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JANUARY 22, 2025 Vol. 44, No. 2
<< Study gives Madison top marks for business climate/3A
Five-year forecast assesses possible challenges for Madison Heights BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Officials in Madison Heights are sounding a note of fiscal caution — but not alarm bells — after a report forecasting challenges with inflation, state revenue sharing and other policies that continue to strain Michigan cities. The city manager and finance director prepare the five-year forecast, watching indicators such as housing sales, building permits, taxable value estimates, county budget proposals and estimates, mortgage interest rates and more. This year’s forecast also included the Michigan Economic Outlook, a report published by the University of Michigan in November 2024. That report highlighted Michigan’s economic deceleration at the end of last year, with moderate job growth now expected in 2025 and 2026, and inflation stabilization around 2.1-3% during that time. “Inflation impacts both our taxable value growth and operational costs,” said Melissa Marsh, the city manager of Madison Heights, via email. In addition to affecting the costs of goods and services, See FORECAST on page 6A
Board members of the Hazel Park Community Coalition meet with Shana Williams, left, its new executive director. Clockwise from Williams are Robin May, representing the media sector; Richard Shunnarah, representing the business sector; Autumn Jackson, a senior Hazel Park High School student representing the youth sector; Karla Graessley, representing the school sector; and Benjamin Ervin, board president. Also present was Hazel Park Police Det. Qani Toro, representing law enforcement. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Hazel Park Community Coalition details plans for 2025 BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — A Hazel Park nonprofit is lining up multiple initiatives this year aimed at reducing substance use among youth. The Hazel Park Community Coalition is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit closely aligned with the Hazel Park Public Schools. The district serves as its fiscal agent, while the HPCC itself coordinates youth and community-based prevenSee HPCC on page 8A
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