The City of Berkley 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. Berkley was honored as a five-star community along with 91 other communities across the state.

Berkley’s staff members pride themselves in excellent customer service and a willingness to work with existing and potential businesses to find solutions that help them achieve their goals. The City’s robust Downtown Development Authority (DDA) supports businesses with grants for façade improvements and to expand its successful mural program. This commitment to supporting a diverse business community has helped create a vibrant city where residents can find everything they need close to home.

“A large part of what makes Berkley special is the access our residents have to so many types of businesses, all within our city limits,” said Berkley Mayor Bridget Dean, “We work hard to be an environment that fosters creativity and sustainable growth for our entrepreneurs and businesses, and it’s an honor to be recognized as a five-star community!”

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 2019-2023, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 3.71 percent per year by investments such as new buildings, roads and bike paths, and library renovations. Further, these places are home to 86 percent of Michigan’s real commercial property and have 64 percent 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 87 percent of the state’s commercial property.

“Each year, we enjoy recognizing the efforts made by cities and townships throughout Michigan to support business growth and entrepreneurship in their communities,” said Kari Kowalski, Assistant Director of iLabs.

More information about eCities is available at umdearborn.edu/ecities.