Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corp.

Aerotropolis Development Corporation BACKGROUND The Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation (ADC) is a public body corporate that was formed in June, 2009 through an intergovernmental agreement between Wayne and Washtenaw Counties, and seven local communities surrounding Detroit Metropolitan and Willow Run Airports. Its goal is to create an aerotropolis between and surrounding Detroit Metropolitan and Willow Run Airports. An aerotropolis is simply an emerging type of urban form comprised of aviation-intensive businesses, businesses that need to be readily connected to their customers and other businesses that desire to be near an airport. They typically extend outward 15-20 miles from a major airport and are powerful economic development engines. The ADC will provide a coordinated, regional approach to economic development for the Aerotropolis Region. It is governed by a public/private sector Executive Committee and has the support of leading business executives in Michigan. The Corporation is funded through membership fees and private sector contributions. The Detroit Region has the elements to become a world-class aerotropolis: a state-of-the-art dual airport system, over 25,000 acres of developable land, and supportive community leadership. In addition, Southeast Michigan has an advantageous geographical location with ready access to a majority of the North American consumer markets, a shorter flight distance to international markets, and a developed infrastructure connecting the transportation ports. All modes of transportation (air, sea, rail and highway) can be accessed within a ten-mile radius, making it an ideal location for a global logistics hub. The Aerotropolis vision, along with the continued downtown development of the City of Detroit and proximity to Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, will be the catalyst for significant new investment throughout Michigan. With the prospect of regional transit and a new border crossing with Canada, the Aerotropolis concept fits squarely with other efforts aimed at making Metro Detroit a gateway to the state, nation, and the world.