Named after Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa (Ojibwa), Pontiac is best known for the Pontiac Division of General Motors, which was born in this city of 65,000. While Pontiac’s history is naturally tied to the fluctuations of the automotive industry, it has managed to shrug off the total dependence on the industry that has handicapped many Michigan cities in the past 20 years.

From the beginning, Pontiac’s central location served it well. Situated 25 miles north of Detroit, the city has always attracted professionals such as doctors and lawyers in addition to workers serving several emerging industrial sectors. Abundant natural resources, including nearly 400 lakes, rivers, and other waterways in the surrounding area, led to the establishment of several carriage manufacturing companies in Pontiac throughout the 1800s. At the same time, Pontiac became an essential center for woolen and fur mills, which used the Clinton River as a power source. These industries, including the first company to hold the Pontiac name, the Pontiac Spring & Wagon Works, thrived until the turn of the 20th century, at which time the first motor vehicles were introduced and the city of Pontiac quickly became a capital of the new automotive industry. In 1926, General Motors first introduced the Pontiac automobile as part of its Oakland Motor Car line. By 1932, the Pontiac had so outsold its “parent” that the Oakland nameplate was discontinued.

The city of Pontiac suffered setbacks during the Great Depression and enjoyed the successes of the triumphant boom years following World War II. Throughout, Pontiac remained at the forefront of growth in Oakland County. But when the auto industry began to falter in the 1970s, Pontiac’s downturn accelerated. Another blow came when the GMC brand began closing its truck plants, causing unemployment that struck deep into the city’s economy. Still, Pontiac has had success in maintaining the health of most of its neighborhoods, has helped its downtown to recover, and has experienced enviable growth in the life sciences, with two major health centers.

Pontiac has entered the new century with a spirit of optimism. Regionally known for the “Arts, Beats and Eats Festival,” a popular summer festival featuring art shows, musical performances, and food from regional restaurants, Pontiac also is home to the “Woodward Avenue Loop,” known throughout the 1950s and 1960s as a drag-racing destination and a place for young people to “cruise” hot rods. The Woodward Dream Cruise, an annual event celebrating Woodward’s hot-rod history, stretches from Pontiac to Detroit each summer. The city also boasts music venues popular with youth, especially Clutch Cargo’s, a regular stop for rock groups on the road.

Today, Pontiac’s location continues to serve as an important asset to the community. The city is served by the Oakland County International Airport and enjoys access to a network of state and county highways including I-75 and M-59. Overall, Pontiac has actively sought to continue diversifying its business base and now showcases a vibrant downtown with nightlife, restaurants, and art galleries. By incorporating its various economic development practices into the Pontiac Growth Group, the city has made a commitment to its continued prosperity and attractiveness.