Economic Overview of Ann Arbor
Located in southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor is known for its world-class institutes of higher learning, cultural amenities, bustling downtown, and high-tech research opportunities. The City regularly receives national accolades for being one of the best places to live and work in the United States. The profiles below provide information on demographics, housing and business in the city:
Redevelopment Ready
The
Redevelopment Ready Communities Program is a state-wide certification effort led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that supports communities in their efforts to be competitive in today's economy. Ann Arbor was one of eight communities selected by the MEDC in 2103 to receive a no-cost, comprehensive assessment and a report with recommended strategies for enhancing the city’s economic vitality.
MEDC started the assessment process in May 2014, working with Planning staff to obtain documentation of the city’s development processes and interviewing local developers about their experiences. MEDC staff evaluated the City processes using six best practices:
- Community plans and public outreach
- Zoning regulations
- Development review process
- Recruitment and education of boards and commissions
- Assembly of "redevelopment-ready" sites
- Community prosperity initiatives
The Community Assessment Evaluation Findings Report was completed in October and is provided in the link below:
The color-coded report shows the city’s attainment for each of the 43 best practices. A green result indicates the best practice is currently being met. A yellow result indicates the practice is partially met, but additional action is required. A red result indicates the practice is not being met.
The report concludes that Ann Arbor is achieving 32 best practices (74%); is partially meeting 9 best practices (21%); and currently is not meeting 2 best practices (5%).
Policy makers and city staff currently are reviewing the report's recommendations. Next steps will include a meeting with MEDC staff and developing implementation strategies.
Economic Development Collaborative Task Force
In May 2013, City Council created the Economic Development Collaborative Task Force and invited the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Ann Arbor SPARK to be its partners. The Task Force was given a six-month period within which it would examine its member entities' respective core values, priorities and activities regarding economic development and identify resources including funding and opportunities for collaboration.
Partners in Economic Health
Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Act was passed by the State of Michigan in 1975 to give municipalities an economic development tool they could use to rebuild and reposition their downtowns, increase taxable values and encourage private investment. Created in 1982, the Ann Arbor DDA has done a great deal since then to improve the attractiveness, walkability, and vitality of downtown.
The Ann Arbor DDA District encompasses all or part of 67 city blocks, or approximately 271 acres. Of this total, 80 acres are public rights-of-way, 72 acres are in public use, 42 acres contain University of Michigan properties, and approximately 1/3 of the DDA District is contained within an historic district.
Visit the
Ann Arbor DDA for more information about current projects and business Downtown.
Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK is Ann Arbor’s engine for economic development. SPARK is an organization dedicated to the economic prosperity of the greater Ann Arbor region that attracts, develops, strengthens, and invests in driving industries to help our region thrive.
Visit
Ann Arbor SPARK for more information about SPARK and its many economic development services and resources.
Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development
The
Washtenaw County OCED works to enhance the vitality of Washtenaw County by developing opportunities for all residents to choose living wage employment, quality housing, stable neighborhoods, and community resources. A sample of the many programs the OCED runs include:
U of M Business Engagement Center
The University of Michigan Business Engagement Center (BEC) is the pathway connecting businessess and community organizations with the talent and resources at the University. For companies looking to access student talent, leverage faculty expertise, discover joint research projects, find lab space and specialized facilities, or to utilize a vast network of professional development opportunities, the BEC in the first point of contact.
