Cascade Township Earns Five-Star Ranking for Economic Development Efforts and Successes

Cascade Township Earns Five-Star Ranking for Economic Development Efforts and Successes
 
Cascade Township, Michigan, Jan. 8, 2019 – Cascade Charter Township has again been recognized as a five-star community for its efforts in contributing to Michigan’s growth and economic development in the annual eCities study.
 
Conducted by researchers at iLabs, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research, the eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Consistent with last year, researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets and tax rates, which demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community.
 
“This is the fifth year in a row we have been recognized for our economic development efforts, which serves as a testament of our commitment to ensuring Cascade is a desirable place to live and work,” said Ben Swayze, Township manager. “As a township, we are incredibly intentional about the type of economic environment we offer our businesses and residents, which is reflected in the study results.
 
“We take great pride in helping to promote business growth and retention in both our community and the state.”
 
Cascade Township was selected as a five-star community for the following initiatives:

• The broad and diverse mix of business types, from retail, restaurants and hotels to industrial, auto dealers and office parks.

• A focus on improving the business climate of Cascade by introducing “The District,” which provides an identity for the Township’s four downtown areas, as well as the development of the District Business Guide, a microsite for the business community – madeincascade.org – and the Township’s online Business Spotlight, which showcases business in the community

• The Township’s efforts to become a redevelopment ready community, including updating all plans and documents to ensure businesses are supported

• The opportunities provided to entrepreneurs and small businesses

• The accessibility of the community with convenient transportation by car, bus or plane

• Great amenities and regional destinations for community events and engagement

 
“While accounting for only about 15 percent of the cities and townships in Michigan, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of the population and 85 percent of the state’s commercial property,” said Tim Davis, director at iLabs. “By analyzing these high-performing communities, our goal is to showcase what cities and townships are doing to spur growth and how we can continue to support their efforts in developing business and encouraging entrepreneurs.”
 
Cascade Township was recognized for its economic efforts during the Executive Speaker Series panel discussion at UM-Dearborn. This series focused on changes in the business climate and future trends.


About Cascade Township
Home to more than 18,000 residents, Cascade Township is committed to serving the public by providing the finest community services possible with respect, efficiency and integrity. With the Thornapple River at its heart, Cascade Township is recognized as an excellent place to live, work, recreate and raise a family. For more information, visit http://www.cascadetwp.com/.

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