Land Development Continues in Southeast Michigan

Assuming recent development patterns, By 2030, Southeast Michigan will be 50% developed, the council said."It has been said that our region isn't growing... that the people who are here are just moving to new development farther away from the region's core," said Paul Tait, SEMCOG executive director. "Our analysis of land use in the region shows that this is not an accurate assessment."

Southeast Michigan's population grew moderately in the 1990s, adding 243,000 more people, about 5% growth. Population growth was a primary factor for 27% of land developed between 1990-2000.Other contributing factors were a 9% increase in households, 14% growth in employment, and 16% growth in real per-capita income.

Improved individual finances also supported the higher rate of household formation. More households and higher incomes also produced more stores, restaurants, other businesses, and golf courses - all causing more land to be developed. Nonresidential development accounted for 24% of the additional land development.

The 17% increase in developed land from 1990-2000 amounted to 159,000 acres -- the equivalent of seven townships. This change brought the region from 33% developed in 1990 to 37% developed in 2000.

SEMCOG's 2000-2030 forecast of 12% population growth, plus 22% more households, plus 16% more jobs implies that there will be at least a 36% increase in developed land. Based on this data, SEMCOG said the communities need to learn how to grow with less sprawl, infill and redevelop older areas and modify state policies and legislation to support quality of life needs.