Big-City Assets, Small-Town Connectivity

A Thriving Community Leveraging Strategic Investments, Accessible Leadership, and Regional Partnerships to Drive Sustainable Growth.

Saginaw Township, Michigan, thrives as a community where big-city assets meet small-town connectivity. Township Supervisor Gary Fahndrich, a longtime resident, notes, “it’s a very well-run organization…a safe, clean place to live,” with strengths in education, healthcare, and strategic development.

“To me, the biggest thing that identifies us and really separates Saginaw Township from the rest is really the old cliche piece of a big city worth of assets in a small town feel,” adds Township Manager Brian Rombalski, “we very much pride ourselves on that.”

This ethos extends to economic resilience. The township balances legacy small businesses, like 80-year-old Wohlfeil Hardware, with modern incentives, greenfield investment opportunities, and infrastructure ready for growth. From revitalized corridors to a nationally recognized soccer complex, Saginaw Township leverages its partnerships, location, and proactive leadership to attract residents and businesses alike.

Strategic Investments Driving Growth

Saginaw Township is executing targeted development projects to enhance livability and economic vitality. The State Street Corridor Project, a decade-long revitalization effort, aims to transform the area into a township “jewel,” says Fahndrich. “We want to give it a real nice new life, a new look,” with modern lighting, benches, and entry signs along the 3.5-mile state highway. The project, funded by property value increases in the business district, reflects the township’s commitment to attracting investment.

Recreation infrastructure is also a priority. A $500,000 DNR grant, matched by township funds, will replace aging playscapes with ADA-compliant facilities. “We’re really focusing on building up our park infrastructure,” explains Assistant Manager Kelsey Adkins, noting collaboration with school districts and a new Parks and Rec Director to innovate green spaces.

Behind the scenes, critical infrastructure ensures sustainable growth. A county-wide road millage allocates $19 million for local road improvements over five years. Utilities are equally proactive, with $20 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation allocated to expand wastewater treatment capacity. “We’ve set ourselves up to avoid and mitigate risks of failed infrastructure,” says Rombalski, emphasizing 24/7 staff readiness. These investments create a foundation for residential and commercial expansion.

A Business Climate Built for Growth

Saginaw Township offers diverse opportunities for commercial investment, including 300 acres of greenfield land primed for development. “We’ve got utility services ready to go,” says Rombalski, noting the sites’ suitability for tech, manufacturing, or medical arts. “You can build exactly what you want.”

The township’s small business ecosystem thrives through both legacy enterprises and strategic partnerships. Fahndrich points to Wohlfeil Hardware’s 80-year success as evidence. “They are in the shadows of Menards and yet are very successful,” he says. “I think the reason they’re successful is because our small business climate is very strong and we have a lot of good opportunities for the businesses to stay here and get stronger.”

This resilience stems from strong collaboration with Saginaw Future and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. “Both of them are widely spreading a net to try and get people to come to this region,” Rombalski adds, “and they work seamlessly with us as well.” He highlights regional efforts to attract investors like Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor, whose nearby $2 billion expansion benefits township residents.

“It’s not in Saginaw Township,” Rombalski admits, “but we can benefit from that, we’ve got skilled individuals in Saginaw Township to be able to be hired at those types of industries and live here and really enjoy the community.”

While monetary incentives are limited by township regulations, the focus remains on streamlined processes and relationships. “We’ve got an individual leading us who’s been through it,” says Rombalski of Fahndrich’s entrepreneurial background. This practical approach, paired with infrastructure readiness, positions Saginaw Township as a strategic choice for scalable ventures.

Evolving Housing for a Growing Community

Saginaw Township is adapting to housing demands with strategic shifts toward higher-density options. “We were for a while opposed to getting in new rental housing,” admits Rombalski, “but we’re seeing a shift to higher density residential allowances.” The township now welcomes townhomes and condominiums catering to millennials and empty nesters downsizing from larger homes.

The market reflects changing preferences, with modern townhomes commanding over $1,000 monthly rents, which Rombalski notes that “in our area that’s quite a bit of money.” This variety, combining renovated properties with new construction, addresses affordability while maintaining quality.  “It’s good that we’re staying a little bit ahead of the curve with this to have the allowances for those types of homes,” Rombalski adds.

Geographic advantages further stimulate demand. The township sits between two major developments including Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor’s $2 billion semiconductor expansion and Saginaw’s Medical Diamond Project with millions invested. “We’re right geographically in the middle of those two big projects,” says Fahndrich, anticipating increased housing needs from the incoming workforce. This strategic location, combined with flexible zoning, positions Saginaw Township as an attractive residential hub for professionals across the region.

Sustainable Growth and Recreational Appeal

Saginaw Township is embracing sustainable development through pragmatic initiatives. “We’ve got ordinances set for standalone solar and roof-mounted solar,” explains Rombalski, noting increasing adoption by businesses and homeowners. The township is exploring solar lighting for parks and the State Street Corridor, aligning with private sector trends toward EV charging stations and renewable energy.

Tourism thrives through unique assets, the township’s soccer complex, featuring 20+ fields, hosts regional tournaments. “We’ve handled and hosted two Midwest youth soccer regional tournaments that bring in $20 million to the region,” says Rombalski.

The facility partners with Detroit City Football Club, branding local youth teams as “DCFC North.” Summer brings “Party on McCarty,” drawing 2,000-4,000 visitors biweekly for concerts and food trucks.

Natural resources complement these offerings. “We have the Tittabawassee River next to us,” notes Adkins, highlighting kayaking and fishing, while Lake Huron’s beaches lie just 30 minutes away. “So we’re kind of in a unique position where we offer those water amenities as well.”

This blend of structured events and outdoor access creates year-round appeal for residents and visitors alike.

Leadership Driving Community Vision

Saginaw Township’s leadership brings diverse expertise to its growth strategy. Fahndrich, a former entrepreneur, applies his business background to governance. “Coming in as supervisor… I look at it from a business standpoint,” he says, noting the township’s well-run operations. His priorities remain clear, advancing the State Street Corridor Project and addressing housing needs spurred by nearby industrial expansions.

Adkins emphasizes human-centered service. “The piece of advice I’ve gotten that’s helped me most in all of my life, not just professionally, but also personally, is really to be an empathetic listener,” she explains. This approach builds trust with residents, particularly when addressing concerns. “It helps me professionally when I’m engaging with residents,” she adds. “I think we have a nice tight-knit community, despite having a population of over 40,000, we have the regular residents that come in and you can build these strong foundational relationships with them.”

Rombalski anchors operations in accessibility. “The most rewarding thing is always people,” he states, highlighting direct service to businesses and residents. His team’s 24/7 responsiveness on infrastructure issues and streamlined processes reflect this commitment.  “You don’t have to sit here and jump through hoops and go over hurdles and stuff to contact members of our staff,” he says. “You can give us a quick phone call, you’re not going to get answered by a robot… We’re going to get you sorted within a day.”

Together, this leadership trio blends business savvy, empathy, and efficiency to guide Saginaw Township’s next chapter.

A Foundation for Future Growth

Saginaw Township stands out as a Michigan community proactively addressing modern challenges while preserving its small-town character. With strategic infrastructure investments, a business-friendly climate, and exceptional quality of life, the township has created an environment ripe for sustainable growth. “We’ve got a very bright future,” affirms Fahndrich, reflecting the optimism shared by both residents and leadership.

The combination of accessible government, revitalized commercial corridors, and diverse housing options presents compelling opportunities for businesses and investors.

What makes Saginaw Township truly distinctive is its commitment to continuous improvement. “I just want to build upon the great success that the Township has had, that I’ve walked into,” Fahndrich emphasizes. “I’m just so proud to have this position and be able to try to make the Township even better than it is today.”

This dedication to progress positions Saginaw Township as an ideal partner for businesses looking to grow alongside a community that’s always striving to elevate its standard of excellence.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Saginaw Township, Michigan

What: A dynamic community offering 300+ acres of developable land, top-tier schools, and a revitalized commercial corridor, all supported by proactive leadership

Where: Saginaw County, Michigan

Website: www.saginaw-mi.com