This Street View series on Detroit's corridors is made possible with support from the Ford Foundation. Model D highlights equitable development work and economic growth led by Detroit-based residents, grassroots organizations, and community development groups.
"As the only city chosen in the western hemisphere, Detroit represents over one hundred years of world-renowned innovations in transportation,” says Tim Slusser, Chief of the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation.
As a majority Black city, the historic population losses are among Detroit’s Black middle class and families who seek better schools and safer neighborhoods. Detroit had a historic loss of over 25 percent of its population between 2000 and 2010.
"There are now six Bee Cities within the State of Michigan, and we are excited to have Detroit as the 207th certified Bee City USA Affiliate within the United States,” said Timothy Jackson, Co-chair of the Detroit Bee Committee and Founder of Detroit Hives.
“TechTown’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship doesn’t end with the Hatch Off; incubating Detroit’s small businesses is a year-round endeavor supported by our entrepreneurial and technical assistance programs that provide ongoing support to our winning alumni and top finalists," says Christianne Malone, assistant vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and TechTown Detroit’s chief program officer.
"We're excited to take our years of experience testing autonomous robotic solutions and focus on picking up end-of-life materials. And Detroit is a fantastic place to deploy these civic infrastructure tests as the city is focused both on future technology opportunities and the needs of communities," says Orange Sparkle Ball's Ashley Touchton.
One limitation of Census data is that much of Detroit is categorized as “hard to count” meaning the Census is the best data we can get, but it might not be the best representation of everyone in Detroit.
“Part of what makes Detroit’s small business landscape so incredibly special is the community’s shared vision for vibrant neighborhoods and unwavering dedication to see local businesses thrive,” says Christianne Malone, assistant vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and chief program officer of TechTown Detroit.
"This partnership exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to address environmental challenges," says Tim Slusser, Chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit. "By harnessing the power of BeBot, we are taking proactive steps to combat litter pollution and preserve the beauty of Belle Isle for generations to come."
!["[This funding] allows us to expand the programming we offer to residents in Virginia Park and across Detroit," says George Adams Jr., president and founder of 360 Detroit, one of the nonprofits included in the Thriving Neighborhoods Fund cohort.](https://d4lphzd65wfvr.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/17153240/georgeadams2_1.jpg)
“This additional investment signifies our continued deep commitment to uplifting and doing our part to strengthen Detroit’s nonprofit ecosystem,” says Dr. Chanel Hampton, CEO, Strategic Community Partners. “Ultimately, our investment and engagement are about our belief in our neighborhoods and our people. Our Thriving Neighborhoods Fund is about great people doing great work each day to ensure our neighborhoods are thriving.”
“Balduck is truly an amazing park and a beloved east side treasure,” says Detroit Chief Operating Officer Brad Dick.
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