View the full session recording below.
Oakland County may be undergoing a major economic shift, but one of the most significant places to look for new growth opportunities is Pontiac, according to Oakland County Executive David Coulter.
The city shares a similar history with Detroit, with both cities experiencing financial strain, abandoned buildings, and residents leaving for other areas. Despite that complicated history, new efforts are underway to expand Pontiac’s economic opportunities.
From Matt Ishbia’s expansion of United Wholesale Mortgage to Amazon’s addition of a major fulfillment center, a wave of new investment is reshaping the city’s economic landscape. Coulter said the region may not have Detroit’s power players, such as Dan Gilbert or the Ilitch family, but it has its own brand of ambition.
“We have committed investors, like Brad Oleshansky and Paul Zlotoff, who had a dream of turning an abandoned auto plant site into an entertainment hub for auto enthusiasts, known as the M1 Concourse,” Coulter said.
Pontiac is already seeing a surge of new development, but even larger opportunities are lining up behind it, from expanded housing to fresh commercial investment.
One of the most visible examples is the massive redevelopment of the former Pontiac State Bank Building, which delivered 114 new residences and drew a waitlist of more than 300 people when it opened in March. By summer, the project is expected to reach 90% occupancy.
For Dalen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of Blackacre, the response confirmed what he sensed early on: Pontiac is a market on the rise. He credits the county’s involvement as a stabilizing force. As Coulter put it, the county’s steady presence “will bring stability and resilience to the city’s renaissance.”
Despite the increasing investment fueling Pontiac’s growth, local leaders say the city’s resurgence is rooted just as deeply in its small businesses and the neighborhoods they serve.
“These are businesses and attractions that help define our unique and vibrant communities across Oakland County and employ our neighbors and friends,” Coulter said. “They are part of the economic engine that makes and keeps Oakland County strong.”
That focus was evident during a recent downtown celebration marking the openings or anniversaries of seven small businesses. The event drew strong community support and included the unveiling of a new mural by artist Zach Curtis on the district courthouse, created in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts — a visible sign of renewed pride and investment in Pontiac’s core.
Coulter underscored the broader takeaway: “The lesson is simple. When leaders are willing to align tools, share risk, and stay committed over time, reinvestment can strengthen communities instead of displacing them. That’s what inclusive growth looks like in practice.”
This session was sponsored by DTE Energy.
