September 19 , 2006
Wayne County is regional leader in development, SEMCOG reports

Detroit, MI – Wayne County led a seven-county region in both residential and nonresidential development in 2005, according to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) annual survey of business investment in southeastern Michigan.

The annual report provides a summary of newly constructed buildings, additions/expansions, and redevelopment of various types of projects, including industrial, warehouse, retail, institutional and office.

Wayne County had a total development in 2005 of 10.3 million square feet, representing 31 percent of the region’s total activity. That development was an increase from the 9.3 million square feet of activity in 2004.

In 2005, Oakland County’s development activity trailed Wayne County, with 9.9 million square feet.

“We have a lot to offer here,” said Dr. Mulugetta Birru, Director of Wayne County Economic Development. “Wayne County saw 5039 new housing starts in 2005, compared to Oakland County with 4556.”

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano says he is not surprised. “Wayne County is the largest County in the State of Michigan and sometimes size does matter,” said Ficano. “We will continue to leverage the collective strength of our 43 communities to attract and retain development activity as well as increase our efforts to create new opportunities.”

Of the eleven development categories considered by SEMCOG, Wayne County experienced growth in seven, including entertainment, institutional, medical, office, retail/commercial, warehouse/distribution and other. A decline in activity was experienced in hotels, research/ high tech, mixed use and transportation.

The most active communities in Wayne County in 2005 were:

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