By M.J. GALBRAITH
Metromode Media
DEARBORN — Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. announced the formation of an Economic Development Roundtable for the city. Approximately 20 business leaders within the community will be recruited for the organization, which will work to ensure long-term economic sustainability for Dearborn.
Longtime Dearborn resident, entrepreneur, and money manager Jim Parrelly will chair the group.
“Successful cities rely on powerful, consistent partnerships with the people and the companies that benefit from the services they provide,” O’Reilly said.
“Dearborn should be no different. We have first-class companies, first-class services, and first-class neighborhoods. Working together will secure a bright future for all of us.”
The Roundtable will pursue large economic development goals, promote corporate philanthropy that will then be reinvested in the city, establish a direct feedback loop to evaluate current economic development efforts, and develop a new incentive program to retain and attract residents.
The Roundtable will work closely with the east and west Dearborn downtown development authorities and the Warren Avenue and Dix-Vernor District Improvement authorities.
O’Reilly said he was inspired by successful roundtables in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
Also in the news is Dearborn’s initiation of a city-wide multi-modal transit plan. Organizers say that there is a growing demand for alternative transportation options in the city. The transit plan will also seek to improve current options for those that walk, bike, and drive.
To gather input, the city is hosting two open houses for the community to give feedback on the preliminary plan:
• Oct. 10, 4 to 6 p.m., Community Open House at City Hall Artspace Lofts, 13615 Michigan Ave.
• Oct. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Community Open House at the John D. Dingell Transit Center, 21201 Michigan Ave.
(This story was reprinted from Metromode Media. It also is available at: http://www.secondwavemedia.com/metromode/devnews/DearbornInTheNews.aspx.)