Detroit, Don’t Call it a Comeback

Amber Chandler

Jul 06, 2022

Almost 10 years ago, the Honorable Steven Rhodes of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District declared Detroit eligible for bankruptcy relief. Although this message was met with a myriad of feelings by Detroiters and Southeast Michiganders, we can all agree that this declaration has shaped Detroit to be the force it is currently.

Prior to bankruptcy Detroit had been described as desolate, there were even think pieces written about who would be the last person to turn off the lights in the city. Today, however, the city is booming and teeming with new businesses and new residents. Detroit has transformed.

The Detroit City Council has six new members, the most the city has seen since 2013. There are new departments, new public/private partnerships, and new policy. One of these new policies is the sale of recreational marijuana. The ordinance, which went into effect on April 20^th this year, addresses the issues identified by a federal judge last June. The revised ordinance, although equitable, still has challenges which are being discussed and being navigated. The ordinance, though, as it stands allows for Detroiters to enter into an industry that many have been denied the privilege of entering. The approval of this ordinance is demonstration of the city moving forward and welcoming in new industries. This transformation, and these changes, are exciting and show that Detroit can move forward from its past.

There are so many bright things on the horizon, it is a great time to be a part of Detroit.

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