Lakeland, MI

Lakeland is a city located in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 36,851. The city is adjacent to Rochester Hills and Troy.

The area that would become Lakeland was first settled by Europeans in 1820 when General William Hull and his troops camped on what is now known as Old Mission Peninsula while en route to Detroit from Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1827, Elias Boudinot purchased of land from the federal government for $1 per acre and named it "New Amsterdam". The village that developed around this settlement was called "Boudinotville" after its founder, but was later renamed Lakeland after Major General Oliver O. Howard donated land for a military post near the village which became Fort Howard in 1836. A smallpox epidemic that year killed many of the settlers and led to the abandonment of New Amsterdam by 1838; however, some families moved back into the area in subsequent years and began farming .

In 1848, Drury Wagon Company built a sawmill on what is now known as South Main Street; this mill became one of Lakeland's most important economic engines for more than 100 years. Other early businesses included a blacksmith shop (1856), flour mill (1860), hotel (1872), drugstore (1876), bank (1887), bakery (1902), hardware store (1905) and two churches: First Presbyterian Church (1892) and Grace United Methodist Church (1912).

In 1889, Lakeland incorporated as a village with a population of 1,000; it became an independent city on April 1, 1907. The automobile industry played an important role in Lakeland's development during the early 20th century; Ford Motor Company opened its first assembly plant in Michigan here in 1903 and produced Model Ts until 1913. Other major manufacturers located here during this time include Chevrolet- Pontiac-Oldsmobile Corporation (1911) Cadillac-LaSalle Corporation(1920) Hudson Motor Car Company(1920) Packard Motor Car Company(1920) Studebaker Corporation(1924).

During World War II , Ford built aircraft engines at its plant here ; after World War II ended , many veterans returned home and started new businesses . In 1954 , Ford closed its plant ; however , several other companies relocated to Lakeland during this time including BorgWarner Incorporated(1950), Chrysler Corporation(1953), National Cash Register Corporation(1960)and Fisher Body Division Of General Motors Corp.(1964).

The automotive industry continued to be an important part of Lakeland's economy through the late 20th century ; however , due to increased competition from overseas manufacturers , many local companies went out of business or were sold off to larger corporations . Today , there are still several major companies headquartered in Lakeland including DTE Energy Co.(the largest utility company in Michigan ), 3M Co.(the world's largest manufacturer of adhesive products ), Kellogg Company(the world's second largest producer of breakfast cereals ), Charter Communications Inc.(the fifth largest cable television provider )and Novartis AG ((one of Europe 's leading pharmaceutical companies)).

As with most cities throughout America , crime has been an issue for residents living in Lakelands over the past few decades ; however , since 2000 there has been significant progress made towards reducing crime rates . In 2006 , Mayor Dave Kaval announced plans to invest $100 million over 10 years into initiatives aimed at reducing crime rates by 50 percent ; these initiatives included hiring more police officers、upgrading equipment used by police officers、building new police stations、establishing community policing programs、working with schools 、and increasing access to mental health services。 As a result of these efforts , crime rates have decreased significantly since 2006 。 In addition, Mayor Kaval also created "Operation Safe Neighborhoods" which provides financial assistance for residents who want to install security measures such as surveillance cameras or fencing around their homes。 Additionally,, since 2007 Lakelanders have been able to vote online via their computer or smartphone about issues that affect their community ; this online voting system has helped inform residents about upcoming municipal elections 。 Overall,, despite some challenges,, Lakelanders continue to make significant progress towards improving their qualityof life