About County Executive Warren C. Evans

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 who does not shy away from a challenge. Assuming the leadership of Michigan's largest county proved to be the biggest challenge of his professional career.

In 2015 when Executive Evans began his first term, it was assumed Wayne County was headed for bankruptcy. Before the first term was over, he had eliminated both the $52 million structural and $82 million accumulated deficits, and the budget was balanced for the first time in years.

With a balanced budget, Wayne County was able to exit a consent agreement with the state in just 14 months. That progress continues today as Wayne County has produced nine consecutive budget surpluses and balanced budgets, increased funding for the County's pension system, and reduced unfunded healthcare liabilities by nearly $1 billion. Wayne County's financial turnaround has earned repeated credit rating upgrades from three Wall Street credit agencies: Moody's, Fitch Rating, and Standard & Poor's.

During his administration, there have been nine straight balanced budgets, plus an 'A' credit rating from Wall Street which has helped spark substantial economic development. And as of the final quarter of 2023, there is now a "rainy day" fund balance of $276 million. This stands in stark contrast to the junk bond status awaiting the Executive as he began his first term.

BACKGROUND

Executive Evans earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Madonna University, a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit, and a Juris Doctor degree from Detroit College of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the D.C. Bar, and the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Before serving as Executive, Evans was appointed as Wayne County Sheriff in 2003, where he served until 2009, winning two subsequent elections in 2004 and 2008. He also served as Chief of Staff of the Wayne County Commission, Assistant County Executive, and Chief of Special Operations of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

TACKLING THE COVID CRISIS

When the COVID pandemic first struck Michigan in March 2020, Executive Evans quickly organized food pantries and resources for residents across the County's 43 communities. The Evans Administration was able to deliver more than $90 million in relief to those affected by the pandemic, including direct aid for service workers, rent-burdened tenants, homeless veterans, and small businesses struggling to maintain payroll and operate safely. The County also delivered thousands of personal protection equipment (PPE) packages, at-home test kits, and air filtration kits to local municipalities and small businesses to ensure a safer environment for all as we battled against the worst global health crisis in a century.

AWARDS, BOARD MEMBERSHIPS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Until recently there were only three airports named after African Americans; the Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal in Atlanta, Georgia; the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Mississippi; and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana. On April 4, 2022, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's North Terminal was renamed the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal.

Today, Executive Evans serves on several boards, including the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, The Parade Company, Michigan Association of Counties, and the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. Recognized for his record of accomplishment, Evans' leadership has been widely praised. Some of his awards include:

• Crain's Detroit Business - Newsmaker of the Year, 2019
• National Association of County Organizations (NACO) - County Executive of the Year, 2016
• Congressional Black Caucus - Chairman's Pinnacle Award, 2017
• Arab America Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Award, 2016, 2017
• Southern Christian Leadership Council, Michigan Chapter - Robert Millender Award, 2008
• Detroit City Council - Spirit of Detroit Award, 2015