In five years, 31,000 jobs have been created in Detroit. But fewer residents are employed. The data suggests concerns over benefits of economic development initiatives are largely justified.
Urban Affairs
In-depth reporting on Michigan’s largest city and surrounding communities, including deep dives into the big changes afoot in Detroit, its schools, neighborhoods, institutions and city hall.
Nessel splits with Whitmer, sides with Detroit kids in literacy suit
Michigan attorney general sides with Detroit children’s lawsuit against the state. ‘There are moments in our … history when silence in the face of abhorrent circumstances is not an option,’ Nessel says.
Down for so long, can Detroit remember how to include neighbors in growth?
Detroit’s decline stripped neighborhood groups of power. As the city ascends, city hall manages most growth, fueling debate from Corktown to the city’s impoverished east side on the value of neighborhood voices.
Sheila Cockrel on Corktown’s transformation: ‘This is capitalism, baby’
Former City Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel says she can’t disparage those in her neighborhood who are cashing in on peaking property values in the rising Detroit neighborhood.
These foundations have poured millions into Detroit childcare. They’re ready to ‘accelerate’.
A philanthropic initiative is pumping millions into childcare in Detroit — and hiring someone to accelerate the process.
Detroit serious about boosting census participation, Mayor Mike Duggan says
Detroit is raising $3 million and plans to hire hundreds of workers to boost participation in the census, which provides $1,800 per person annually in federal funds.
Jeep deal promises Detroit 5,000 jobs. But will they go to Detroiters?
Detroiters get first crack at jobs from $2.5B plants. But the skills gap could make it harder for them to get construction jobs to build the facility.
She was born to fight – and did for 3 years without water in Detroit
Fayette Coleman was tough as nails and endured an epic water shutoff. Now, activists wonder if that led to her death. Despite 100,000 shutoffs, no one knows because the issue is scarcely researched.
Gretchen Whitmer wants free college in Michigan. Can that cut skills gap?
Michigan Business groups and even some Republicans back the Democratic governor’s plan to ease college access. But a Detroit study suggests free tuition plans are more apt to fail without extra support like counselors.
Detroit court’s bail system criminalizes being black and broke, suit claims
In Detroit, hundreds remain jailed even though they’ve never been convicted because they can’t afford bail. A lawsuit takes aim at 36th District Court.