The City of Mt. Pleasant has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Mt. Pleasant was honored as a four-star community along with 94 other communities across the state. This is the fifth time the City has been recognized by UM-Dearborn.
“We are pleased the City of Mt. Pleasant is receiving this recognition for the fifth time," says City Manager Nancy Ridley. "Economic development is only successful when both public and private sector leaders work together and realize the importance of consistent and quality growth to our community. This designation is an indicator of that dedication and commitment.”
The 2020 eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2015-2019, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2.4% per year by investments such as library equipment, building, water, and sewage improvements, and street renovations, while property tax rates increased by less than 1% on average per year.
Although accounting for less than 20% of the State’s cities and townships, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70% of Michigan’s population and 87% of the State's commercial property.
“Each year, the eCities project aims to highlight the successes and continued commitment of cities and townships to grow business and support entrepreneurship within their communities,” says Kari Kowalski, iLabs project manager.
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