Letter of Support for House Bill 5031 from the City of Ypsilanti
Summary
A letter from the City of Ypsilanti to the chair and members of a committee supporting House Bill 5031. The letter states that HB 5031 would authorize the renewal and continuation of Technology Improvement Financing (TIF) through Michigan's SmartZone program. It describes SmartZone TIF revenues as funding business acceleration services, talent development, commercialization support and infrastructure, and says Ypsilanti's participation has been part of regional economic development efforts in Washtenaw County. The letter states support for HB 5031 and advocates for its passage, and it refers to Ann Arbor SPARK as a partner. It closes over the name of the City of Ypsilanti's mayor.
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Cite this document
“Letter of Support for House Bill 5031 from the City of Ypsilanti.”
Original at www.house.mi.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/committee-168695d307108977/
, SHA-256 f6527d0b7d2bb621e9cf09f438e20bcd9ba47daeb244890fa0a7712bfe879e0b.Full text
City of Ypsilanti Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, On behalf of The City of Ypsilanti, I am writing to express our strong support for House Bill 5031, which would authorize the renewal and continuation of Technology Improvement Financing (TIF) through Michigan’s SmartZone program. This legislation is critically important to communities like the City of Ypsilanti that are actively working to foster innovation, support entrepreneurs, and grow high-wage, knowledge-based jobs. For more than two decades, SmartZones have played a vital role in strengthening Michigan’s innovation economy. Through the strategic use of TIF revenues, SmartZones have enabled investments in business acceleration services, talent development, commercialization support, and the infrastructure necessary to help startups and second-stage companies succeed. The results are clear: stronger local economies, increased private investment, and expanded opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Ypsilanti’s participation in the SmartZone program has been an important component of regional economic development efforts in Washtenaw County. Renewal of SmartZone TIF authority through HB 5031 would allow Ypsilanti to continue leveraging this proven tool to support entrepreneurship, attract and retain innovative companies, and collaborate with regional partners to drive inclusive economic growth. Ann Arbor SPARK has seen firsthand how SmartZone resources strengthen the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem by aligning local, regional, and state-level efforts. Continued SmartZone funding will ensure that communities like Ypsilanti remain competitive, resilient, and well-positioned to support emerging industries and technologies. We respectfully support HB 5031 and advocate for its passage. Ann Arbor SPARK stands ready to continue partnering with the City and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of SmartZone investments for residents, businesses, and the regional economy. Thank you for your leadership and your ongoing commitment to economic development in Ypsilanti. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can provide additional information or support. Sincerely, ayor NicoleBrown City of Ypsilanti One South Huron Street Tel (734) 483-9646 www.CityofYpsilanti.com Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Fax (734) 483-7260
File and source
- File
- 2026-02-19_testimony_hb-5031-nicole-brown-city-of-ypsilanti_62950.pdf
- Size
- 70,279 bytes
- SHA-256
- f6527d0b7d2bb621e9cf09f438e20bcd9ba47daeb244890fa0a7712bfe879e0b
- Original
- www.house.mi.gov