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Business Organization Shares Economic Development Wishes Ahead Of Ann Arbor's Mayoral Primary

Ann Arbor
Andrew Cluley
/
89.1 WEMU

From attracting and retaining businesses to new construction projects, economic development is an important issue in every community.  Ann Arbor voters head to the polls August 5th and economic development will be among the issues voters consider when casting their ballot for one of the four Mayoral candidates. 

The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber has heard what its member businesses are looking for.   What the members want is for the city to provide more help in promoting a healthier local economy.  The University of Michigan is often noted as an economic engine for Ann Arbor and the region. But, what of Ann Arbor? What's it's role?

Chamber Vice President Andy LaBarre says members have expressed a desire for more emphasis on infrastructure improvements and maintenance.  LaBarre says economic development needs to be delivered with transparency and efficiency, "Validate the good work being done, and explain how it's a good use of taxpayer dollars.  And that's not just economic development.  That's for anything."

Additionally, there is a push to take better advantage of the area's institutions of higher education to attract and retain more talent.

Where do the Mayoral candidates line up on economic Development? We'll have that part of the story for you Monday during Morning Edition and All things Considered.   

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— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.

Like many, I first came to this area when I started school at the University of Michigan, then fell in love with the community and haven’t left. After graduating from U of M in the mid 1990’s I interned at WDET for several years, while also working a variety of jobs in Ann Arbor. Then in 1999 I joined the WEMU news team.
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