With the redevelopment of the Willow Run site into the new American Center for Mobility (ACM), community interest has been high. And why not? The Willow Run Plant influenced our community and drove our economy for more than a half century. Now, the ACM has the potential to have the same type of impact on our future generations. The future of the automotive industry seems to be in self-driving cars and the American Center for Mobility – an autonomous vehicle testing facility – places our 54th House District directly in the center of this emerging technology field.
To keep you better informed of the developments at the ACM, I recently published an “ACM Update” newsletter (if you missed it, please check out my newsletter archive on this website) and hosted a town hall meeting. The town hall took place at the Ypsilanti Marriott on June 4. Special guest speakers included Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo – both of whom were instrumental in bringing the ACM to Willow Run. The featured speaker was ACM CEO, John Maddox. Mr. Maddox gave an informative and entertaining presentation to the packed crowd and then took questions from the audience. The event was moderated by Destination Ann Arbor’s President and CEO, Mary Kerr.
Mr. Maddox concluded his presentation by explaining that a new phase of construction is underway at the ACM with a headquarters building and an industrial park in the works. As new developments unfold and new job opportunities arise I will be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, feel free to contact my office if we may provide any additional information about the ACM or any of the other exciting projects popping up around Ypsilanti.