Economic Development

Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.

A map showing the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority's original and expanded boundaries.

Ann Arbor DDA expands its boundaries for first time, enabling new projects on city’s North Side

The goal of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority's expansion is to strengthen connections between downtown, the Huron River, and Ann Arbor's North Side.

Latest in Economic Development
A promotional graphic announcing Ann Arbor SPARK's membership in the Global Institute on Innovation Districts.
Ann Arbor SPARK joins global network of innovation districts

Ann Arbor SPARK has joined The Global Institute on Innovation Districts Global Network, allowing it to collaborate with over 50 innovation districts in 14 countries.

University of Michigan Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics Director Gabriel Ehrlich presents the 41st annual Washtenaw County Economic Outlook report.
Washtenaw County economic outlook report forecasts measured growth despite national and global risks

A new economic outlook report forecasts that Washtenaw County's economy will see continued, measured growth through 2028. 

People walk in downtown Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw County residents invited to contribute to new 10-year tourism plan

Destination Ann Arbor is inviting residents and local stakeholders to help directly shape the future of tourism in Washtenaw County from 2027-2036.

Recast Leaders aim to revitalize local economies

Ypsilanti and six other Michigan communities are working on building their local economies in the Recast Leaders program. Here's a look at how the program works.

AI’s impact in Washtenaw County, from tech boom to data centers

Our new three-part series digs into AI's impacts in Ann Arbor's tech industry, its utilization in Washtenaw County's educational world, and the ongoing debate about data centers in several Washtenaw County communities.

Downtown Ypsilanti.
Ypsi selected to join downtown revitalization program with emphasis on small manufacturers

Ypsilanti is one of six communities participating in Recast City’s Recast Leaders program, which is focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. 

Kathryn Haushalter lives near the future site of a data center in Saline Township. She recently filed a lawsuit to seek intervention in the project.
Data centers in Washtenaw County: Economic boon or environmental liability?

Data center developers and advocates tout their projects as responsible, job-creating economic development engines, but many residents are opposing what they see as threats to their utility bills and the environment.

Chelsea city leaders work with Michigan Municipal League to strengthen local economy

Michigan Municipal League shares innovative programs, fosters collaborations, and connects communities with resources.

New platform to share ‘Common Ground’ from community ideas and solutions

Issue Media Group, a multilocal network of solutions-based, issues-focused digital publications, has launched a new national platform for increasing the reach and impact of its journalism.

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