Charter Township of Commerce, December 19, 2023 – Charter Township of Commerce has
been recognized for its successes 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 Office of Engagement and Impact. Commerce
Township was honored as a five-star community along with 89 other communities across the
state.
We are excited to win the award again for 2023. It shows the great team work and
dedication we have to all our residents and businesses said Larry Gray, Township
Supervisor.
The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in
Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets,
and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments, and cost of doing business
within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2018-2022, these communities
increased their capital assets by an average of 3.42% per year by investments such as park and
road improvements, new police and fire equipment, and water system enhancements. Further,
these places are home to 87% of Michigan’s real commercial property and have 64% of the
state’s total property value. Communities that have seen the strongest growth in business
development over the past five years, while controlling the costs of doing business in town, are
designated as five- and four-star communities.
Although accounting for less than 20 percent of the State’s cities and townships, the 277
communities analyzed are home to 71 percent of Michigan’s population and 86 percent of the
state’s commercial property. “Each year, the eCities project aims to highlight the successes and
continued commitment of cities and townships to grow business and support entrepreneurship
within their communities,” said Kari Kowalski, iLabs project manager.
eCities homepage:
umdearborn.edu/ecities