"I am extremely proud to have contributed to the transformation of Detroit into a city that again commands the world's respect and admiration," Archer says. "Detroit has been re-established as an attractive place for new investment and a city that offers new opportunities for our citizens. Detroit's momentum for redevelopment will continue throughout this decade."
Many believe Archer has been hard at work during his term applying the jumper cables to development in the city. In Detroit's neighborhoods, major supermarket, drugstore and discount chains such as Kmart, Kroger, Rite Aid and CVS have returned to the city.
"Our small businesses, retailers, privately-owned, full size supermarkets -- Krogers, Farmer Jack, and others -- have strengthened our neighborhoods," Archer says. He adds Detroit's Empowerment Zone has led the nation attracting $6 billion in new development to the most distressed industrial areas and neighborhoods, and created more than 10,000 new jobs and 1,500 new residential units.
"During my tenure, a new downtown for Detroit became a reality when General Motors purchased the Ren Cen and created their international headquarters," Archer said. "The state will occupy GM's former headquarters before the end of the year, securing the future for our New Center area. Compuware made a blockbuster announcement and a major statement by building their international headquarters in the heart of Campus Martius. Harmonie Park has been almost fully developed. The Opera Theatre continues its growth. The Detroit Athletic Club is finishing its expansion while its next door neighbors, The Century Club and Gem Theater, provide a welcome to Comerica Park and Ford Field."
Archer was also seen as influential in bringing the 2006 Super Bowl, to be played in Detroit at Ford Field. Detroit's bond ratings on Wall Street have improved 11 times since 1994 and the budget has been balanced each year since fiscal 1994-95, Archer said.
Archer, 59, is president of the National League of Cities, serves on the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Mayors and is President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors.
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