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Taking a Pro-active Approach to Development
Economic Development Department

A lead agent in the development of business within The Grand Old City is the Economic Development Department of the City of Dowagiac. A pro-active approach is pursued, as the city's economic development director recruits industry to our community, assists new businesses navigate through the process of opening their company and helps existing firms remain competitive.

The city's Economic Development Department can:
 
  • help you identify the perfect facility or building site
     
  • guide you through the process of obtaining permits
     
  • access valuable state resources and incentives
     
  • help resolve regulatory or other issues with the state
     
  • provide information on the community, employee training, wage rates and labor availability

    Offers Low-cost Land

    Low-cost land and competitive terms are available through the City of Dowagiac for industrial, as well as commercial and retail entities that purchase property within Dowagiac's state-certified industrial park or its new M-51 commercial center. In both instances, all utilities are in place.

    To view available industrial or commercial property CLICK HERE.

    Provides Tax Relief

    Industrialists can apply for property tax relief on real and personal property. New building owners and those who expand or renovate their existing site, may qualify for a 50 percent reduction in their property tax liability for a maximum period of 12 years. Manufacturers who purchase new equipment and machinery may qualify for a 50 percent reduction in their property tax liability for a maximum of six years.

    In both cases, there must be a significant investment and a guarantee of job retention and new job creation. The city economic development director will help you file your application and guide you through the public hearing process.

    Aids in Redevelopment & Cleanup

    A Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was created by the City of Dowagiac in 2002 to assist the owners of contaminated or functionally-obsolete property qualify for state and city incentives to aid in the cleanup and redevelopment of these sites. The city economic development director will help you decide if your property qualifies for these incentives and will then guide you through the process to obtain them.

    Contact Us Today

    The Economic Development Department of the City of Dowagiac is located within City Hall at
    241 S. Front Street. To obtain further information on industrial and commercial property, or business incentives, contact the Economic Development Director for the City of Dowagiac at (269) 782-2195 or economicdirector@dowagiac.org.

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