Oak Park outlines recovery, new event hub and major capital projects as economic engine

Oak Park officials told the Berkeley Area Chamber breakfast that the city has recovered from the 2008 tax-value decline, is investing in major public spaces and is positioning itself to attract restaurants and nightlife.

Mayor Marianne McClellan and City Manager Eric Tungi said Oak Park has rebuilt its fiscal stability after the 2008 property-value crash and now maintains a "rainy day" reserve near 17% of its general fund. Tungi presented revenue and taxable-value trends showing recovery to pre-2008 levels this fiscal year.

Tungi and McClellan detailed several capital projects underway or planned. Shepherd Park/Oak Park Woods is being redeveloped with roughly $6 million in Oakland County investment. A new event hub and amphitheater and an adjacent farmer's-market plaza were described as a roughly $10 million investment capable of hosting 1,000 to 1,500 people, with an expected opening by June 2026. The city also will proceed with corridor improvements and a new community center funded by a $44 million voter-approved bond; planning is underway with construction targeted to begin in 2027.

On economic development, Tungi said the city allowed on-premise liquor consumption after multiple voter efforts and issued 26 liquor licenses; 18 remained available at the time of his remarks. He highlighted redevelopment of a former Federal Armory site on 8 Mile Road and new headquarters and facilities for regional businesses.

Oak Park officials also described affordable housing initiatives, saying the city has completed more than 100 units across two developments on city-owned land, and emphasized a focus on resident services and customer-oriented municipal operations.

"We want to win," Tungi said, describing the city's competitive approach to attracting businesses and improving services.