Wayne County committee approves Savvy Solutions agreement to help residents, employees navigate student‑loan repayment

Wayne County’s Government Operations Committee approved a two‑year comparable‑source agreement with Savvy Solutions PBC to provide a student‑loan navigation and education platform for county employees and Wayne County residents. Savvy’s director, Tony Rafa, described a custom microsite, automated application support for federal programs (including public service loan forgiveness), in‑person help and a U.S.‑based call center to help borrowers navigate repayment and potential forgiveness options.

Rafa presented statewide context: about 1.4 million Michigan borrowers and roughly $58.3 billion in student debt, and cited delinquency metrics and recent changes in federal repayment programs that leave many borrowers seeking new options. He said Savvy has worked with Oakland County, where the vendor reported more than 18,000 residents engaged and about 1,000 county employees using the service; Savvy described average annual payment reductions in that partnership and said the tool can automate complex paperwork and offer one‑on‑one support.

Commissioners asked detailed implementation questions: who is eligible (county employees and county residents), whether City of Detroit employees qualify (yes, if they are Wayne County residents or county employees), how Savvy will reach non‑tech users, and how the county will ensure public outreach beyond employee email lists. The chair and county HR staff said the program is intended for both employees and the general public; communications will include press releases, county website notices, targeted email campaigns and partnerships with community organizations. Savvy outlined a six‑week implementation window for initial setup and cited a $300,000 flat fee figure in the discussion (with $75,000 upfront), though one commissioner referenced a different figure earlier in the exchange; commissioners requested that Savvy and county staff circulate detailed contract and fiscal materials to the commission before the full board vote.

After discussion, the committee approved the agreement (motion by Commissioner Killeen; second by Commissioner Peterson Mayberry). Commissioners requested that Savvy provide primary and backup contacts and share implementation and outreach schedules with county staff and commissioners.