Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The cities and school districts of Royal Oak and Berkley are proud to announce its joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 17.

We invite you to be a part of this event!

Watch It Live: The commemoration, “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” will begin with a virtual presentation hosted on the Berkley Schools and Royal Oak Schools Facebook pages at 9:30 AM. The virtual event will include a keynote speech by Dr. Kim Martin, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator for Royal Oak Schools, a performance by the Detroit Youth Choir, messages from both school superintendents, and more.

Join Us To March: At 10:30 AM, the community is invited to gather at Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS), 709 N Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI, for a freedom walk in the ROMS neighborhood as well as a donation drive. The walk will kick off at 11 AM. The first 200 guests will receive an event t-shirt. All ages and members of the community are invited to attend.

Record A Testimonial: How has Dr. King's legacy affected you? Feel free to record a testimonial about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy, or his speeches in our Testimonials Tent. These will be included in our program after the event.

Make A Donation: The event committee will also be collecting the following donations prior to the freedom walk to support the following groups:

Redford Brightmoor Initiative
Cass Community Social Services
Judson Center
Gleaners Community Food Bank

Items that we'd like to collect that day are listed below:

Toiletries & Cleaning Supplies (toilet paper, paper towel, soap, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, cleaning products, baby wipes, deodorant, feminine products)
DVDs (new or used)
Non-perishable foods (including canned meat and fish)
Diapers (newborn to size 6)
Baby wipes
Laundry detergent

Items will be collected through 1 PM and then delivered that day by volunteers.
Use this link for more information:
https://www.royaloakschools.org/Core/News/Article/14340/

PLEASE NOTE: City facilities will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17 for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. (Weekly trash pickup WILL NOT be delayed. Put your items to the curb on your normal collection day.)

Have a Voice

Royal Oak is always seeking residents interested in serving on city boards, commissions, and committees. See a list of current vacancies.

Boards, committees, and commissions are designed to give citizens a voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for residents. Participation on a board or commission is one of the most effective steps citizens can take in having an active voice in their government.

Police Department Update

Find the most recent police reports on the city's website.

Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for crime alerts at crimemapping.com. Crime Mapping's goal is to assist police departments in reducing crime through a better-informed citizenry.

Sign up for public safety alerts from the police using Civic Ready. Click here to subscribe.

2022 Spring Tree Planting Program

Royal Oak residents have the opportunity to help the environment by planting a tree (or tree). In the Spring Tree Planting Program, you can select a number of lovely trees for planting on public or private property. The prices are very reasonable.

Learn more at https://www.romi.gov/1554/Spring-2022-Tree-Planting-Program

New Library Hours

The Royal Oak Public Library will be changing its hours starting January 18, 2022. The new hours will be:

Monday through Thursday 9 am-8 pm
Friday through Saturday 9 am-6 pm.
Sunday 1 pm-5 pm (seasonal)

Downtown Dollars!

If you picked up a gift card -- courtesy of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) -- at the centennial celebration last week, you have until the end of January to use it. It's good at any of these locations.

Eat, shop, and be merry. #shoplocal

Gov. Whitmer declares January 2022 Radon Action Month in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer encourages all Michigan residents to learn more about this environmental hazard and test their homes during the heating season.

You cannot see, smell or taste radon, and there are no short-term side effects that could cause alarm or warn of its presence. However, long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer, which accounts for more deaths in both men and women than any other form of cancer in the United States, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Learn more about Radon and what you can do about it at this link.

The Oakland County Health Center at 27725 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, MI, currently has $5.00 Radon test kits for pick up during the month of January, while supplies last. Call the Health Dept. for additional details. 248-424-7192

Listen Up, Royal Oak!

The new City Commission chamber offers an assistive listening solution that delivers clarity to those struggling to hear in a big room that can at times be crowded. The device (shown in the photo) is easy to use.

If you are interested in trying one, please call the Human Resources Department at 248-246-3070 in advance of any meeting you are planning to attend. We’ll be happy to have a listening device ready and waiting for you!

Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire Department

The Royal Oak Fire Department’s residential lockbox program is designed to get quick access to adults living in their own homes during medical emergencies -- especially senior citizens. When every second counts, the lockbox -- which contains a key to your home -- reduces the likelihood of property damage caused by first responders forcing entry into your home in response to an emergency call.

For more information, go to https://www.romi.gov/1271/FAQ-Residential-Lockbox

Oh, The Things You Can Do Online

We have put together a list of our most requested online services. Discover all the things you can do from the comfort of your home, office or favorite hideaway.

Still can’t find what you are looking for? Email citymanager@romi.gov and someone will get back to you.

Quick Links

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