Like many other places, the impact of the economic downturn had Sumpter Township's municipal officials thinking of ways to improve the local economy and quality of life for its citizens. Sumpter’s main commercial corridor, along Sumpter Road between Bemis and immediately south of Willis Road, became the focus of this effort.

With the assistance of Carlisle/Wortman Associates, the Township worked to foster economic development and revitalization of the commercial area by creating a Downtown Development Authority (DDA). CWA led the Township through the DDA creation process using educational presentations and written materials that discussed the benefits of a DDA, how they work, how they pay for public improvements, and the potential impacts on property values. CWA also assisted the Township in addressing the public’s concerns regarding the process of rezoning an entire area to commercial, which created a framework for establishing a central business area within the Township.

Contact John Enos for more information. pdf