Michigan Ave Innovation Network (MAIN) Corridor Planning
Charter Township of Canton, MI
Economic Strategy
The Michigan Avenue Innovation Network (MAIN), is a technology corridor stretching along Michigan Avenue from Detroit to Canton. The Township of Canton, MI led the planning process for the MAIN and development efforts also include Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Van Buren Township.
Canton Township and its partners engaged Fourth Economy to assist in the development of the US-12/Michigan Avenue Innovation Network (MAIN) corridor is to create a cohesive, multi-community ecosystem that fosters innovation and technological growth across a 20-mile stretch, linking seven municipalities. This effort requires collaboration between government, businesses, academia, and nonprofits to streamline development standards, attract high-tech industries, and improve infrastructure, including smart transportation systems, broadband, and stormwater management. It also involves addressing land use through zoning updates, brownfield remediation, and mixed-use development, while ensuring coordinated regional cooperation to drive sustainable economic growth and innovation.
Our Approach
Fourth Economy engaged a Steering Committee, conducted a market analysis, and gathered input through community site visits. The analysis assessed demographic, business, and workforce trends across the seven involved municipalities, reviewed prior studies, and identified regional trends. The site visits allowed for in-depth community engagement, conducting a SWOT mapping analysis that informed a shared vision for the corridor’s future, which culminated in a final vision document.
The Results
The final deliverable defined a unified vision for the corridor among all communities, detailed the resources required for MAIN’s development, and outlined the next steps needed to achieve the common vision.
Location
Canton, MI