Westland, Michigan

About Westland, Michigan

Westland is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located about 16 miles (26 km) west of downtown Detroit. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 86,602. Westland is home to a very diverse community. Housing ranges from the small low-income area known as Norwayne (also locally referred to as "Shacktown") all the way to homes worth more than $300,000. Norwayne was built immediately after World War II to provide housing for the returning soldiers who worked in the factories nearby. Norwayne now houses a large number of low income families. Not only is this portion of the city doing better as of late, the entire City has been holding its own during the recession being felt in Michigan. Many diverse neighborhoods (both in culture and price range) exist in this community. Houses range from $90,000 to $120,000 in some areas, all the way to $280,000 to $380,000 in other sections. Houses in the Norwayne section can sell for as little as $30,000, but are often not up to local building code requirements. Westland also enjoys one of the largest enclosed malls in western Wayne county and a fine selection of restaurants.

The current mayor of Westland is William (Bill) Wild. During his first term as President of the Westland City Council, Mr. Wild was appointed as mayor after Mayor Sandra A. Cicirelli was elected as judge of the 18th District Court in November 2006. Mr. Wild took office in January 2007.

The legislative body of Westland is the City Council, which contains seven members, elected at large. The current President of the City Council is Charles Pickering.