Highland Township is located in Oakland County, Michigan, an area often referred to as the “economic engine that drives the state’s economy.” Our community has a unique position as the Gateway into Oakland County from the west.

M-59 is a major east/west trunkline, providing a route from I-96 and US-23 to the west, through much of northern Oakland and southern Macomb Counties. The Township is traversed north/south by Milford Road and Hickory Ridge Road, two minor regional collector routes, serving traffic from the Village of Milford and I-96 to the south.

Map of Oakland County

5,900 acres of forest, marshes and lakes make up the Highland Rec Area, offering horseback riding, fishing, camping, swimming, hunting, mountain biking and hiking. Click here for more info

The State of Michigan owns nearly one-quarter of the township's land area as part of the Highland Recreation Area, attracting a wide variety of sports enthusiasts each year from throughout the region

With open spaces, rolling hills and intact woodlots amidst new residential and commercial development, it is clear that our community that continues to enjoy its rural character and farming heritage while respecting its responsibility to promote economic opportunities for its residents and business owners.

Recognizing the challenge of maintaining a balance between promoting economic vitality and retaining the sense of a rural community, the Highland Downtown Development Authority (HDDA) began in 1999 with a goal to define and promote the unique identity of Highland Township.  The basic elements of this identity include:

• Highland’s heritage as a rail station, beginning in 1871
• Our heritage as a farming and equestrian community
• Our commitment to preserving the abundant natural resources throughout Highland that include lakes, streams, woodlands and natural open spaces

The HDDA district is comprised of 700 acres of land within the central area of Highland, primarily along the north/south corridor of Milford Road.  This area includes the commercial and retail businesses along Milford Road, the historic Highland Station area and the new Civic Center complex which includes the recently constructed Highland Township Library and is adjacent to the Highland Technology Park, U.S. Postal office and Town Center Square business complex.

The HDDA Board is made up of residents, business owners & operators, township officials and staff. Our HDDA Board meets once per month, on the first Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Board members volunteer between 5-10 hours per month, depending on HDDA activities. Committee members volunteer approximately 3-5 hours per month.

All committees are also looking for members. If you are interested in this opportunity to participate in the creation of your community, please call the HDDA office at 248.887.7200 or send an email

HDDA Board :

Patricia Pilchowski (Township Supervisor)

Susan Bennett - HDDA Board Chairman

Roscoe Smith - HDDA Board Vice-Chairman

Doreen Kosieracki - Secretary/Treasurer

Susan Bennett

Sharon Greene

Beth Lewis

Paul Mecklenborg

Jan Nastovski
Gail Perrin
Laura Trombetta

 

Jill Bahm - HDDA Director
Melissa Dashevich - Office Assistant

 

Other support staff include:

Beth Corwin - Highland Twp. Planning & Development Director

Lisa Burkhart - Highland Twp. Zoning Administrator

Judy Kiley - Highland Twp. Treasurer

HDDA Committee Membership - What does each committee do? Take a look at the annual work plans to find out. Each committee has its own work plan that helps the members stay focused and communicate its activities to the community.

Organization: This committee clarifies the mission, does strategic planning, defines goals & objectives and manages volunteer force.  This committee is chaired by George Hayden and meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Highland Senior Center (209 N. John St.) 2007 Work Plan

Design: This committee identifies & defines architectural character, creates design standards and architectural guidelines, supports design, wayfinding & infrastructure improvement programs.  This committee is chaired by Paul Mecklenborg and meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at Century 21 Meck (192 W. Highland Rd. in Highland) 2007 Work Plan

Promotion: This committee prepares market analyses, manages public relations, creates a visual identity/logo, and builds advertising/media/publicity campaigns. This committee meets the second Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. at It's a Grind (1100 S. Milford Rd. in Highland) 2007 Work Plan

Economic Restructuring: This committee works to create a broad mix of retail, service and housing, strives for healthy competition among businesses, recruits businesses, identifies opportunities for rehabilitation and/or development. 2007 Work Plan