For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36601 Ford Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 724.721.2310

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Westland Earns Spot on "America's 50 Best Cities to Live"

Westland, MI - The City of Westland earned a spot on the "America's 50 Best Cities to Live In" list as selected by the publication 24/7 Wall St. Only two other cities in Michigan grabbed spots on the list, which was published by USA Today.

Westland ranked as the 50th Best Community because of its low cost for high quality living, steady employment growth and a strong economy, and the plethora of recreational opportunities. To qualify, cities had to have a population of 65,000 or greater, in addition to scoring well in a variety of categories.

"This is a great recognition for our All-American City," said Mayor William R. Wild. "There is an incredible new surge of energy going through our community now with over $20 million of recent public improvements, which include a new City Hall, a new Fire Station, along with several recent park and road improvements."

"Westland residents should be proud of earning a well-deserved spot on this list," added Mayor Wild. "It's a testament to our thriving community, a vibrant economy with strong local businesses, and Westland's affordability and safety for families."

The report said of Westland, "Even as Detroit remains in bankruptcy, some of Wayne County's other cities are not just solvent but thriving. Westland was able to successfully issue new bonds just months after Detroit initially filed for bankruptcy. Bolstered by a low cost of living, steady employment growth and an unemployment rate of just 5.7% last year, Westland's economy is fairly strong."

To view the full list and read more about how each community was selected, readers can check out the article on USA Today's website:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/09/17/24-7-wall-st-50-best-cities-to-live/15736533/

For more information, contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary, at (734) 467-3200.

The City of Westland is the 10th largest city in Michigan with a population of over 84,000. The city's residential development is an excellent blend of single family homes, apartments and condominiums. The broad selection of housing opportunities is complimented by over 1500 acres of well-maintained parks and nature trails as well as a highly rated municipal golf course. Also available is a skate park, ice arena, a state-of-the-art Library and novel city park themes that are fun and family-friendly.

Westland has the location, land, infrastructure, and leadership, under Mayor William R. Wild to attract new industry and help existing businesses redevelop properties and to maintain competitiveness in today's global economy. Six modern platted industrial parks on 320 acres are served by class "A" internal roads, with up to date utilities and rail access available within two of the parks. Westland is conveniently located within the center of southeastern Michigan's expressway system, minutes north of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and ideally located between downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Westland is the area's premier "Shopping and Dining Destination". Westland Shopping center, one of the country's original four regional malls, boasts 80 retail stores and has anchored Westland's commercial district for more than 30 years. Westland's diversity and progressive planning offers residents a wide variety of life experiences, and make Westland truly the "All American City".