Executive Summary
Why we do economic development
You’ve seen it hundreds of times, all over the world, that cities dream to be THE place to live, work and play. Businesses are vital to creating the spaces where people can live, work and play. Whether it´s constructing a new housing development, a high-tech manufacturer creating jobs from CEO to receptionist or the community movie theater - businesses bring innovation, opportunities, employment, diversity and education to a city. Businesses too are paying customers of a community. In fact, in Rochester Hills, 28% of our tax revenue is paid by local busineses. And while businesses don’t have a vote in community issues, they have a voice. And like the saying goes, “Location, Location, Location” is everything. A location that provides quality real estate options, proximity to customers and suppliers and world class workforce drive a business’ decision on choosing the right location. Just like a business, it is govern- ment’s role to recognize its customers and provide excellent service. Therefore, in the City of Rochester Hills, we recognize our role is to be strategic in our efforts to attract and retain a community of “good” businesses. We began the process of crafting this strategy in 2019, but we know this is a living document that will need regular reflection as the market changes. While the pandemic has brought much disruption to our business community and threats to our competitiveness, it has also brought new opportunities for business products and services. We recognize that during these unique times, priorities, programs and resources may shift. We also know that data and metrics are changing, sometimes daily, and we are watching these factors closely to make sure we are looking for trends, opportunities, threats and advan- tages. However, at the end of the day, it’s still our overall mission to be the preeminent place to live work and raise a family and collaboration with strategic partners and customers on The Big 5 will help us accomplish such a mission. Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett: “It is never our place as government to get in your busi- ness, but if we can help in any way, that is where we play a role.”
P RESERVE
E NHANCE
D IVERSIFY
The mission of the Planning and Economic Development (PED) Department is to support and promote quality development. By preserving what Rochester Hills already has, enhancing those elements that can be improved and diversifying options, Rochester Hills can continue to be among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family for many years to come.
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