Flint Township View

Flint Township recognized for promoting entrepreneurial growth


FLINT TWP. — Flint Township has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development.

This week, Flint Township was honored as a four-star community for promoting entrepreneurship by researchers at iLabs, the University of Michigan- Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. The township, along with 94 other communities across the state, received this distinction as part of iLabs’ annual eCities study.

“We are excited to have Flint Township recognized for the work we have been doing to aid the businesses that are here and attract those that we welcome to join our community,” said Tracey Tucker, Economic Enhancement Director for Flint Township. “Flint Township has taken an active role in creating a welcoming and enticing environment for developers, investors and local small businesses.”

Tucker said that the township has been a proactive economic development force in the region, working with four counties and 37 communities to create a Next Michigan Development Corporation (NMDC). By creating this regional collaborative, smaller communities like Flint Township can offer businesses and investors renaissance zones and personal property tax exemptions.

Tucker said that the NMDC partnership has enabled the township to get access to dollars for lobbying and prospect meetings that it couldn’t afford on its own. This includes attending the MAEDC Mid-America Competitiveness Conference & Site Selector Forum in Chicago and meetings with prospects in Chicago (i.e. DeLoitte, the German Consulate, CN Railroad etc.)

The township has also been able to join delegations to Canada for meetings with manufacturers interested in moving to the United States. Lobbying efforts have included a Washington D.C. Fly-in for meetings with senators, congressmen, foreign delegates and the U.S. Transportation Secretary regarding the I-69 Caucus.

Over the past several years, Flint Township has re-engaged its Economic Development Corporation (EDC), created a Brownfield Development Authority, an Opportunity Zone, a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and two Corridor Improvement Authorities (CIA). The township is also part of the Redevelopment Ready Community program, creating a climate conducive to growth. — B.G.