Southfield is home to a designated SmartZone, a state-supported innovation district that accelerates high-tech business growth. The Centrepolis SmartZone connects companies with research partners, commercialization resources, product development support, and a pipeline of talent through LTU. This designation strengthens Southfield’s position as a hub for technology, advanced manufacturing, and innovation-driven investment.

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The Southfield City Centre is the City’s principal shopping and business district, offering a mix of retail, dining, office, and residential development in a walkable, highly visible location defined by Evergreen Road, I-696, and M-10. Anchored by the Southfield Town Center, LTU, and nearby redevelopment projects like the new Northland City Center, the district continues to grow as a vibrant “live-work-play” destination in the heart of Southfield.

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The Southfield DDA supports investment and revitalization within its district, focusing on enhancing public spaces, encouraging redevelopment, and strengthening the mix of commercial, retail, and residential uses. Through strategic planning, district improvements, and business engagement, the DDA works to create a vibrant, attractive environment for businesses, visitors, and residents.

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Southfield is home to two well-located industrial parks designed for light manufacturing, research, and tech-oriented businesses — Central Business Center I & II at Eight Mile & Lahser, and Bridge Street Industrial Park near Eight Mile & Telegraph. These districts offer strong access, flexible industrial space, and a business-friendly environment. The area also includes the Southield Research Park (fka TechneCenter), a designated Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) district that provides additional development advantages and reinvestment support for qualifying projects.

A Special Assessment District (SAD) is a mechanism the City of Southfield uses to fund public-improvement projects — like road repairs, utility upgrades, or infrastructure enhancements — by sharing the costs among the benefiting properties. When a SAD is established, property owners within the district may be assessed a share of the project costs based on defined criteria.

This approach allows Southfield to make important upgrades without placing the full burden on the general tax base, and gives property owners transparency and predictability when public improvement projects are needed.

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The Eight Mile/Evergreen area continues to undergo active light-industrial reinvestment supported by past transformational tools through Southfield’s Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). Private-sector development in this corridor is ongoing, with opportunities for site assembly, redevelopment, and new industrial construction in a well-located, utility-served district.

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