hills is a village in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 335. Barton Hills has one of the highest per capita incomes in the United States... Dexter, Michigan Dexter is a village in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The majority of the village is in the northwest corner of Scio Township with a small portion in Webster Township. The population was 4,067 at the 2010 census... Manchester, Michigan Manchester is a village in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,160 at the 2000 census. The village is located within Manchester Township.-Chicago Road:... |
Ann Arbor Charter Township, Michigan Ann Arbor Charter Township is a charter township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 4,720. The city of Ann Arbor is adjacent to the township on the south and west sides. Small islands of the township also lie within the boundaries... Pittsfield Charter Township, Michigan Pittsfield Charter Township is a charter township south of Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 30,167 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... Superior Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan Superior Charter Township is a charter township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 10,740 at the 2000 census.... York Charter Township, Michigan York Charter Township is a charter township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 7,392 at the 2000 census.Federal Correctional Institution, Milan and the Toyota Technical Center are located in the township... Ypsilanti Township, Michigan Ypsilanti Charter Township is a charter township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 49,182... |
Bridgewater Township, Michigan Bridgewater Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 1,646.-Communities:... Dexter Township, Michigan Dexter Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,248 at the 2000 census. The nearby village of Dexter is not connected with the township and is located to the southeast.-History:... Freedom Township, Michigan Freedom Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,562 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated hamlet of Fredonia is located on Pleasant Lake withinthe township.-Geography:... Lima Township, Michigan Lima Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 3,224. The 2008 population estimate is 3,186... Lodi Township, Michigan Lodi Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan, located southwest of Ann Arbor. The population was 5,710 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... Lyndon Township, Michigan Lyndon Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,728 as of the 2000 census.-Geography:The township is located in the northwest corner of Washtenaw County.... Manchester Township, Michigan Manchester Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,102 at the 2000 census. The Village of Manchester is located within the township.-Geography:... |
Northfield Township, Michigan Northfield Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County, located north of Ann Arbor in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 8,252 at the 2000 census... Salem Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan Salem Township is a general law township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan, located northeast of Ann Arbor. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 5,562.The unincorporated community of Salem is located within the township.... Saline Township, Michigan Saline Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,302 at the 2000 census. The City of Saline is located at the northeast corner of the township, but is administratively autonomous.-Geography:... Scio Township, Michigan Scio Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township's population was 15,759... Sharon Township, Michigan Sharon Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,678 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... Sylvan Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan Sylvan Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 6,425 at the 2000 census. The 2008 population estimate is 3,394... Webster Township, Michigan Webster Township is a civil township of Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Originally settled in the 1820s and 1830s, this small town has a rich history, centered around the picturesque area known locally as "Webster Corners." The population was 5,198 at the 2000... |
There are also a number of unincorporated communities, such as Bridgewater, Dixboro
Dixboro, Michigan
Dixboro is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Michigan, located east of Ann Arbor, on the western edge of Superior Charter Township in Washtenaw County. It was founded in 1824, by Captain John Dix, a retired sea captain. Dix purchased 450 acres of land in section 18 of what was then...
, Delhi Mills, Geddes, Mooreville, Salem, Stoney Creek, Whittaker, Whitmore Lake
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
Whitmore Lake is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community spans the boundary between Green Oak Township in Livingston County and Northfield Township in Washtenaw County. The United States Census Bureau has defined a census-designated place with this name for...
, and Willis.
Also see: Official Washtenaw County website page listing localities
Government
Washtenaw County elected officials
- Prosecuting AttorneyProsecutorThe prosecutor is the chief legal representative of the prosecution in countries with either the common law adversarial system, or the civil law inquisitorial system...
: Brian L. Mackie (Democrat) - SheriffSheriffA sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
: Jerry Clayton (Democrat) - County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Lawrence KestenbaumLawrence KestenbaumLawrence Kestenbaum is an attorney, politician, and the creator and webmaster of the The Political Graveyard website.- Early life and education :...
(Democrat) - County TreasurerTreasurerA treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
: Catherine McClary (Democrat) - Water Resources CommissionerDrain commissionerA drain commissioner is an elected official in counties of the U.S. state of Michigan with a population over 12,000. In counties with a population under 12,000, the statutory duties and responsibilities of the drain commissioner are performed by the county's board of road commissioners.The office...
: Janis A. Bobrin (Democrat)
The Board of Commissioners has eleven members, elected from single member districts, on a partisan ballot, in November of even-numbered years. The term is two years. Information as of January 2011
| District | Commissioner | Party | Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Turner | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Working Session Vice-Chair |
| 2 | Dan Smith | Republican | Ways & Means Vice-Chair |
| 3 | Alicia Ping | Republican | Board Vice-Chair |
| 4 | Wesley Prater | Democrat Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
|
| 5 | Rolland Sizemore Jr. | Democrat | Ways & Means Chair |
| 6 | Ronnie Peterson | Democrat | |
| 7 | Kristin Judge | Democrat | |
| 8 | Barbara Levin Bergman | Democrat | |
| 9 | Leah Gunn | Democrat | |
| 10 | Conan Smith | Democrat | Board Chair |
| 11 | Yousef Rabhi | Democrat | Working Session Chair |
Parks and recreation
Washtenaw county operates 10 parks, and 1 recreation center (gymGym
The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, that mean a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men...
nasium). These parks include one with a water sprinkler area for children to splash through, one park with a substantial water park
Water park
A waterpark is an amusement park that features waterplay areas, such as water slides, splash pads, spraygrounds , lazy rivers, or other recreational bathing, swimming, and barefooting environments...
component, and one golf course. The recreation center has a swimming pool, indoor track, basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
courts, complete set of resistance machines
Exercise machine
An exercise machine is any machine used for physical exercise. These range from simple spring-like devices to computerized electromechanical rides to recirculating-stream swimming pools...
, a weight room, and several multipurpose rooms.
Washtenaw county is in the process of acquiring land for natural preservation. The program started in 2001 and will end in 2011. Eight parcels of land had been purchased as of July 2007. These parcels are of special ecological, recreational, and educational benefits. They are preserved in a natural unimproved state and are open to the public during daylight hours.
Wireless communication
In partnership with private enterprise, the county maintains a wireless network which is currently available to approximately 50% of county residents. The is the Wireless WashtenawWireless Washtenaw
The Wireless Washtenaw project was originally an ambitious plan to provide free wireless broadband access throughout Washtenaw County, Michigan by April 2008 'without a burden on taxpayers'. To accomplish this, it was to rely upon a public/ private sector partnership between the Washtenaw County...
Project. The stated aim of this project is to one day provide wireless access to 100% of all county residents.
Miscellaneous
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public healthPublic health
Public health is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals" . It is concerned with threats to health based on population health...
regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners
County commission
A county commission is a group of elected officials charged with administering the county government in local government in some states of the United States. County commissions are usually made up of three or more individuals...
controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.
See also
- USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166)USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166)USS Washtenaw County was a in commission in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1973. Named for Washtenaw County, Michigan, she was the only U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name.-Construction and commissioning:...
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washtenaw County, Michigan
External links
- Dexter District Library
- Washtenaw County Government
- Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan by Samuel W. Beakes Chicago: The S.J. Clarke publishing co., 1906.
- Washtenaw Community Cafe An online discussion group for the county of Washtenaw.
- Ypsilanti Historical Society