E-Newsletter

Detroit Future City Department Update Newsletter

June 4, 2021

News and Resources – June 2020
Dear Friends,

The unfolding COVID-19 global pandemic continues to have a dramatic impact on residents, businesses, and organizations in the City of Detroit. As our newest report demonstrates, years of economic and racial inequities have only amplified the negative impact of the current crisis.

In recent weeks, protests have erupted across the country in response to the murders of Black men and women by police officers, but also in response to decades of systemic racism that is part of the daily reality for so many.

Detroit Future City kneels in solidarity with every protester trying to be heard and we commit to continue working towards economic equity and inclusion for all Detroiters. I invite you to read our latest news and join us in creating a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable Detroit.

Anika Goss
Executive Director
Ashley Williams Clark to Lead Center for Equity, Engagement, and Research

Detroit Future City has hired Ashley Williams Clark as the new Director of its Center for Equity, Engagement, and Research. Ashley has over ten years of experience in public policy research and analysis, community engagement, program development, and project management. She is passionate about using data and research to inform solutions to community issues, and making data and research more accessible to community members. Learn more about Ashley here.

Join the Equity Conversation: Click Here to Connect 

Special Report:
COVID-19 Pandemic Requires Equitable Action

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DFC created a special data report that addresses a variety of issues that must be improved to give Detroiters the ability to weather times of crisis. These issues include access to healthcare, housing instability, and how the ongoing digital divide negatively affects Detroiters the most. Download and read the full report here.

Community Survey:
New Report Explores Perceptions of Entrepreneurship

Produced in partnership with the Detroit Metro Area Communities Study and the New Economy Initiative, this new DFC report presents the results of a community survey of more than 700 Detroit residents regarding entrepreneurship, including opportunities and barriers faced by aspiring entrepreneurs. Download and read the full report here.

Working with Lots Program Reaches 50 Grantee Milestone

DFC awarded grants to eight more Detroit-based organizations to support the implementation of lot designs from the Field Guide to Working with Lots, bringing the program’s five-year total to 50 grantees. Read more about the grantees and their projects here.

Bank of America Awards Grant for Open Space Projects

DFC’s Working with Lots Program was among the Foundation’s $1.2 million distribution to Detroit nonprofits that advance economic mobility through investments, sponsorships, and engagement. Read more about the grant here.

Join Us for these Upcoming Workshops:

Leveraging Media & Communicating Your Vision – Thursday, July 30, 2020

Planting Techniques – Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Bench Building – Thursday, September 17, 2020

City Partnership
DFC Supports Detroit Means Business

Detroit Means Business is a coalition of private, public, and philanthropic partners dedicated to assisting Detroit small businesses as the economy reopens. A website has been established that gathers useful information and resources in one convenient place. Visit the Detroit Means Business website here.

Join Our Team
Administrative Assistant Wanted

DFC is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Administrative Assistant. Please click here for more information on how to apply. The application deadline is June 30, 2020.

DFC Continues Our Spring Cleaning and Needs Your Help!

Do you wish to continue receiving news and information from Detroit Future City? If so, please click here and take a moment to update your contact information and DFC topic interests.

CHECK OUT OUR RESOURCES

Detroit Strategic Framework
Economic Equity Dashboard
Videos
Research
Tools