UM-Dearborn’s iLabs’ eCities research recognizes Rochester and other top communities

ROCHESTER, MI, March 4, 2022 – The City of Rochester 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 Center for Innovation Research. Rochester was honored as a five-star community along with 97 other communities across the state.

“Rochester is a premier community, and we can continue to be recognized as one of the best communities in Michigan,” said Mayor Stuart Bikson.

The City of Rochester, Michigan has been around for more than 200 years, and people have chosen to live in Rochester because of its pristine small-town charm, beautiful natural features, and its proximity to everything one needs to live, work, and play.

Nestled on the eastern side of Oakland County, Rochester prides itself on being a family-oriented community that stays true to its rich history, while always keeping an eye on the future. Rochester is a community of just over 13,000 people across a four-square mile area. Rochester prides itself on its nationally-recognized public schools, expansive and welcoming rivers, trails, and parks, and charming downtown.

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 2016-2020, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2.9 percent per year by investments such as park facilities, water and sewer infrastructure projects, and emergency vehicles, while property tax rates increased by less than 3 percent on average per year.

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.

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About the University of Michigan-Dearborn

Founded in 1959 with a gift of just over 200 acres of land and $6.5 million from the Ford Motor Company, University of Michigan-Dearborn is a metropolitan university serving southeastern Michigan, committed to excellence rooted in strong academics, innovative research and programming and civic engagement. The university has 8,300 students pursuing more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees in liberal arts and sciences, engineering, business, education and health programs. A top-ranked university with faculty devoted to teaching and students committed to achievement, UM-Dearborn is shaped by its history of partnering with local leaders and communities, and is committed to finding solutions for the challenges that face the region.

To learn more about the University of Michigan-Dearborn eCities Annual Research visit UM Dearborn eCities Annual Research Study.

Mar 4, 2022 City of Rochester and Rochester.Life Staff