We need our business community to thrive.

In 2007, the Village Council approved the “Downtown Revitalization Plan” that had been prepared by a committee of the Planning Commission following Council approval of the 2006 Master Plan. In it were three recommendations, one of which was to join Oakland County’s Main Street program (MSOC). In Michigan, Main Street assists communities interested in revitalizing and preserving their traditional commercial district. It was a good fit for Franklin as the Council made a new commitment to infusing energy and resources into the village center. The reality was the village center had not been considered to be a concern of the local government and little effort was made to tie the well-being of the whole village to the health of the business center. In fact, businesses, many of which were owned by women were considered “hobbies”, not real businesses.

The reality today is that most of the businesses in Franklin are women-owned and are the primary source of income for the owners.

There is little question that a healthy downtown boosts property values, attracts new residents and brings revenue into the village.

Since the COVID shutdown, Franklin businesses have suffered and construction disruption has not helped. Our membership in Main Street Oakland County has enabled federal/state/county funds and materials to be funneled to our businesses. Villagers showed their caring by donating $10,000. to a crowdfunding effort coordinated by Oakland County and supported by Main Street Franklin staff. More than $61,000. came into the village and was distributed to businesses.

I will continue to support efforts to grow a healthy and vibrant Franklin business district by continuing our membership in MSOC, finding ways to maintain a healthy business environment and I will work toward bringing in businesses our residents want.