Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivers his 2022 State of the City Address at Factory ZERO.
Photo courtesy of the City of Detroit
Duggan Delivers Message of Progress in Detroit in State of the City Address
The City of Detroit’s got a lot going for it.
From its budget returning to its pre-pandemic level to Black businesses taking on the lead and reimagining Detroit with major investments – the economic boost during the COVID-19 “endemic” is something residents, local leaders, and the overall community is ready to see.
During Mayor Mike Duggan’s virtual 2022 State of the City address on Wednesday, March 9, he gave a lengthy presentation underscored by an optimistic tone that signaled where the city is heading.
Duggan delivered his speech from Factory ZERO, General Motors’ first fully dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant, which borders Detroit and Hamtramck. In response to the ongoing pandemic, Duggan delivered this year’s address virtually with no viewers or media allowed inside the venue.
Currently, a proposed the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and FY23-26 Four-Year Plan went before City Council and city officials say revenue recovery has put Detroit back on track allowing Detroit to restore the pre-pandemic status quo budget and make important investments in key areas.
In April 2020, the Mayor outlined nearly $350 million in pandemic-related budget cuts to maintain a balanced budget without laying off any full-time City employees. Just two years later, the City has seen revenue growth beyond initial projections.
“I’m extremely proud of the work of our Chief Financial Officer and our department heads to have the discipline to still provide vital services within our available budget during the challenging past two years,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Their efforts have kept the City out of state financial oversight while making sure residents still could rely on City government during this pandemic. Now, we are in a position to again invest in our employees, retirees, and neighborhoods.”
The proposed budget totals over $2 billion, including over $1 billion for the General Fund, and makes targeted new investments to deliver opportunity, safety, and beauty for Detroiters, ensure fiscal stability and keep its promise to its retirees.
City Council will hold Budget hearings for departments starting Monday, March 14 which are open to the public.
Duggan also addressed major new developments coming online in the city by Black visionaries who want to see the primarily Black city upgraded.
Mayor Mike Duggan spoke about a Monday announcement that the Fisher Body 21 factory will be reimagined and developed into 433 apartments and a public market in a $134 million project led by developers Greg Jackson and Richard Hosey who plan to also bring affordable housing to the city’s Greater New Center area through this project.
Jackson and Hosey are joining forces with Lewand Development to rehabilitate the 600,000-square-foot historic building into the Fisher 21 Lofts. At $134 million, the project is thought to be the largest African-American-led development deal in Detroit’s history.
Construction is expected to begin later this year per Detroit City Council approval. Jim Jenkins and Chris Jackson are soon set to complete a new 204-unit apartment on Woodward. Real Times Media CEO and Michigan Chronicle Publisher Hiram Jackson will also begin construction next fall on a 90-unit, mixed-use building in Paradise Valley – to name a few.
“This is a story that I don’t believe has been told,” Duggan said during the event. “These owners are investing more than $500 million in Detroit’s future from one end of the city to the other—Black developers with Black ownership are rebuilding the city. … I’m extremely proud of what’s happening. … It’s time to be proud of what we’ve done.”
Viewing of the address is available at:
City of Detroit Website at detroitmi.gov
City of Detroit Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/CityofDetroit/
City of Detroit YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/CityofDetroit
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