Known as the "Dean" of Southeast Michigan's mayors, Fracassi helped guide Southfield to its current reputation as Michigan's No. 1 business address while insuring that the community was also known for its services to residents, commitment to diversity, and effective municipal government.
The recipient of numerous awards during his distinguished career, Fracassi has been recognized for outstanding service by many diverse organizations. He has served as Honorary Co-Chair of the United Negro College Fund Mayors' Scholarship Ball since its inception in 1996, and served as Honorary Host for many community events such as Israel's 50th Anniversary Celebration; the Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services Banquet; and the Annual Lem Tucker Scholarship program.
Some of Southfield's many milestones during Mayor Fracassi's term of service include: Civic Center Arena & Pool (1970); Creation of Southfield's Life Support Unit (1972); McDonnell Towers (Phase I, 1975, Phase II, 1978); Southfield Downtown Development Authority (1975); Civic Center Expansion (1979); Southfield Pavillion (1980); Chartered establishment of Eight Mile Boulevard Association (1993); Funding for the Bridge Street Project (1998); and funding to repair erosion of banks on Rought River.
Much of Southfield's current character as one of only two inner-ring suburbs to continue to expand it's residential base in the 1990's has been influenced by Mayor Fracassi's tireless efforts to represent Southfield's commitment to planning, growth, diversity and effective stewardship of its resident's tax dollars.
