DEARBORN – For the fifth year in a row, Dearborn has achieved a rating recognizing its ability to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research.
Dearborn was one of 19 communities across the state to receive a five-star designation in the study. Dearborn has received a five-star honor each year since 2011. The city also earned a four-star designation in 2010.
“We appreciate this recognition, which once again acknowledges that the city is always looking for opportunities to promote Dearborn to business investors and reflects our success in attracting new development,” Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. said.
Dearborn and the other 19 five-star municipalities spent more than $3.4 million on economic development, had more than $31 million in additions to assets in the past year and had more than $29 billion in combined real and personal property values.
Research conducted by the eCities study surveyed 66 communities from 29 Michigan counties that are home to more than 19 percent of the state’s residents and 10 percent of its college graduates.
“The eCities project highlights how local governments from across the state of Michigan are cultivating and supporting economic development,” Tim Davis, director of iLabs, said. “These communities show how local governments can work in distinct and strategic ways to energize public spaces, while investing in businesses and job development.”
The annual eCities project, which began in 2007, uses data supplied by participants, as well other public records to assemble a six-factor, 32-item index of entrepreneurial activity, examining factors like clustering, incentives, growth, policies, community and education.
The study’s focus on entrepreneurship reflects its importance to the expansion and diversification of Michigan’s regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation.