Finding Opportunity Within Crisis

Creating and maintaining jobs in Wayne County is my administration's top priority. It is painfully evident that the automotive industry will not return to its previous levels of employment and economic impact in the region. To compete in a global market, we are in the process of diversifying our economy into the areas of aerospace, life sciences, alternative energy, defense and other sectors.    

Recently I testified in front of President Barack Obama's auto recovery director about ways the federal government could assist in helping new companies and automotive suppliers branch out into these new sectors. One major roadblock that must be lifted is the redlining of this region by the banking industry. Credit lines must be opened to spur the development this region so desperately needs. Several projects cannot proceed simply due to lack of financing.

But despite unprecedented challenges, Wayne County is making progress on the economic front thanks in part to creative incentives, a 60-day permitting policy, technological advances and aggressive marketing.  Our Land Bank/TURBO program has generated millions of dollars in new investment and thousands of new jobs. Vacant fields and dilapidated buildings are being converted into productive businesses.

In a victory for regional collaboration, a public-private partnership including seven communities in Wayne and Washtenaw counties is spearheading development of an Aerotropolis near Detroit Metro and Willow Run airports. This partnership's goal is to create more than 60,000 new jobs. We have requested federal funding to help with infrastructure and will be seeking tax incentives from the state to jumpstart the building of an "airport city" that will employ residents throughout the region.

Wayne County is also active in attracting international companies to the region. One company attracted to Canton Township as a result of our four trade missions to China -- Tempo Group -- recently was one of the buyers for a part of Delphi Corp. Their investment in Delphi ended up saving thousands of jobs.

Signs of a diverse economy are springing up throughout Wayne County. New jobs are being created at an electric car battery headquarters in Livonia, a new movie studio in Allen Park, a life sciences corridor in Plymouth Township, at Techtown, in Detroit, and at the Pinnacle Race Course in Huron Township.

But our aggressive quest for new jobs does not diminish the need to secure the viability of our auto industry and maintain the jobs we already have in Wayne County. That's why I launched a radio campaign in southern states to promote federal assistance for the Big Three automakers. That's why we recently fast-tracked a Brownfield plan that will help enable Ford Motor Co. to re-tool its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne. Ford will invest more than $500 million in the plant and retain thousands of jobs.

And, that's why I will continue to push for a deal to expand Cobo Hall. More than 16,000 jobs across metro Detroit are tied to Cobo activities, with about 80 percent of those jobs directly tied to the North American Auto Show. The election of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has changed the political dynamics, creating an opportunity to revisit this vital issue.

While we concentrate on an economic recovery, my administration is very aware of the pain and suffering this downturn has caused. We have created a nationally recognized program for mortgage foreclosure prevention and programs providing affordable health care, nuisance abatement, and a second chance for one-time, nonviolent offenders.

I have repeatedly said this region cannot operate in silos. In a global economy, we must think and act regionally or fall behind the competition.  Our leaders must be willing to see the big picture and lead accordingly. My vision for Wayne County and the region is a place where our children and grandchildren live, work and play while enjoying a great quality of life. Jobs and a great quality of life are inextricably connected. Regional cooperation will help make it happen.

Robert A. Ficano is Wayne County's Chief Executive Office