Ferndale is bucking the trend. While most of Detroit's inner-ring suburbs are losing people, Ferndale has grown 1.3% since 2020 — outpacing every municipality that touches Detroit's city limits.

We dig into new population data highlighted by the Detroit Free Press and ask what makes Ferndale different: walkable neighborhoods, a real downtown at Woodward and Nine Mile, a strong LGBTQ community, and a place where people say they feel safe because neighbors have their back.

Here's a link to the piece we discussed: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/04/28/ferndale-is-growing-while-detroits-other-inner-ring-suburbs-shrink/89644896007/

We contrast Ferndale's urbanist-friendly density and sense of belonging with the population losses in places like Warren, Redford, Dearborn Heights, and River Rouge. Plus, how Gen Z, dual-income-no-kids households, and the Woodward corridor are reshaping where Metro Detroiters choose to live.

Hey friends, Jer here.

You might have noticed something different at the top of this email. It's spring, so we're changing things up. More on that at the bottom!

Also, shout-out to the new Sml Wrld Cafe location in Detroit that I visited for the first time last week. It's a beautiful space, almost like a speakeasy of coffee. But with windows. And not expensive. Check it out if you get a chance at 2220 Gratiot.

🏭 Metro Detroit’s air quality just earned another F in the American Lung Association’s latest State of the Air report. [Planet Detroit]

Not great news. I won't go into all the details (the article is excellent for that), but with modern technology and some political will, it doesn't have to be this way.

🛫 TIL: Today I learned that embattled Spirit Airlines was founded in Macomb County. It has roots in a trucking company, founded in 1964. [Simple Flying]

🛬 But in all seriousness, Spirit facing financial issues could be bad news for Detroit Metro Airport, its second largest hub — not to mention flyers, as prices would likely go up without the competition. [Detroit News]

👨‍⚖️ Wayne State University has approved a $46 million plan for a new law school building. Once $30 million in funding is authorized by the state, demolition of the current structure would begin in the fall, and construction is to take three years.

It'll be a 46,600 square foot classroom building to house the university's growing law programs, a little more than half the size of the original project plan. [Crain's Detroit Business]

🗳️ I know readers of this newsletter get excited for new places opening. But to make it happen, that takes resources.

For a number of years, the Hatch Detroit contest has been helping bridge that gap to help open brick and mortar spaces in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck. The prize this year is $100,000.

A big part of that process is a public vote, and that's where you come in.

The Top 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by Techtown are:

• Asante’s Hi-Life Library — vinyl, live music, dining, and rotating chef residencies rooted in the African diaspora.
• Sugar & Soul — carryout comfort food and catering inspired by Sunday dinners.
• Detroit Drift Social — indoor electric go-kart racing with a lounge, games, food, and drinks.
• Hobby Factory — maker-focused hobby shop and digital fabrication hub for custom CAD and workshops.
• Kraftologie — hands-on art workshops, self-guided experiences, and take-home creative kits.
• Detroit Movie Theater — community cinema for new releases, indies, and classics, plus performance space.
• Flavorful Creations — gourmet bakery with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan desserts.
• TeaKit — art-project café pairing tea and baked goods with beginner-friendly activities.
• The Laundry Lounge — modern, clean self-service laundromat focused on convenience and reliability.
• NAVYN HOUS — short guided relaxation sessions with a non-alcoholic bar, grab-and-go food, and retail.

Public voting to narrow the field to four finalists runs through Wednesday, and the Hatch Off finale is on May 13. Vote here!

P.S.: We plan on having the final four on our show so you can get to know them even better.

🍔 The end of the summer will be the end of the line after nearly seven decades for the Daly Restaurant in Livonia. At one time there were 17 locations, and it was a favorite of a couple of our contributors. I'm sure we'll be talking about it on the show tomorrow. [Facebook]

If you've never been, think Daly burgers with onions and steamed buns, or a foot-long Daly dog.

Back in the day, the locations had amazing mid-century modern vibes.

Daly traces back to founder Bill Ihlenfeldt, who opened his first drive‑in restaurant in the summer of 1948 on what was then Jim Daly Road (Dearborn Township, later Dearborn Heights). [Roadside Architecture] [ChevyDetroit]

If you want to get there before it's gone, you can find it open six days a week (closed Sundays) at 31500 Plymouth Road in Livonia. [Detroit News]

Devon shared his family memories of Daly on the podcast here.

📬 If you get value out of these emails, share them with a friend!

🌿 Spring is here! The pheasants are out… and so is ours.

For the season, meet Vernon Lucius Phezzgerald III — our new mascot. Over some seeds, he tells me some call him Phezzy, others call him Vern… depending on who’s asking.

We went with a pheasant because you can spot them just about anywhere in Detroit — and that’s how we try to be, too. He’s fun, friendly, and knows where all the best spots are. And when something’s happening, he knows to be loud about it.

To be clear, he is not AI — A show listener volunteered the artwork.

This is our first real mascot (and first major logo shift) since we started. Our original shield is rooted in Detroit's history back to 1701: founded by the French, claimed by the British, and, of course, an American city.

We still love history and telling those kinds of stories, and we have big plans to share more of them.

But to many, the heraldry-inspired look read as “national news” or a bit stodgy.

So we're trying something new. And although we’ll always touch on the big issues facing our city, region, and state, at heart we’ve always been about fun and community — trying not to take ourselves too seriously.

Feedback welcome, as always. Send me a note to dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Until next time, remember that you are somebody — and I'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer

In this two-parter, we start with Detroit's birds and end with Detroiters eating dessert. Science and snacks, basically.

First up, we talk with University of Michigan alum and Defenders of Wildlife science and policy analyst Natalie Madden about a new meta-analysis on how urban noise affects birds.

We get into what a "study of studies" actually is, why everyday city sounds can mess with bird communication, nesting, growth and reproduction, and what planners and policymakers can do to turn down the volume so common species like robins and sparrows can actually thrive in metro Detroit.

Then we head back to the studio for a taste test: producer Shianne Nocerini and Big Lucci Marcon join me at the table to try Hudsonville's new-ish Little Debbie-inspired ice cream sandwiches — Cosmic Brownie and Oatmeal Cream Pie. They rate, debate and rank which one deserves freezer space, with plenty of sugar, carbs and opinions along the way.

As always, send your feedback or guest ideas to dailydetroit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

Follow on Apple Podcasts

Detroit's Friday crew is back!

We kick things off a hidden "speakeasy of coffee" called Sml Wrld Cafe on Gratiot in Detroit, and why now is the time to get your yard and urban garden in order.

Plus, the historic Detroit Boat Club is on getting on track for a major revival into a public-facing hub with restaurants, events, and rowing education.

Jer also checked out the new Cadillac Arts Center near Waterworks Park, with In Thicket Books, Take Me Home, and Bowerbird Home anchoring a growing Little Village arts district on the east side.

On the west side, the guys mourn the end of nearly 70 years of Daly's Restaurant, swapping memories of steam-bun burgers, cherry fudge shakes, and midcentury drive-in diner culture as the last Livonia location prepares to close.

Then a serious note: DTE's proposed $474 million electric rate hike has listeners worrying about affordability.

Finally, meet our Spring logo, featuring Phezzy - a pheasant because quintessentially Detroit and they're in every corner of the city.

As always, follow us in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your shows.

Detroit's downtown housing study is back, and the headline is clear: there's still a lot of runway to grow.

Norris and I dig into what so many potential new units really means and how incentives, red tape, and construction costs shape what actually gets built. Then we get into lessons from Ann Arbor's plan to turn a parking lot into a library-and-housing hub, and what real urban density could look like in Michigan and Metro Detroit. After all, Norris hates surface parking lots in cities.

Plus, we end on some joy with the Michigan Science Center's adults-only Aurora Space Party this Friday night and a call to bring back a sense of wonder.

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows!

Feedback as always (including our new alternate logo) - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

As always, thanks to our members on Patreon. Join them here.

Hey friends, Jer here.

Hope you had a good weekend — and good news: when I look at the next 10-day forecast, warmer weather is about to be here to stay.

On Saturday I checked out an opening event for three spots at the new Cadillac Arts Centre at 1533 Cadillac, just off East Jefferson on Detroit's east side.

A little context: Little Village was named by Time Magazine as one of the "greatest places on earth", largely on the strength of The Shepherd — a wildly successful reuse of an old church campus that includes Warda Patisserie, an art space, a boutique B&B, a skatepark, and the bar "Father Forgive Me."

I haven't been to enough continents to weigh in on the plaudit, but I can tell you it's a magical place to sit and drink.

And all of that is just steps away from this new thing in the neighborhood.

The Cadillac Arts Centre is a 25,000 sq. ft. facility that'll house 15 artist studios, retail, the nonprofit InsideOut Literary Arts, Black Art Library, a neighborhood-run ceramics studio, community org Villages CDC, and an urban garden.

Here's a quick tour of the three shops I visited.

In Thicket Books — Used books and records. 

They were still filling shelves during their soft open, but you can see where they're going with it. The shop goes deeper than the photos suggest.

Take Me Home — A retail space and gallery by artists Jim Schatz and Peter Souza Jr. 

They describe it as blurring "the line between gallery and domestic interior," bringing together collectible design, functional ceramics, and one-of-a-kind works rooted in craft and material exploration.

Bowerbird Home — To get there I needed to go upstairs, from husband-and-wife team Erik Johnson and Grace Morency. 

A thoughtfully curated shop with home goods, furniture, and handwoven rugs — think Scandinavian inspiration, clean lines, built to last.

As the trees fill in and temps climb, this indoor/outdoor space is going to be a destination. And I love how it's genuinely a cityscape, with houses and buildings right there.

Keep an eye on my beloved east side. This is one of many ways it's making moves.

Until next time — remember that you are somebody, and we'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer

p.s. — We've had a lot of great podcast episodes lately. I'll write about them more specifically soon, but you can check them out on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Eastern Market is best known as a Saturday tradition and Flower Day selfie spot. But it’s also one of the beating hearts of Michigan’s food system.

In this episode, I sit down with Eastern Market Partnership president and CEO Katy Trudeau at TechTown to unpack how this 120-year-old market is adapting for 2026 and beyond.

Katy explains how the historic sheds anchor a 24/7 neighborhood where live animal processing, wholesale distribution, breweries, restaurants, and nightlife all coexist — and why keeping the core of the district focused on food is key to its future.

You’ll hear about Shed 7, a new 40,000-square-foot indoor wholesale facility opening this year, and plans for an indoor, two-story Shed 4 with teaching kitchens and community space.

We talk about Detroit’s urban farming movement, including a program with a cooperative of Detroit growers to distribute thousands of free produce boxes.

Katy also shares how Eastern Market connects rural Michigan farmers and generations‑old family farms to Detroiters, and why Flower Day, Tuesday wellness markets, Sunday artisan markets, and Eastern Market After Dark matter for both residents and small businesses.

If you care about Detroit’s future, local food, or how cities can connect urban and rural communities, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for what’s really happening behind the scenes at Eastern Market, and why it’s still worth getting up early on a Saturday to experience it yourself.

More info: https://easternmarket.org/

Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Our work is supported by our members on Patreon.

On today’s Daily Detroit, we dig into a fresh Emerson College poll that shakes up the Michigan U.S. Senate race.

If their numbers are right, the Democratic primary is suddenly a two-person contest, with Abdul El‑Sayed and Mallory McMorrow tied at the top and Haley Stevens slipping into third, even as more than a third of voters are still undecided.

We talk through the big generational split driving those numbers, and reshaping the Democratic coalition, and why jobs and the economy are still the real deciders for that huge undecided bloc.

We also touch on a few other topics in the poll.

Then, we zoom out to a bigger question with deep Detroit roots: should this region become the “Arsenal of Democracy” again?

A quiet Pentagon push to involve automakers in weapons production is colliding with the reality that we may be past peak car sales.

We talk about what that could mean on the ground here. That means drones and cybersecurity to good-paying munitions jobs in old factory space, plus  the moral, emotional, and neighborhood-level questions that come with it.

If forced to pick between the two, would you rather live next to a data center or a munitions plant, and who actually gets the jobs either way? We wrestle with nostalgia, economic necessity, and what kind of future Detroiters really want to build.

Your feedback is always welcome - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com 313-789-3211. 

On today’s Daily Detroit, we unpack Detroit’s new $3 billion city budget that was just approved and what it actually means for people who live, work, and play in the city.

I’m joined by Civic Life reporter Briana Rice from Outlier Media and public finance expert Steve Watson of Watson & Yates to walk through where the money’s going, what got reshuffled, and what that means on your block.

We get into why the overall budget, approved in April of 2026, actually shrank by about $30 million this year, even as Detroit’s population ticks up.

Mayor Mary Sheffield and council still managed to pass a balanced plan. It includes $30 million more for DDOT to boost bus driver pay and maintenance, the creation of a new Housing, Homeless and Family Services department, and continued investment in community violence intervention.

We also talk about the big questions underneath the line items: Only 14% of rentals are code compliant. Or the fact that nearly one in every three city dollars goes to policem but less than 1 in 4 live in the city of Detroit. And, the Land Bank has moved from mass demolition to figuring out what to do with thousands of remaining lots.

Plus, how growing the city's population might help with making the budget have a little more room. 

As always, feedback is at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.

You can follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you download podcasts.

Today's show comes to you from the Ford Experience Center in Dearborn, as Jer catches up with Devon O'Reilly at the city's first‑ever Dearborn Development Day. They dig into the future of the former Hyatt hotel at Fairlane — now moving forward as a Hilton‑flagged property — with plans for 168 residential units, a mix of restaurants and entertainment, and a revived rotating bar at the top.

From there, the conversation zooms out to Dearborn's wider development push: the emerging 'Midtown' Fairlane area, West Warren streetscape changes, and new housing concepts around Lundy, the Eugene and Porath sites, and the Joe Louis Greenway.

In the final third, Jer recaps his trip to the groundbreaking of the Gratiot Life Sciences Building on part of the old 'fail jail' site in downtown Detroit, why the two‑story project coming online in 2027 matters for 'eds and meds' jobs, and what BAMF Health and Henry Ford Health are planning there.

As always, send feedback to dailydetroit‑at‑gmail‑dot‑com, and be sure you're following the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

On today’s Daily Detroit, Jer sits down with developer and Greatwater Homes co-founder Matt Temkin to unpack what it really takes to build brand-new single-family houses inside the city limits. After all, there were only 19 permits pulled in 2024 in Detroit.

We dig into the brutal math behind new construction: why a typical unit can cost $250,000–$400,000 to build, how the “1% rent rule” prices many Detroiters out of new apartments, and why at $2,500 a month most people start asking whether they should just buy instead.

Temkin says Detroit has always been a city of houses, and that new construction needs to respect that history while also meeting modern needs.

Jer and Matt talk about designing homes that fit the neighborhood — solid walls, solid oak floors, real fireplaces, and façades that sit comfortably next to 100-year-old houses — without falling into the “matchstick” trap of cheaply built new builds. How trying to cut every corner doesn't actually help anybody. 

They also tackle pricing strategy, how Greatwater makes it financially sustainable while many others behind them have failed, and why bigger floor plans often end up being the better deal per square foot.

And we talk about policy: Detroit’s tiny share of new home construction in Wayne County and the region, Mayor Mary Sheffield’s goal of 1,000 new single-family homes, and what process changes like permits, taps, and inspections that could aunlock more quality new housing in city neighborhoods.

As always, be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to shows.

On today's Daily Detroit, a fast-moving, food-and-development-heavy episode rooted in what's changing on the ground in metro Detroit.

Jer is joined by Devon O'Reilly and Norris Howard for a full-table conversation that spans ballparks, the best places to eat, and big bets on Dearborn's future.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

The crew starts with Opening Day, as Norris recounts one of the most beautiful Tigers home openers he's ever seen — complete with a cautionary tale about trying to outdo his dad.

Devon then takes us to Midtown for a deep dive on Mad Nice as a rare, reliable "power lunch" spot, breaking down its cocktail program, menu, and why its scale, aesthetics, and backing have given it real staying power past the three-year mark.

From there, the conversation shifts to huge news for the region: Detroit and the Great Lakes are now eligible for Michelin stars. Jer, Devon, and Norris build their own shortlist of contenders — from Freya and Seldon Standard to London Chop House, Ladder 4, Grey Ghost, Saffron De Twah, and more — while debating consistency, creativity, and what a first star should reward.

The focus turns west to Dearborn, where the former Hyatt/Edward Hotel site moves toward a major hotel-and-residential redevelopment, and Ford plans a massive "World Headquarters South" campus that will bring thousands of employees, Ford Performance, and new amenities to the city.

Plus, we get into the Detroit Grand Prix that's starting to get set up, and coming renovations at the Motor City Casino Hotel.

Rundown:

03:06 - Where we've been: Mad Nice

07:36 - Which Detroit restaurant should get a Michelin Star first?

16:04 - Dearborn Hotel Rebuild?

17:23 - Ford World HQ South Plans

19:47 - Detroit Grand Prix is starting their setup work

22:20 - Major Motor City Casino Renovation

On today’s Daily Detroit, I’m joined by the Prince of Brightmoor himself, Norris Howard, for a conversation about what kind of city and community we actually want to build.

We start with the University of Michigan men’s basketball national championship, how a starting five of transfers signals a new era in college hoops, and why I’m choosing some hope for the Detroit Pistons.

From there, we dive into the recent “teen takeover” downtown and what really happened versus the panic you might have seen on social media.

Norris talks about growing up in the city, why big groups of kids have always gathered somewhere when the weather turns nice, and how race, class, and whose property we value shape which crowds we call a “problem.”

We also kick around what it would mean to actually welcome young people downtown with spaces and programming designed for them.

Then we pivot to a new Rocket Mortgage survey on the “neighborhood paradox” — most of us say community matters, but only a fraction really know our neighbors.

Norris makes the case that HOAs are “the death of the neighborhood,” and we swap stories about block‑level care, watching each other’s kids, and why I chose to live in a part of Detroit where people still show up for one another.

We close with Detroit’s surge in office‑to‑residential conversions, from the RenCen and Penobscot to the Guardian, Fisher, and beyond, and imagine a dream list of buildings that should be filled with new Detroiters instead of empty floors.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Make sure you're following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to shows!

Today I'm at the table at TechTown with Life Remodeled president and CEO Diallo Smith, along with Norris Howard.

We get into how this Detroit‑based nonprofit is transforming vacant school buildings into "opportunity hubs" that connect entire families to education, jobs, and essential services in their own neighborhoods.

Diallo walks us through the rebirth of Durfee Intermediate as the Durfee Innovation Society on the West Side, now home to more than 30 nonprofits and social impact partners, and shares how neighbors themselves shaped which programs moved in.

We also talk about Life Remodeled's next big project on the East Side at the former Dominican / Winan Academy campus, including a 700‑seat theater and a planned 26,000‑square‑foot tech education addition with room for everything from esports to advanced training.

Along the way, we get into why the future of the Detroit region is fundamentally tied to the future of Detroit's neighborhoods, what thousands of volunteers accomplish in the Six Day Project each year, and why investing in arts, culture, and opportunity on our blocks is really about rebuilding the heart of this region.

More: https://liferemodeled.org/

You'll find a lightly edited transcript of the conversation below:

Jer Staes: Today on Daily Detroit, we’re at TechTown with Life Remodeled president and CEO Diallo Smith. Also at the table: our indefatigable co‑host, Norris Howard.

Norris Howard: The East Side finally outnumbers me. Usually the West Side representation is strong, but today the East Side is in the building. I’m excited to talk about Life Remodeled because I think it’s one of Detroit’s hidden gems.

Jer Staes: Diallo, for folks who don’t know, what is Life Remodeled and what are you trying to do as the new CEO?

Diallo Smith: Life Remodeled is a Detroit‑based nonprofit committed to neighborhood revitalization. We have some beautiful neighborhoods in this city, but after decades of disinvestment, a lot of that beauty is still hidden. One of the ways we reveal it is by repurposing vacant school buildings into what we call “opportunity hubs,” all within our E3M model: educational, economic, and environmental mobility.

In the Durfee neighborhood, Durfee Intermediate — which turns 100 next year — has been transformed into the Durfee Innovation Society. Working with supporters, volunteers, and donors, we took this historic school and turned it into a hub that now hosts 34 nonprofits and social‑impact partners bringing direct investment, services, and resources into the neighborhood.

An opportunity hub is a place where an entire family can get what they need to thrive. Our belief is that Detroiters already have the talent; what’s missing is access. These hubs either break down barriers that block opportunity or build bridges to help people get where they want to go.

Imagine walking into a space where Big Brothers Big Sisters, Detroit at Work (the region’s largest workforce development center), and New Foster Care are all under one roof. It’s a constellation of organizations where you can find almost everything you need to improve your life.

Norris Howard: Just looking at Durfee alone, you’ve got youth programs, healthcare resources, day care, and more. When I was growing up, that kind of programming was in community centers or schools, but those supports have been defunded or broken apart. It’s heartening to see Life Remodeled fill that gap while preserving these beautiful buildings.

Diallo Smith: Our neighbors have earned and deserve this. They have incredible ambition and will. We take a community‑driven design approach: long‑time residents, students, teachers, small business owners, and faith leaders know more about what their neighborhood needs than we ever will. We asked them: “What barriers to access, if removed, would truly grow your neighborhood?” Their answers guided which partners we recruited.

We’re now doing similar work on the East Side, off I‑94 and Whittier, at the former Dominican High School/WINE Academy campus. The community there has a strong desire for technology, arts, and culture. The site includes a 700‑seat theater we’re modernizing into a performance space that could host everything from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to touring artists.

We’re also building a 26,000‑square‑foot addition dedicated to technology education for young people, including space for esports.

I’ve said at the Detroit Policy Conference that the future of the Detroit region is fundamentally connected to the future of Detroit neighborhoods. When we reorient Detroit neighborhoods toward a strong future, it benefits the entire region: more people in good jobs, investing in their households and children, and students who see a future in front of them.

Every year we organize the Six Day Project — the state’s largest condensed volunteer effort — bringing 5,000 to 6,000 volunteers into one Detroit neighborhood. Over six days, they remove blight and litter, board up vacant houses, and work in schools. At the end of that week, the landscape looks completely different.

Our long‑term goal is to cultivate what we call “thriving‑class neighborhoods.” It’s not about income brackets; it’s about people whose tenacity and will to see their neighborhoods thrive leads them to roll up their sleeves and do the work. We want to elevate entire households and blocks so families are safe, earning sustainable incomes, growing educationally, and investing in their streets.

You know you’re succeeding when residents say, “We want you to move into our neighborhood, because this is a place where you can thrive.” Over the next five to ten years, our aim is to help create those thriving‑class neighborhoods on both the West and East Sides.

Hey friends, Jer here. Welcome back from the weekend.

There's decently good sports vibes in town! The Tigers won their home opener, and the University of Michigan men’s basketball team is vying for its first national title since 1989 as it battles UConn in tonight’s NCAA championship game in Indianapolis.

As I'm sending this email, the Wolverines are chasing history (that you can watch on TBS or at your local bar). I didn't go to Michigan, but I root for everyone from the mitten when they've got a chance at greatness.

Fun fact: In Ann Arbor, cutting the line to get in at a bar cost as much as $500. [Freep]

I remember when Detroit had a million residents. I know first-hand that we have plenty of room to grow.

So personally, I am excited about the idea of growth and neighbors. On the dog walk today, I counted at least ten lots on my block alone that sit empty; not to mention the vacant homes.

I have great neighbors and things happening here, but we could use more. We need enough people to make things like re-opening the corner store that my across-the-street neighbor loved back in the 60s.

We can talk about incentivizing companies all we want, but increasing the number of residents creates a more durable comeback. It makes so many more dreams possible.

The good news is that the first time in a long time, the city has had two years of net positive migration. That means more people are choosing to move into Detroit than leave it.

It's part of why I wanted to talk to Hilary Doe of the newly-announced MoveDetroit on the Daily Detroit podcast.

The coalition is backed by about 50 corporate, foundation, university, and community partners, and built around a simple idea: growth is a group project.

Some of the details include:

• Up to $500,000 total in benefits distributed to 313 current and future Detroit residents.
• Select participants can receive $15,000 to use for a business investment or work project, a down payment, home renovation, or other housing subsidy (including rent support).
• Other selected applicants are eligible for $1,000 in relocation or quality‑of‑life support, which can cover moving costs, security deposits, or things like gym memberships, kayaking lessons, or meal delivery from local restaurants.

In my mind, the power of a city is as a hub for the region and state. Part of the allure of being in a city is that we're the place people want to be (or need to be) to make things happen, whether it's for work, to play, or living.

And more neighbors means a stronger tax base for better services, more customers for Detroit’s small businesses and makers, and the foot traffic that makes a city feel more alive.

I sat down with Doe to dig into how MoveDetroit plans to turn this moment into long-term growth, why the goal is to put Detroit in the tier of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities, and how you can plug in. [Apple Podcasts]

How Detroit Plans to Add (and Keep) More People

Detroit is finally seeing population growth and net positive migration — and a new coalition called MoveDetroit wants to keep that momentum going. Our guest is Hilary Doe, president and CEO of MoveDetroit, to unpack a new incentive fund paid for by a number of partners, the Make Detroit Home program,

Daily DetroitJer Staes

👀 Eye Spy

Listener Rob spotted Little Nest Coffee Roasters that's coming soon in Grosse Pointe Woods on Mack Avenue.

Their website describes it as as a "Coffee Shop + Play Cafe":

Our cozy atmosphere invites you to linger, whether you’re looking for a productive workspace, a peaceful retreat, or a welcoming spot to connect with friends and family. For caregivers, we’ve created a designated play area where caregivers, babies, and toddlers can socialize and play away from the hustle and bustle of the coffee shop.

As far as I know, an opening day isn't set — but they're getting closer. You can follow their Instagram for updates here.

⛸️ Novi is thinking about selling the city-owned Novi Ice Arena to longtime operator Suburban Ice. [WXYZ]

They say the 75,000-square-foot facility, opened in 1998, is getting more expensive to maintain and that proceeds could be reinvested in parks, public safety, and more.

🚚 In a sure sign of spring, the food trucks are back in Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit. [DDP]

If you're checking it out for yourself, the lineup is: Big Bo’s Grill, Curt Got Crabs, Fun Food Express, Gambino’s Catering, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Los Dos Amigo’s Taco Truck, and Twisted Street BBQ.

I've only tried the pies before, so I'll have to get out there and rank them.

🌲 The USDA says it’s shutting down all four Forest Service research and development sites in Michigan. The agency hasn’t said how many Michigan jobs are affected. [Bridge Michigan] [Detroit News]

Researchers and state officials warn the closures could weaken the region’s ability to monitor and respond to forest threats like invasive pests and disease across nearly 3 million acres of national forests. The work for our state will be headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.

These cuts are against a backdrop of the proposed highest level of military spending in U.S. history (while cutting Medicare, Medicaid, Housing, and more). [NOTUS]

Game's on, so it's time to wrap this up. Thanks for reading, and thanks to our supporters on Patreon who make this possible. Join them here!

Plan to write again soon. Remember that you are somebody, and I'll see you around Detroit.

-Jer