HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - 2024.06.13 - 41283
AGENDA ITEM: Oakland County Land Bank Authority Appointment
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, June 13, 2024 9:30 AM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2024-3752
Motion to to reappoint Khalfani Stephens, as a City Official, to the Oakland County Land Bank
Authority for a three-year term beginning August 18, 2024 through August 17, 2027
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Appointment Brendan Johnson
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
On June 23, 2022, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved the Intergovernmental
Agreement between the State Land Bank Authority and the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office to
establish the Oakland County Land Bank Authority. As an economic development tool, the land
bank authority supports economic growth and community revitalization by strategically acquiring
properties and working with communities and property owners on projects that bring new housing,
business and commercial activity. Tax-foreclosed properties not purchased during the land sale
auction and new development projects may be transferred to the land bank.
The goal of the Oakland County Land Bank Authority is to create housing, public spaces, and other
community uses that will strengthen our neighborhoods and help return these properties to the tax
rolls. Community outreach and education was a top priority in the first year. The members are
committed to stabilizing properties and revitalizing our communities and neighborhoods to ensure
they continue to thrive. The first annual report of the Oakland County Land Bank Authority can be
reviewed
here: https://www.oakgov.com/home/showpublisheddocument/20081/638372941272530000
POLICY ANALYSIS
Khalfani Stephens' term expires on August 17, 2024, and he has applied for reappointment. Jill
Robinson, Executive Director, Oakland County Land Bank Authority, has given her full endorsement
for Mr. Stephens to be reappointed.
Options for LAGO action is either to:
1. Recommend to the full board the reappointment of Khalfani Stephens to the Oakland County
Land Bank Authority for a three-year term beginning August 18, 2024, and ending August 17,
2027, OR
2. Advertise to receive additional applications.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Brendan Johnson, Commissioner
Jill Robinson
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 6/13/2024
AGENDA DEADLINE: 06/13/2024 9:30 AM
ATTACHMENTS
1. StephensApp
2. Stephens Resume
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2024-06-04 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - Report to Board
2024-06-13 Full Board - Appoint
Motioned by: Commissioner Brendan Johnson
Seconded by: Commissioner Angela Powell
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Christine
Long, Robert Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson,
William Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ajay Raman, Ann
Erickson Gault, Linnie Taylor (18)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Kristen Nelson (1)
Passed
June 13, 2024
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
RESOLUTION #2024-3752
Oakland County Land Bank Authority Appointment
Sponsored By:
Brendan Johnson, Commissioner
Chair, the Board of Commissioners recommends the following Board action:
to reappoint Khalfani Stephens, as a City Official, to the Oakland County Land Bank Authority for a
three-year term beginning August 18, 2024 through August 17, 2027
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2024-06-04 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - Report to Board
2024-06-13 Full Board - Appoint
Motioned by: Commissioner Brendan Johnson
Seconded by: Commissioner Angela Powell
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Christine Long,
Robert Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson, William
Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ajay Raman, Ann Erickson
Gault, Linnie Taylor (18)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Kristen Nelson (1)
Passed
ATTACHMENTS
1. StephensApp
2. Stephens Resume
BOC General Application
Response ID: 127840
Submitted Date: 05/23/2024 09:11:54 AM
Completion Time: 37 min. 28 sec.
Note: Please complete this application form in its entirety. Should this application form not be
fully completed, or contain false or misleading information, the Board of Commissioners
reserves the right to reject the application or terminate the appointment. Information included
in this application is public and subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. All
applicants may, at the County’s discretion, be subject to a security check and clearance. All
qualified applicants receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, color, sex,
age, disability, national origin, religion, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status,
height, weight, arrest record, sexual orientation and/or any other reason in accordance with
applicable state and federal laws.
In order to be eligible for application, you must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S.
citizen and a resident of Oakland County.
For Materials Management Planning Committee applicants: County residency
requirements apply only the elected government official representatives.
Representatives of the solid waste management industry, environmental interest
groups, industrial waste generator and SEMCOG should conduct business and be
active in the county.
First Name Last Name
Khalfani Manu Stephens
Address Line 1
554 Rolling Rock
Address Line 2
City ZIP Code
bloomfield hills 48304
Primary Phone Type
248-891-1221 Cell
Email Address
khalfani.stephens@yahoo.com
How long have you been a resident of Oakland County?
47 years
Your Home/Legal Residence
Note: Applications for the Oakland Community Health Network Board and the Senior
Advisory Council each require different applications that can be found on our website when
positions are available.
Board / Committee / Commission
Board/Committee/Commission
Other:
Other - Please Specify
Land Bank
Are you applying for reappointment?
Yes
Previous Term Dates
8/17/2022 - 8/17/2024
Explain why you would like to serve on this Board/Committee/Commission
I think that the work we did in our inaugural term was great. We set up the
governing rules and started a few projects. I would like to continue that work and
some standard procedures and proactive plans in place.
Have you previously served on a Board/Committee/Commission?
No
Please detail any prior work-related or community service experience and skills that may
contribute to the position you are seeking:
Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) - board member Michigan
Municipal League (MML) - board member Oakland Livingston Human Service
Agency (OLHSA) - Board Chair Pontiac - Deputy Mayor Certified Economic
Developer (CEcD) Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP)
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, or were you dishonorably
discharged from the military? Convictions or dishonorable discharge will not be an
automatic bar to appointment. All circumstances will be considered.
No
Have you ever been named a party in one or more civil lawsuits?
No
High School Name or GED City/State
Pontiac Central Pontiac/ MI
College/Technical City/State
UM & Wayne State Ann Arbor/ MI & Detroit/MI
Degree(s) received
Bachelor & Master
Education
Please list your most recent work experience first, including full-time, part-time and
volunteer work. You may also upload a copy of your resume or any documentation that
supports your employment history.
Employer Position Title
Pontiac, MI Deputy Mayor
Employment
Dates of Employment
January 2022- present
Address
47450 Woodward Ave.
Duties
Day to day operations of the City Strategic planning Budget creation Fill in for
Mayor in his absence
Upload Your Resume or supporting documentation.
khalfani_stephens_summary.pdf
Contact #1
Angela Powell/ Oakland County 248-214-6395
Contact #2
Tim Greimel/ Pontiac 248-425-7525
Contact #3
Robert Wittenberg/ Oakland County 812-396-6173
References
I affirm that the information provided on this application (and accompanying
resume, if any) is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that
falsified information or omissions may disqualify me from further consideration for
appointment and may be considered justification for removal if discovered at a later
date.
I authorize an Oakland County representative to contact individuals or organizations listed as
references or previous employers on this application.
I understand that typing my name in the signature box below creates an electronic signature
that has the same validity as actually signing the form and either faxing it back or mailing it
back via the U.S. Postal Service.
Applicant's Signature
Khalfani Stephens
File List (Protected)
khalfani_stephens_summary.pdf (241Kb.):
https://oakgov.tfaforms.net/uploads/get/710d5ba88d79db3119f1f11ee1689f0d-khalfani_stephe
ns_summary.pdf
Khalfani Stephens, MBA, CEcD, EDFP
A summary of key skills, knowledge and abilities
Khalfani.stephens@yahoo.com
248-891-1221
Stakeholder Collaboration
Colleague/ Staff Engagement
2016 outstanding employee
Directed intergovernmental
task force (State, County,
Local, Community
members)
Strong State and County
network
MEDA board VP
Business Engagement
Secured community
investment
Procured countless
approvals from City
Councils
Partnered with colleges for
business development
Facilitated new
apprenticeship program
with schools and businesses
Community Engagement
Directed community
engagement forums
Robust relationship with
local non-profits
Extensive public speaking
experience
Podcast writer/ producer
Multicultural training
Fluent French
Conversational Spanish
BA – History & Linguistics (U of
M, Ann Arbor)
Cost Effective Management
Budgeting
Managed over $12 million
budget
Forecasted collections
within 3% of actuals
Ended deficit spending
Directed legal staff to
favorable settlements
Contract negotiation
experience
Contract management
experience
Economic Development Finance
Professional (EDFP through NDC)
MBA – Finance (WSU)
Change Management
Divisional Management
Introduced cross-training
model to union
environment
Responsible for design and
implementation of
restructuring multiple city
divisions
Introduced organization-
wide marketing standards
Created unprecedented
partnership with SBA
Developed new lending
programs
Built new Economic
Development Organization
Certified Economic Developer
(CEcD through IEDC)
Marketing
Marketing
Rebranded Wayne State
University Business School
Fundraising chair for
Oakland Livingston Human
Service Agency
Adopt a family Chair for
Kappa Alpha Psi
Led local 2010 census
participation campaign
Created Live Work Play and
brand management ads for
Farmington Hills
Key partner in Clayton
County Rebranding
MBA – Marketing (WSU)
Miller Heiman Sales Training
Strategic Framework Creation
Grant Management
Successful grant writing
experience
Managed multi-year grant
Master Plan Experience
Updated City of Pontiac
Master plan
Updated City of Flint
Master plan
Contributed to CIP for
Farmington Hills
Contributed to CDBG plan
for Pontiac
Orchestrated downtown
Pontiac revitalization plan
Organizational Administration
Directed grant funded after
school program
Farmington Schools
strategic planning team
Oakland Livingston Human
Service Agency Board Chair
Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation
board VP
ADP experience
Salesforce experience
(CRM)
Economic Development
Certificate (WSU)
Master Citizen Planner (through
MSU)
Khalfani Stephens is a seasoned Government Administration professional with direct
experience at the local, county and state levels, and an expert in Community/
Economic Development. He helps organizations find success by focusing on
investments and brand management over incentives. He works with organizations to
create policies that grow both businesses and communities as a whole.
Khalfani’s efforts have resulted in thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in
leveraged funds to help communities grow and prosper.
In addition to traditional business development and retention activities, he has led
cross departmental teams, developed City Master Plans, managed grants, stood in for
Chief Executives, hosted international delegations, and much more.
He is a strong supporter of community service and is currently the Chair of the Oakland
Livingston Human Service Agency and a board Vice President of the Pontiac Kappa
Foundation.
Khalfani Stephens, CEcD, EDFP
554 Rolling Rock Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
248-891-1221
Khalfani.Stephens@yahoo.com
ED U C A TIO N
Michigan Master Citizen Planner - Michigan State University. Completed 2016
Economic Development Finance Professional - National Development Council. Completed 2014
Miller Heiman Sales Training - Completed 2012
Certified Economic Developer - International Economic Development Council. Received 2011
Post Graduate Certificate, Economic Development - Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Received 2009
MBA, Marketing - Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Graduated 2003, GPA: 3.5/ 4.0
BA, Linguistics and History - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Graduated 2000, Honors, GPA: 3.2/ 4.0
R ELEV A N T S K ILLS & EX P ER IEN C E
01/22-Present Deputy Mayor Pontiac, MI
Function as Chief Operating Officer
Oversee daily function of executive staff
Implement reorganization of City departments to deliver greater service
Develop and implement yearly operating budget
02/20-01/22 Economic Development Director Flint, MI
Ensured continued support from W. K. Kellogg Foundations for multi-year grant
Develop and implement strategic plans for Economic and Community Development
Rebranded the City as a welcoming place to invest
Rebuilt the community and economic developme nt program for the City
06/18-02/20 Executive Director Development Authority of Clayton County
Designed a new economic development a gency, including policies, procedures, and job descriptions
Created and implemented a business retention and development strategy to reduce “sprawl” to other counties
Collaborated with County Planning to develop and implement a holistic community development strategy
Instituted new partnerships and cultivated stronger relationships with State of GA, regional agencies, and
educational institutions
Developed and deployed a business attraction strategy to foster existing industry and diversify the economy
01/15-06/18 Economic Development Director Farmington Hills, MI
Rebuilt the City’s business retention & growth program
Developed a business attraction program
Supported efforts to define the City’s strategic vision for future growth
Served as liaison between business community and City departments
Managed Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Corridor Improvement Authority
01/12-01/15 Business Development Manager Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Performed retention and expansion visits to match companies with the resources they need to grow and expand
Provided strategic guidance to develop and implement new growth strategies
Provided technical assistance to cities in support of Master Plan updates
Served as MEDC liaison to Oakland and Genesee counties
07/09-01/12 Executive Director City of Pontiac, Pontiac Growth Group
Directed business/ community development efforts in Pontiac
Realigned departments to better serve the community and deliver on key metrics
Managed $12 million budget across three departments to continue to build cash reserv es
Produced cable television show to promote the City of Pontiac
Managed special projects for Financial Manager
B O AR D S , C OMM ISS IO N S & M EM B ERS H IP S
Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, Chair (2009-present)
Michigan Economic Developers Association, Secretary (2009-2018)
Pontiac Kappa Foundation, Board member (2017 -present)
Pontiac Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chair (2009 -2011)
Khalfani Stephens, CEcD, EDFP
554 Rolling Rock Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
248-891-1221
Khalfani.Stephens@yahoo.com
City of Pontiac Planning Commission, Commissioner (2009-2011)
S P EC IA L S K ILLS
Fluent French; Overseas experience living and working in France
Conversational Spanish