We’ve heard it increasingly in recent years: Detroit needs attention beyond downtown.

And while it’s true that companies occupying those few square miles of real estate near Campus Martius help draw jobs and business to the entire city, it’s also true that corporate headquarters in high-rise buildings have limited impact on outlying neighborhoods. That’s why the City of Detroit’s recent announcement of a $1.6 million investment into planning and design work around the community deserves a round of applause.

Launching in 2017, the initiative’s stated goals support City Council approval of professional service contracts to develop affordable housing, improve landscapes and storm water management, infrastructure upgrades, economic strategies and more.

Mayor Mike Duggan has publicly championed small business startups and “been-ups,” as he fondly calls time-tested neighborhood-based enterprises. He’s also argued Detroiters who’ve stayed in the city through its toughest times have earned the right to watch it prosper again. The neighborhood planning and design funds, strategically targeting communities in multiple city districts, exemplify “walking the walk” versus merely “talking the talk” of civic empowerment. Among areas and projects designated for improvement are:

• Northwest/Grand River Corridor – $380,000 in investments for construction of an improved landscape/stormwater management system, new mobility/streetscape strategies and increased focus on economic and workforce development

•  Southwest Detroit/West Vernor Corridor – $380,000 to create a comprehensive neighborhood framework, including an implementation strategy for viaduct repairs, streetscape improvements, open space and green stormwater infrastructure enhancements, affordable- and market-rate housing rehabilitation opportunities, and truck route assessments

•  Rosa Parks-Clairmount – $275,000 to activate housing, re-imagine open land, and leverage economic development for the area.

City officials say a series of public meetings will be held within each study area to collect input from residents and stakeholders.

While TheHUB is always eager to spotlight the bold and innovative, do-it-yourself efforts everyday residents organizing themselves throughout Detroit, it’s refreshing to report city administration’s dollars-and-cents commitment to citizens. More and more Detroiters are rolling up sleeves, drawing up proposals, and meeting up with their neighbors to prepare for the types of opportunities $1.6 million can provide.

Dedicated leadership inspires and encourages, but financing beautifies and builds. Mayor Duggan and Detroit City Council are making the right move at the right time for residents eager to see the fruits of their labor and optimism blossoming in the New Year. Neighborhood investment yields great dividends.

Photo courtesy City of Detroit

  Detroit City Council, Detroit neighborhood revitalization, Mayor Mike Duggan, Northwest Detroit, Rosa Parks – Clairmont, West Vernor Corridor