Detroit Future City

Detroit Future City is a think tank, a policy advocate, and an innovation engine developing data-driven strategies to create a more equitable and sustainable future for Detroit.

Detroit Future City Presents "Funding Equitable Community and Economic Development: The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Economic Equity"

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The report identifies focus areas for advancing economic equity through investments in community and economic development, and presents a framework for how philanthropic organizations working in Detroit can support in closing economic equity gaps.

Detroit Future City Presents "Growth Occupations: Opportunities for more equitable participation in Detroit’s Growing Economy"

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This report identifies the top growth occupations in Metro Detroit, illustrates the inequitable access to this set of fast-growing well-paying jobs, and offers solutions to better connect Detroit’s workers to the region’s growing occupations.

Detroit Future City Sets Bold Agenda for 2030

Learn More About 2030 Plan Here

Detroit Future City (DFC) developed a 2030 plan that doubles down on the organization's agenda to grow Detroit’s middle class, centralizing its research, programs, advocacy and engagement to help increase this population that once defined the city and is vital to its future sustainability. Watch our 2030 video below!

Detroit Future City Releases Two New Tools to Help Detroiters Navigate Mortgage Lending

Review Tools Here

Detroit Future City’s (DFC) two new tools “A Detroit Homebuyer’s Guide to Overcoming Mortgage Application Obstacles” and “Detroit Mortgage Catalog” are designed to help Detroiters navigate homebuying processes and provide guidance to housing counselors to support homebuyers.

Detroit Future City Introduces The Detroit Reinvestment Index 2022

Review DRI 2022 Report Here

Detroit Future City is proud to introduce the Detroit Reinvestment Index (DRI) 2022, an annual survey that tracks local and national perceptions of Detroit and its economic growth since its historic bankruptcy in 2013. This is the fifth edition of the report, which has been funded by The Kresge Foundation since its inception in 2016.

Detroit Future City Presents "Understanding the Rental Landscape: A Profile Analysis of Detroit Landlords to Inform Lead-Safe Housing Policy"

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DFC's new report, "Understanding the Rental Landscape," details how the number of landlords within Detroit, and classifying them into distinct typologies, helps to better understand Detroit's rental housing system.

Our core areas

Detroit Future City’s Community & Economic Development department combine original research, cross-sector collaboration, technical assistance, and policy development to foster a more equitable and sustainable city.

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Detroit Future City’s Land Use & Sustainability department works to foster equity and sustainability in Detroit neighborhoods promoting the use of Green Stormwater Infrastructure and open space projects.

LAND USE & SUSTAINABILITY

The Center for Equity, Engagement, and Research (The Center) produces relevant and accessible research focused on advancing economic equity and an improved quality of life for all Detroiters.

THE CENTER FOR EQUITY, ENGAGEMENT, & RESEARCH

CHECK OUT OUR RESOURCES

Detroit Strategic Framework
Economic Equity Dashboard
Videos
Research
Tools

Latest News

Digging deep for innovative solutions

Digging deep for innovative solutions
In the Media | April 5, 2023

This article produced by W.K. Kellogg Foundation speaks to the number of Black middle-class households in Detroit, and that grantees like Detroit Future City are working to remove barriers that prevent Black Detroiters from moving into the middle class. Click here to learn more.

Detroit launches program to help renters become homeowners

Detroit launches program to help renters become homeowners
In the Media | March 31, 2023

In this article, Steve Neavling of the Detroit Metro Times speaks to the city of Detroit unveiled a plan to help as many 400 renters buy a home with up to $25,000 in downpayment assistance. The article details how the program comes at a time when a disproportionate number of Black residents are renting, and […]

While most Detroiters support reparations, a majority of white residents do not

While most Detroiters support reparations, a majority of white residents do not
In the Media | March 29, 2023

In this article, Steve Neavling of the Detroit Metro Times speaks to the support for reparations in Detroit being linked to perceptions about racism’s ongoing impact. The article uncovers how Detroiters are far more likely to support reparations for systemic racial discrimination if they believe inequality still exists, mentions the economic disparities in Detroit, and speaks […]