Creating a Powerful Public-Private Partnership

CM credit hours for mobile workshops are awarded based on the planned dedicated instructional time. Adjustments to CM hours will not be made after the live event.

U.S. cities must modernize aging buildings for 21st-century services. Especially in disadvantaged communities, civic leaders can use public-private partnerships to leverage their limited resources. Learn from the experiences of officials, advisors, and beneficiaries who remade downtown Royal Oak.

The city wanted to add 180,000 square feet of office space. City Hall and the police station were old and not feasible to upgrade. Royal Oak forged a partnership with a developer experienced with office buildings and government tenants, and capable of assembling financing, design, and construction resources. The city's assets include parking lots, regulatory control, and taxation authority.

The project's centerpiece was a "reverse TIF." Royal Oak put money into the development up front; if the building failed to generate a set minimum in tax revenue, the developer was required to repay the city.

Political activists wanted to oust city commissioners and their lawsuit cost the city $1 million in legal fees and construction delays.

ReThink Royal Oak, a public relations campaign, helped residents and visitors navigate while a parking lot was unavailable and assisted adjacent businesses with logistical problems.

Visit the new city hall, experience Centennial Commons, learn about parking challenges and meet decision-makers and beneficiaries.