Despite Last Year's Harsh Economy, Auburn Hills Forecasts Promising Outlook for 2010 in
Annual 'State of the City' Address
Mayor James McDonald Reviews Challenges and Accomplishments and Previews What’s in Store for the City in 2010

Media contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; 248.651.7536 cell: 586.817.8414; barbara@eafocus.com; Stephanie Carroll, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6802; scarroll@auburnhills.org

Auburn Hills, MI—January 27, 2010—The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, has weathered the myriad economic woes of 2009 with a renewed sense of hope and optimism, according to Mayor James McDonald. McDonald highlighted his positive outlook with a year-in-review synopsis of the City's accomplishments and delivered a glimpse into the future in his State of the City Address delivered earlier today at the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.

The Mayor attributed this upbeat attitude to team of talented individuals who are guiding Auburn Hills into the future.

"Our residents serving on Boards and Commissions, dedicated City Council members, knowledgeable administration and employees, and the leadership of City Manager Pete Auger have proven to be a beacon that illuminates the way to innovative and creative solutions to many issues facing municipalities today," McDonald said.

These efforts were in the spotlight when the Mayor addressed his audience Wednesday, with State of the City highlights following:

--Fiscal Responsibility and Budget
The City categorized capital projects into areas of greatest need. By prioritizing these initiatives, $3.7 million could be deferred and $1.3 million are now on hold. This enabled the City to maintain its infrastructure until additional funding options become available to tackle less critical projects. The 2009 annual budget was $68.7 million, but through departmental cost savings measures, the City saved $7.6 million, 11 percent below the original budget. Part of the savings was realized through refinancing existing bonds and a conservative approach to staffing.

--Business Development
The City’s Business Assistance Team continues to establish a friendly business environment by publicizing that Auburn Hills is "open for business" both locally and globally. For the third year in a row, the City was recognized by the University of Michigan-Dearborn for being an "Entrepreneurial City." Auburn Hills will see construction on vital projects in the areas of high-tech manufacturing and alternative energy. The City also plans to tap into the great potential of Auburn Hills as a college town, and for growth in the medical field with the launch of Oakland University’s Medical School this fall.

--Downtown Development
The Mayor recapped the revitalization of the downtown as a result of the City Council’s adoption of the strategy put forth in the 2009 HyettPalma report to further enhance the rising downtown into a popular gathering place for shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

The City has already transformed an unsightly vacant lot on the corner of South Squirrel and Auburn Road into a 600-foot public patio and walkway, and purchased satellite office space at 3395 Squirrel Road that features a conference room for the business community to use at no charge.

Projects underway in 2010 include the Wireless Downtown Initiative to provide access to free internet service in the downtown area. Also, at the February 1st City Council meeting, the City will discuss plans for holding a weekly summer/early fall Farmers’ Market downtown.

--Police & Fire Departments
The Mayor extended kudos for successful efforts to keep Auburn Hills safe.

The Police Department was selected for the 4th consecutive year as a "National Award Winner” for outstanding participation in the 9th Annual National Night Out to demonstrate community effort to give crimes and drugs “a going away party."

The overall crime rate was reduced this past year, and the most serious crimes, including robbery, assault, homicide and arson, were down 7.7 percent.

Auburn Hills Firefighters' Helping Hands Organization received an $8,500 donation from the employees of Continental Automotive Systems North America in December to aid their ongoing outreach efforts.

--Environmental Excellence
Auburn Hill continues to be a pioneer in "green initiatives" by reducing waste and carbon emissions.

The City was honored by the American Public Works Association as well as the “Keep Michigan Beautiful” Board for the Public Safety Building Green Roof Project. The “Green Building Policy” was given the 2009 Oakland County Green Achievement Award. Auburn Hills was also recognized as a significant contributor to environmental excellence for Chrysler Tech Center Water Quality and Education Programs and was named a Tree City USA for the 10th year as the Forestry Department planted more than 200 trees in 2009.

Auburn Hills went through an energy audit by the "Rebuild Michigan Program" to find ways to reduce energy consumption. The City began installing LED lighting in a variety of buildings and outside areas with a 72% reduction in electrical power consumption.

The City also installed a new meter reading technology called Mosaic Firefly as a pilot program in November. Approved at the January 18, 2010 City Council meeting, Mosaic transmits meter reading signals wirelessly, reducing vehicles on the road and saving $50,000 annually off the cost of vehicle and personnel expenses.

Auburn Hills adopted a Riverwalk Master Plan last November to create a catalyst for economic development but also improve the environmental quality of the riverfront. The City will look to utilize grants and community support to complete this long-term project.

--Successful New and Continuing Events
The City continued to host a variety of engaging events for all ages throughout the year and added two new events to the entertaining line-up: a successful Downtown Friday Night Music in the Park Series and the Jimmy John’s Freaky Fast 500 Big Wheel Race at the Civic Center to raise money for charity.

In the area of recreation, 32,000 rounds of golf were played at Auburn Hills' municipal Fieldstone Golf Course in 2009 and 125 golf outings were hosted there.

--Volunteerism
Mayor McDonald reported that volunteerism continues to make a positive difference in the community. Auburn Hills’ resident Charlotte Copple was recognized for her long-term commitment as a member of the Tax Increment Finance Authority board; Ms. Copple is a Charter member of the TIFA board and was appointed on February 26, 1985. The Mayor also acknowledged Ms. Copple’s recently celebrated 80th birthday.

The City implemented a new volunteer program, SHARP (Senior Home Assistance Repair Program), designed to help seniors and disabled residents continue to live with dignity in their homes. In 2010, volunteers will be performing maintenance and small repair jobs throughout Auburn Hills. For more information on how to sign up or become a volunteer, contact Senior Services Director Karen Adcock at 248-370-9353.

Also in 2009, Senior Center volunteers clocked over 6,000 hours delivering 16,000 meals to homebound seniors as part of the Meals on Wheels program.

In conclusion, Mayor McDonald commented on the year that passed and the year ahead.

"Over the past year, the City has witnessed an amazing evolution quite unlike any other we've experienced," Mayor McDonald said. "Because of the state of the economy, we were forced to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to prepare for a number of scenarios that will lead us into the future. This preparation has allowed us to shape our city into one that has a strong sense of place and community and is accessible and welcoming to new business. Our citizens and employees have approached challenges with inventive solutions that will take Auburn Hills into a strong 2010 and beyond," he summarized.

About Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills is home to 20,000 residents and also serves as Michigan’s global business address, with more than 60 international corporations housed here, including Chrysler Group LLC and Borg Warner headquarters. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, the award winning Palace of Auburn Hills entertainment complex and Great Lakes Crossing, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors. Learn more at www.auburnhills.org.