Recognition for entrepreneurial, economic work

Once again, the city of Birmingham has received recognition for its successful work and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research.

The eCities project is an annual study done which collects and analyzes data across Michigan communities as it relates to entrepreneurship, economic development and job growth.

The 2021 eCities study analyzed publicly available data, focusing on 11 key data points relating to community growth and investment metrics, from 277 communities in 54 counties across Michigan. Researchers examined five years of publicly available data to analyze trends surrounding business and economic cycles focused on changes in property values, community assets and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community.

“The city is pleased to be named among the best communities for fostering economic development in Michigan. Over the years, the city has strived to create an environment where businesses can thrive by providing outstanding governmental services and reinvestment in the city’s infrastructure,” said Mark Gerber, Birmingham Finance Director.

“During the five-year period of the study from 2016-2020, the city of Birmingham has seen an average annual increase in taxable values of six percent. The city has used these resources to re-invest in its infrastructure by an average of 4.25 percent per year, while at the same time decreasing its total property tax rate by an average of .6 percent per year. It is this kind of re-investment in roads, sidewalks, water, sewer and parking system that makes Birmingham a premier place to do business,” said Gerber.