First, Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. has announced the formation of an Economic Development Roundtable for the city. Approximately 20 business leaders within the community will be recruited for the organization, which will work to ensure long-term economic sustainability for Dearborn.
Longtime Dearborn resident, entrepreneur, and money manager Jim Parrelly will chair the group.
"Successful cities rely on powerful, consistent partnerships with the people and the companies that benefit from the services they provide," says Mayor O’Reilly.
"Dearborn should be no different. We have first-class companies, first-class services, and first-class neighborhoods. Working together will secure a bright future for all of us."
The Roundtable will pursue large economic development goals, promote corporate philanthropy that will then be reinvested in the city, establish a direct feedback loop to evaluate current economic development efforts, and develop a new incentive program to retain and attract residents.
The Roundtable will work closely with the East and West Downtown Dearborn Development authorities and the Warren Avenue and Dix-Vernor District Improvement authorities.
The mayor was inspired by successful roundtables in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.
Also in the news is Dearborn’s initiation of a city-wide multi-modal transit plan. Organizers say that there is a growing demand for alternative transportation options in the city. The transit plan will also seek to improve current options for those that walk, bike, and drive.
To gather input, the city is hosting two open houses for the community to give feedback on the preliminary plan:
- Wednesday, October 10th, 4 pm to 6 pm, Community Open House at City Hall Artspace Building, 13615 Michigan Ave
- Wednesday, October 17th, 6 pm to 8 pm, Community Open House at the John D. Dingell Transit Center, 21201 Michigan Ave
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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