Held on Oakland University’s campus for the very first time, the State of the City had all the classic fanfare that guests have come to expect. Inspired by the movie, “The Greatest Showman” the Greatest Show was a dazzling display of singing, dancing, flips, fire breathing, and even a 15-feet python.
While the Greatest Show was an exciting set of performances and engaging videos, the focus remained on the city’s exceptional success. The event seamlessly incorporated the greatest achievements from the past year with breaking news and the collective plans for the city’s future. This unique balance between city updates and electrifying entertainment sets the Rochester Hills State of the City apart as an extraordinary civic event like no other – one that not only informs but also keeps the audience coming back for more.
Mayor Bryan K. Barnett took to center stage to share some of the latest city success stories. According to the latest city survey, 94% of residents rate the overall quality of life in the City as good or excellent with 94% of residents also satisfied with the services that the City provides. These statistics not only stand out as exceptionally high for any city, but also reflect the highest level of customer excellence enjoyed by private sector companies like Disney, Amazon, and Nordstrom – truly speaking to the commitment of the Rochester Hills team to deliver an exceptional experience unparalleled in local government.
The awards received by the City of Rochester Hills continue to pile up. The city proudly retains its title as the safest city in the state, having held this recognition for the past seven years. Additionally, the city was recognized as one of the safest cities in the entire nation ranking second among cities its size.
With an AAA bond rating, Rochester Hills remains in one of the strongest financial positions among local municipalities. This financial strength has empowered the city to make investments in infrastructure, parks, and enhancements in the residents’ overall quality of life. Over the past five years alone, Rochester Hills has put over $25 million into improving the condition of neighborhood roads.
Shifting the spotlight to green infrastructure, Mayor Barnett emphasized the significant investments that have revitalized our community’s outdoor spaces. New updates include the introduction of new pickleball courts at Avondale Park, a brand-new cricket pitch at Bloomer, and 1,200 free trees planted by residents through the Community Canopy program.
These outdoor improvements have not gone unnoticed, as the number of visitors to the parks of Rochester Hills continues to grow. The parks and trails collectively enjoyed over 1.3 million visitors, greater than the combined attendance of both the Detroit Lions and Red Wings last year.
Mayor Barnett announced breaking news – the successful negotiation of a donation encompassing nearly 12-acres of land, with frontage on Rochester Road, added to the city’s holdings and permanently protected from private development. “Our commitment to the environment has been exceptional and we encourage other communities to follow our green lead,” states Mayor Barnett. Over the past decade, Rochester Hills has acquired and permanently preserved over 73-acres of land, ensuring they remain intact for future generations to enjoy.
“Rochester Hills has accomplished so much over the past year, and I love being able to celebrate our collective successes with our residents and community leaders,” said Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “I’m so thankful for the creative talents of our dedicated team and their commitment to providing exceptional service, which allows us to share an exciting and fun story year after year. We have been so incredibly blessed.”
The 2023 State of the City Address can be viewed on WOW Channel 10, Comcast Channel 20 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99. It can also be viewed anytime on the city’s YouTube Channel.
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