In fact, you might even say it has never been better. Even with the formidable problems we face, looking past these for a moment, Portage has continued to grow and offer a quality of life second to none in the area. The Portage population is estimated at 43,700. Our tax rate when compared to 24 cities of 20,000 or more population in Michigan is the 8th lowest. Permits for commercial and industrial development totaled 85.
Portage continues to be a regional shopping center.
The success of this regional attraction can be seen in the number of cars traveling on South Westnedge Avenue on a daily basis. We continue to diversify our tax base. Maintaining a productive balance between residential, business and industrial growth is essential to the quality of life we enjoy in Portage. We continue as a city to take an active part in intergovernmental cooperation. I have been meeting on a regular basis.