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Municipal Members
A City is its People
We love the intensity of these places. They give Michigan character! It's the living memory of our automotive heritage celebrated on America's first highway every year through the Woodward Dream Cruise. It's the dozen different languages we hear chattering in cafes in Dearborn. It's the thousand calories we guiltlessly indulge in on "paczki day" in Hamtramck. It's the smile from a stranger at the library in Roseville, the welcoming handshake from the mayor in Lincoln Park. It's our neighbors and everything they do that give this places its unique sense of place.
Every project that the Michigan Suburbs Alliance takes on has as its mission tapping into the talents and intellect of the region's people. We believe everything we need to succeed is already here: the great ideas, the tireless workers, the willingness and experience to build empires from nothing more than a few tools, a basement or a garage to work in, and a kind word frum a trusted mentor.
Download the New Member Application Form to learn about the benefits of membership and how to become a member. Return this form with a check made out to the Michigan Suburbs Alliance. Annual dues are prorated to comply with our current fiscal year, so potential charter members should contact Brittany Galisdorfer before submitting to determine the correct amount.
To learn more about becoming a municipal member of the Suburbs Alliance, call us to set up a meeting or presentation for city officials.
Suburbs Alliance Charter Members
Suburbs Alliance Affiliate Members
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Berkley
Berkley is a community of almost 16,000 spanning 2.6 square miles in Oakland County. The city is nestled along the Woodward corridor north of Huntington Woods. Designated as one of Governor Granholm's "Cool Cities," Berkley offers an active downtown district, a walkable residential community, and is home to the annual Dream Cruise Parade.
Dearborn
The City of Dearborn with a population of 97,775 was first settled in 1786. It is the hometown of Henry Ford and today, Ford Motor Company's world headquarters. The City is also home to other major corporations, as well as institutions of higher learning: the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Davenport University, and Henry Ford Community College. Because Dearborn is a major southeastern Michigan employment and educational center, the city's daytime population swells to more than 300,000 people.
Dearborn Heights
Dearborn Heights, nicknamed The "City with a Future," is an established residential community that became a city in 1963. The city has a population of more than 60,000 citizens and covers a 12 square mile area.
Eastpointe
The city of Eastpointe, located in Macomb County, covers 5.1 square miles and has a population of 34,077. It was incorporated as a city on January 7, 1929. Because of its location at the southern edge of the county, it is known as "The Gateway to Macomb County."
Farmington
Farmington is located in the heart of south Oakland County and sees itself as "the crossroads where dreams come to life." Its 10,423 residents enjoy a hometown quality of life and welcoming atmosphere. Farmington's distinctive downtown draws people from the community as well as the neighboring cities of Farmington Hills, Southfield, Livonia and Novi, and its many programs encourage residents to become engaged and active in the community.
Ferndale
Incorporated as a village in 1917, Ferndale was the first Streetcar Suburb in the shadow of the big city of Detroit. Life in early Ferndale revolved around Nine Mile and Woodward, a stop on the historic inter-urban rail road, where a police officer could often be found directing car traffic with a manually operated stop & go sign from an elevated perch referred to as the "crows nest." Ferndale developed around Woodward Avenue, originally a Native American Indian trail, which ran from the Detroit River to Pontiac. Many early residents farmed and gardened.
Ferndale grew with the auto industry and was remembered in the Ferndale Historical Society's 1987 oral history book, Old Timers Tell it Like it Was as a colorful, interesting, and fun place to live and visit. Ferndale had its own bustling downtown, centered between the State Fair Grounds to the south and the Detroit Zoo to the north. Located at the geographic center of metro-Detroit, Ferndale has 22,105 residents, 900 businesses, 2 school districts, 1 charter school, 11 parks, a new community center, and metro Detroit's one and only ice curling club. Its revitalized downtown and multi-faceted community have earned it the nickname "Fashionable Ferndale."
Grosse Pointe is a small city if 5,670 residents and 1.1 square miles. It borders Grosse Pointe Park on the west; Detroit on the north; Grosse Pointe Farms on the east; and Lake St. Clair on the south. It's often nicknamed "The City" or "Grosse Pointe City" to distinguish itself among its similarly-named neighbor communities.While Grosse Pointe was established in 1893, it became population-dense in the years between 1910 and 1930 and was incorporated as a city in 1934. Committed to maintained its vibrant downtown of about 40 shops and businesses, city government and business officials meet regularly to facilitate cooperation. Grosse Pointe is also expanding the city's curb-side recycling program through the Public Works department.
Grosse Pointe Farms was founded in 1892 on the shores of Lake St. Clair. It spans 2.7 square miles that 9,764 residents call home. The Farms joins the other Grosse Pointe communities in supporting the Poine Area Transportation Services for seniors and citizens who are disabled; one-way rides are $1.00 and can be reserved 36-hours in advance. As well, Grosse Pointe Farms is hoses the Grosse Pointe War Memorial as a "center for enrichment in honor of veterans." The luxurious memorial building is a state and national historic site, and is host to more than 2,000 community events each year.
Grosse Pointe Park
Covering 2.3 square miles, the City of Grosse Pointe Park is one of five cities that make up "Grosse Pointe." The Grosse Pointes are situated along the shores of Lake St. Clair, a 400 square mile lake forming the link between the Great Lakes, Lake Huron and Lake Erie. First incorporated as a village in 1907 and then as a city in 1950, Grosse Pointe Park borders the City of Detroit and the City of Grosse Pointe. The City houses two main parks to serve its 12,443 residents: Windmill Pointe Park and Matthew C. Patterson Park. It also hosts a weekly open-air farmers' market.
Only 350 residents incorporated the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores in 1911. It's approximately one-and-a-half square miles, which makes it the smallest of the Grosse Pointe communities. It's also the only Grosse Pointe community that is zoned solely for single-family residences. Today, Grosse Pointe Shores has grown to 3000 residents living in 1100 households. The one commercial property in the village is the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. The village voted to become a city in 2008.
Grosse Pointe Woods
The City of Grosse Pointe Woods was incorporated in 1927 and was known as the Village of Lochmoor. In 1939, the Village of Lochmoor became the Village of Grosse Pointe Woods and on December 11, 1950, it was incorporated as the City of Grosse Pointe Woods, a Home Rule City. Covering an area of 3.28 square miles, the city operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council, composed of the mayor and six council members, is responsible for determining policies and adopting ordinances needed to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. Representatives are elected every 4 years.
Hamtramck
Hamtramck's varied mix of ethnicities and backgrounds from around the world make it a place where one can get "A Touch of THE WORLD In America." It is a vibrant municipality featuring old world customs and traditions along with a new generation of spirit. Between 1910 and 1920 the area of Hamtramck flourished, growing from 3,589 to 46,615. It marked the greatest growth of any community in the U.S. during that period. Hamtramck's 2.2 square miles were incorporated as a city in 1922.
Harper Woods
Settlement began in what is now called Harper Woods in 1850. It was first known as Manchester Park, but the Depression brought the area back to virtual wilderness. Subdivisions began again in 1934, and a solid, home-owning community developed. It was renamed from its being in a heavily wooded area and from its then main thoroughfare, Harper Avenue. In 1951, the area was incorporated as a city. Today, Harper Woods encompasses 2.63 square miles, and has a population of approximately 15,000.
Hazel Park
The City of Hazel Park can best be described as an innovative and mature community. Hazel Park thrives primarily as a modest single-family residential community with the third highest population density in the state of Michigan . The city's biggest attraction is the Hazel Park Harness Raceway which has been a Michigan Landmark for over 50 years. Its latest attraction is the Viking Ice Arena. The 66,000-square foot building houses an NHL-size rink and an Olympic-size rink, along with a fitness center, pro-shop and roller rink.
Highland Park
Highland Park was still a rural farming community north of Detroit in the early 1900s when Henry Ford chose the community as site for his first great factory. Built east of Woodward Avenue, the Ford plant marked the early emergence of the moving assembly line process for which Ford became famous. It was here in Highland Park, in this "birthplace of mass production," that Ford produced millions of Model T cars. And it was to Highland Park that tens of thousands of immigrants came for an unprecedented $5-a-day wage and a chance to enter the emerging middle class. Today, like many communities across America, Highland Park is discovering new possibilities as it reinvents itself in the post-industrial age. Over $300 million in new commercial, industrial and residential development has been invested in the city in the last decade, positioning Highland Park as a vibrant community for the future.
Huntington Woods
Located in the heart of southeastern Oakland County, Huntington Woods has 2,419 homes and over 6,151 residents. Known as a highly desirable place to live, Huntington Woods has been nicknamed "The City of Homes." It offers many unique services, including and a newly expanded recreation and aquatics facility and a small but extensive public library. It was incorporated as a city in 1932.
Lathrup Village
Lathrup Village, a 1.5 square mile city in southern Oakland County, combines an historic past with a dynamic present. Gracious homes and planned city growth have provided an ideal environment for convenient, small city living within a larger metropolitan area. Within this setting you will find shaded streets, pleasant lawns, trees and gardens, and several parks. Lathrup Village is a living monument to Lousie Lathrup Kelley who conceived and carried out the city’s unique development. Kelley advanced a controlled building plan which restricted subdivisions to all brick houses of high quality, and resulted in the beautiful neighborhoods found in the city today.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a community of homes and neighborhoods located minutes away from the many cultural, recreational, and business opportunities of Southeastern Michigan. Safe and quiet streets, beautiful parks, a sense of place, community pride and strong linkage to schools and community groups provide the definition of "hometown." The City Council is action oriented and focused on progress, continuously working to improve the quality of life in the City. City improvement assistance programs are in place through the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The city remains committed to attracting commercial growth that shapes the urban lifestyle of the future with the values of its past.
Melvindale
Melvindale, the "Gateway to Downriver", is a residential-industrial city located in Wayne County, and encompasses an area of approximately 2.72 square miles. In 1932 it was incorporated as a city. Its greatest growth occurred in the 1940s, during and after World War II, when the commercial and industrial complex of Detroit overflowed to outlying communities.
Mount Clemens
Known as the "Capital of Macomb," Mount Clemens was incorporated in 1887 and enjoys its status as the oldest community in Macomb County as well as the County Seat. In its 4.2 square miles, Mount Clemens offers the comforts of residential life as well as the amenities of its central downtown district. Its waterfront location on the Clinton River allows its 17,000+ residents to benefit from the city's summer riverfront concert series, local boat tours, and annual festivals. In addition, residents are served by 15 local area parks and nature reserves.
Pleasant Ridge
Nestled between the cities of Ferndale and Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge is the smallest of the Woodward Corridor Communities. It has a population of approximately 2600 and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Pleasant Ridge began when the Mayday farm was subdivided in 1913. Six years later, in 1919, it became a village, and in 1928 it was incorporated as a city.
River Rouge
With a population of approximately 10,000, River Rouge is home to about 4,600 families. It is a community located in the heart of "Downriver," bordered by the cities of Ecorse and Detroit. River Rouge covers 6.912 sq. kilometeres and has 3,300 feet of shoreline along the Detroit River, much of which has been restored in recent years. People can boat, fish and canoe in the water at 9.5-acre Belanger Park, which also offers picnic facicilities and newly paved bike trails.
Roseville
Originating as a strong Irish settlement, Roseville was incorporated as a city in 1958. The city operates under a city manager who is appointed by an elected mayor and six council members. Located in the heart of Macomb County, Roseville encompasses approximately 9.5 square miles and has a population of 48,129.
Southfield
"The Center of It All," Southfield offers both a cosmopolitan, culturally diverse residential population and a thriving international business community. Southfield is home to 78,296 residents and boasts more than 32,000 residential units. The city offers a complete living community, featuring a nationally recognized public school system, seven universities and more than 700 acres of park land. With a daytime population nearing 175,000, 26-million square feet of office space, more than 8,600 businesses and 140 "Fortune 500" companies, Southfield is Michigan's undisputed business center.
Southgate
Beginning with a collection of only 64 farm families, Southgate’s population surge came shortly after World War II. With less than 2,000 citizens in 1940, the city’s population grew from 10,000 in 1950 to 30,136 in 2000. The City of Southgate adopted the slogan, "The Symbol of Progress Downriver," soon after its incorporation in 1958, and maintains its commitment to moving forward. Southgate prides itself on being a great community to live, work and raise a family.
Taylor
Taylor houses comfortable neighborhoods, a variety of shopping opportunities and three industrial parks. This combination allows Taylor's residents to live, work, and shop, all within a convenient 24 square miles. Taylor became a city in 1968 and today has a population of 65,868.
Warren
Located in the southwest corner of Macomb County, Warren is Michigan's third most populous city and Detroit's largest suburb. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 138,247. Warren is a six mile by six mile (10 km) square and encloses the city of Center Line. It also shares borders with Detroit, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Sterling Heights, Fraser, Roseville, and Eastpointe. The city is home to a wide variety of businesses, including General Motors' Technical Center, the headquarters of Big Boy Restaurants International, and the United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Warren was incorporated as a city in 1957.
Wayne
Wayne's beginnings go back to 1824 when George Johnson purchased 80 acres of land for $100 and built a log tavern on the south branch of the Rouge River. A sawmill, public square and housing soon sprung up, and in 1836 the city was recorded, named after General Anthony "Mad Anthony" Wayne. Today, Wayne is home to more than 19,000 people. In addition, more than 11,000 people commute to Wayne daily to earn a living. The city is characterized by neighborhood pride and a commitment to the virtues of an honest day's work and family life.
Ypsilanti
Long before the coming of European settlers, Ypsilanti was the camping and burial ground for several Native American tribes. The city is located where an old American Indian trail crossed the Huron River. Incorporated as a village in 1832 and a city in 1858, Ypsilanti is the second oldest city in the State of Michigan. It boasts the second largest historic district in the state. Approximately 20% of the City's 4.2 square miles are included in the historic district. Ypsilanti's current population is 22,362.
Farmington Hills (Affiliate Member)
82,000 people call the City of Farmington Hills home. It's the largest city in Oakland County and can proudly call itself one of the safest cities in Michigan. Incorporated in 1973, Farmington Hills supports 5,000 businesses. It's public school system boasts a 98% graduation rate. Farmington Hills residents are a diverse international population: residents speak more than 80 languages.
Washtenaw County (Affiliate Member)
Washtenaw County encompasses 27 cities, villages and townships, including Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, in its 720 square miles of urban, suburban and rural land.. More than 325,000 residents make their home in the county, along with tens of thousands of students at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. Washtenaw County was formally organized in 1826--eleven years before Michigan became a state. Today, the county is a leader in Wireless Washtenaw, an unusual collaboration public and private sector that willl ensure free or low-cost wireless to every citizen, regardless of location or economic status. That's just one of the county's collaborative projects among local groups and associations. As well, through 1Washtenaw, the county facilitates communication among its 29 units of local government.