Written by City Institute’s founder Jeanette Pierce, this blog answers frequently asked questions and puts things in context so that city residents, stakeholders, and visitors will have a better understanding of Detroit’s assets, history, and challenges. Check out City Institute’s services for an even deeper dive into these topics HERE.
Jeanette Pierce is a lifelong Detroit resident who loves learning and then sharing what she learns with others. She is a data nerd who loves public speaking and challenging prevailing narratives about Detroit. Learn more about her here.
Detroit is Not That Big
Here you can see some other cities and how Detroit compares both in square mileage but also in density (people per square mile).
Why Context is Important
Detroit more than any other city has been defined in the minds of much of the world by the headlines, the memes, and the videos they’ve seen from afar.
Why City Institute
Almost 150,000 people have taken tours since 2006 to learn about Detroit’s assets, small businesses, historic neighborhoods, city planning and development policies, and innovative solutions to the challenges the city faces.
GDYT Experiences Detroit
Through the many ups and downs that Detroit and its communities have endured, the one thing that has stayed constant is the ability of Detroiters to find creative solutions to the challenges they face, discover joy in the simple things, and work together to have a positive impact on where they live.