Detroit’s story is one of resilience—a city that has faced more than its fair share of challenges yet refuses to let its struggles define its future. At the heart of its economic recovery in recent years is Don Graves, the 19th Deputy Secretary of Commerce. Graves’ dedication to fostering equitable economic development, sustainability, and innovation has left an indelible mark on Detroit and underserved communities nationwide. As he prepares to leave his role alongside the conclusion of the Biden administration, it’s clear that his legacy is both transformative and deeply personal.
Graves’ work in Detroit began during one of the city’s most difficult chapters. The city declared bankruptcy in 2013, a moment that brought its financial struggles into sharp focus. Graves, serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Domestic and Economic Policy Director for then-Vice President Joe Biden, played a pivotal role in the federal government’s efforts to address the economic recovery of Detroit. His work in this capacity was instrumental in stabilizing the city’s finances and laying the groundwork for its future growth.
“One of the things that we recognized early on was that the city wasn’t taking advantage of all of the resources, all of the opportunities that the federal government could provide to ensure long term success,” Graves told the Michigan Chronicle. “There were grant dollars that were just sitting unused, there were a range of tools and expertise that was being left untapped. So, it was critically important for us to identify what those resources were, what those tools were and to help the city use them more effectively.”
As the Executive Director of President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, Graves brought together stakeholders to address systemic issues that had long plagued Detroit. This role required more than financial expertise; it demanded a deep understanding of the city’s history and the ability to engage with its residents, businesses, and community leaders. For Graves, Detroit’s recovery wasn’t just a policy challenge; it was a personal commitment to ensuring that no community was left behind.
One of Graves’ most impactful contributions was overseeing the $1.5 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative. This program provided crucial funding to small businesses, many of which had been excluded from traditional lending opportunities. In a city like Detroit, where small businesses serve as the backbone of local communities, this initiative was a lifeline. It not only kept businesses afloat during difficult times but also created pathways for long-term success. Similarly, the $4 billion Small Business Lending Fund extended critical financial support to businesses that drive economic growth and create jobs.
“We identified about $300 million worth of resources that was just sitting on the table. It was being left unused,” said Graves. “And part of the challenge, and a lot of cities have these challenges, is the lack of understanding about the ways to use the programs, the application process and then the implementation and execution of those dollars. So, what I tried to do at the direction of then President Obama and then Vice President Biden was to work directly with local leaders to identify what the hopes and dreams of Detroiters was or were.”
Graves also championed the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, a program aimed at expanding economic opportunity in underserved communities. By directing resources to areas that had been historically marginalized, Graves helped create new opportunities for individuals and businesses that had long been overlooked. His work ensured that federal funds reached those who needed them most, fostering a sense of hope and possibility in communities that had experienced decades of disinvestment.
Graves’ impact on Detroit is evident in the progress the city has made over the past decade. While challenges remain, the city is in a stronger position today than it was during its financial crisis. This progress is a testament to Graves’ belief that economic recovery must be rooted in equity and inclusion. By addressing systemic barriers and creating opportunities for marginalized communities, he demonstrated that true recovery is about more than balancing budgets; it’s about investing in people.
Graves’ work in Detroit also prepared him for the multifaceted demands of his role as Deputy Secretary of Commerce. His experience addressing Detroit’s financial crisis equipped him with the tools to handle complex economic challenges at a national level. The strategies he implemented in Detroit—from leveraging unused resources to fostering collaboration between public and private sectors—became cornerstones of his approach to economic development across the country. His ability to bridge gaps between federal programs and local needs allowed him to replicate success stories in other communities facing similar challenges.
“It’s one thing for us in Washington to say here’s what you should do and here’s the money that we’re directing you to use,” Graves shared. “That takes out a critical part of the equation in this country. We should be empowering local communities to develop their own ideas for what they want to be, what they hope to see in their communities and then giving them some guidance, some ‘know how’ and the resources to be able to use it so they can take charge of their own destiny. And that’s what the work that I did leading the Detroit working group was all about.”
Graves’ efforts in Detroit provided a model for addressing economic disparities on a broader scale. His leadership showed how targeted investment in underserved communities can drive meaningful change. By focusing on small businesses, affordable housing, and community development, he demonstrated that economic recovery can be both inclusive and sustainable. This approach became a defining feature of his tenure as Deputy Secretary of Commerce, influencing policies that prioritize equity and long-term impact.
As Graves prepares to leave office, his legacy in Detroit serves as a reminder of what leadership can achieve when it centers equity and sustainability. His work has not only transformed the city but also provided a model for how to address economic disparities nationwide. From his efforts to support small businesses to his leadership in community development, Graves has shown that meaningful change is possible when leaders are willing to prioritize those who have been left behind.
“What we’ve seen over the last 10 years, we’ve seen just a tremendous recovery the likes of which we haven’t really seen in this country. And so, we’ve taken that same strategy,” said Graves. “President Biden and I have talked about this at length. We’ve taken that same strategy and are using it across this administration, recognizing, that people have hopes and have dreams, communities have hopes and have dreams, but they aren’t often or not always provided the opportunity to turn those hopes and dreams into lives of dignity.”
For Detroiters, Graves’ contributions are more than just policy achievements. They represent a commitment to the city’s future and a belief in its potential. His work has ensured that Detroit’s recovery is not just a story of survival but a testament to the power of resilience and determination. By focusing on equitable development and sustainable solutions, Graves has helped create a roadmap for other cities facing similar challenges.
“One of the things that I am unbelievably proud of is what we’ve done with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA),” Graves shared. “What people don’t realize with the Department of Commerce is, I often call it the America’s hall closet. And not in a derogatory way but because if you know whenever you’re looking for something. You end up going to your hall closet. And that’s the same case here at the Department of Commerce. We have the one component, the one agency within the entire federal government whose sole purpose is the long-term success and health of minority businesses and other socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. So MBDA is a critical component for us. The problem was it was created out of an executive order decades ago and it was never made permanent, it has never been resources, and it has never been given the funding that is needed to be successful. President Biden’s leadership led us to having the Minority Business Development Agency made permanent legislatively and it basically tripled the funding for MBDA and gave them a huge new program, the Capital Readiness Program.”
Graves’ departure from the Biden administration marks the end of a chapter, but his impact will continue to be felt in Detroit and beyond. His work has shown that economic development can be a tool for social justice, a way to address systemic inequities and create opportunities for all. As Detroit continues its journey of recovery and growth, the foundation Graves helped build will serve as a guide for future progress.
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