Planning commission adopts 2026 annual report, notes $671 million in proposed development

The Southfield Planning Commission unanimously approved its 2026 annual report Jan. 28 and plans to present the document to City Council on Feb. 9.

Staff said the report, prepared under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, summarizes the commission’s 2025 activities, including 24 meetings (11 study sessions, 12 regular meetings and a joint visioning session), multiple rezonings and site plan reviews, and $671 million in proposed development costs for the year. Staff noted that the figure was driven largely by a major data center project.

The report also listed zoning text amendments completed in 2025, examples of redevelopment (including conversion of a former Blue Cross Blue Shield site to mixed housing and office), and smaller projects such as townhome infill and renovation of older commercial properties. Staff highlighted grants and awards received in 2025, including a DIA public art mural grant of about $20,000, continuing annual tree‑planting support from DTE (about $4,000), MDOT shared‑streets funding of $200,000, and a $100,000 Oakland County Access to Transit award applied to preliminary engineering for a nine‑mile trail bridge.

Planning staff announced two mobile workshops the commission will host April 25–26 and discussed proposed 2026 zoning priorities such as accessory dwelling units, tiny homes, missing‑middle housing, drone facilities, group‑home standards, tree preservation and natural‑lawn rules. Staff asked commissioners to help represent the commission at a February City Council presentation of the report.

Commissioners praised the planning team and the report’s detail. The motion to adopt the report was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.