State of the City of Novi: Healthy, explains Mayor Gatt
January 20, 2012 Photo courtesy City of Novi

NOVI, MI - Mayor Bob Gatt delivered his first State of the City speech Thursday noon in front of a packed house of 200-plus at the Baronette Renaissance Hotel.

In a word, the mayor explained that Novi is, healthy.

Gatt explained that he is very optimistic about 2012, and the future of Novi in general, and is confident with the city's leadership and staff, and the People of Novi too.

The mayor noted that Novi is a very safe city, with a dedication to quality, parks, infrastructure, and the schools. He added that Novi's growing and increasingly diverse tax base was important toward keeping the city fiscally sound, explaining the all city departments and the library remain open for business as always, and the even during the course of the economic downturn Novi has been able to reduce long-term debt and liabilities, while maintaining service levels and one of the county's lowest tax rates.

Gatt outlined significant accomplishments in 2011 including the rebuilding of Novi Road, the completion of the Nine Mile pathway, and a 2% reduction in water-sewer rates. He noted that Novi saw 400 new jobs created, and an increase in business and residential building permits. He also explained that Novi's unemployment rate, at 5%, remains far under the state and county levels.

Recreational opportunities continue to be a focus in Novi, Gatt stated. He singled out the new Landings park property, the new Fuerst Park, and the city's support for the national girls fast-pitch softball tournament. Gatt proudly explained that Novi's Library was named Michigan's Library of the Year in 2011.

Novi is also becoming increasingly diverse. Gatt explained that Novi Schools have gone from a 8% to 46% diverse student body in just five years. He also noted that in 2011, the Japanese School of Detroit opened in Novi with 800 students and that the library now has an extensive collection of multi-lingual books and publications.

Gatt praised Novi's Public Safety team, noting that Novi Police and Fire are consistently ranked well above national averages in studies, and that already low crime rates fell again in 2011.

How do we know Novi is healthy? Gatt answered that question by explaining that Novi is the #6 city in the nation, as ranked by Family Circle Magazine, has an AA+ S&P bond rating, and that the city has consistently won awards for parks and finances, and continues to experience strong population growth.

In closing, Gatt encouraged people to be active in the community, and noted that Novi continues to be a city where people want to be.

The mayor had a busy day Thursday, with his speech followed by an evening with the Novi Community Schools Board of Education. The school board thanked the mayor and city for their continued partnership, with a common goal of making Novi a great city for all.

Gatt plans to repeat the speech Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m. at the Novi Civic Center. All are welcome, no charge.