For the Rich and Powerful, Detroit is On Fire

In 2014, Detroit emerged from a fiasco of epic proportions. Considered to be the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history, Detroit has risen from the ashes—currently being beheld as a “shining city upon a hill,” according to The Guardian.

But, while Detroit may appear to be the new silver city on paper, the streets tell a much more harrowing tale.

As investors continue to flock to the city of Detroit in an effort to buy up large parcels of properties at minimal cost, the unheard class sits desolate. Currently, over 60% of children continue to live in utter poverty with over 39.9% of the city’s residents also fall below this dismal poverty line, according to a 2014 census.

A quick glance at the city shows a smattering of large scale investments from important businesses, corporations, and foundations, as well as city-wide revitalization projects as the city strives to shed free of its bonds of stereotypes from its previous financial disaster.

None of these projects seem to be targeting the areas of most need, with very marginal investments flowing into the high-poverty neighborhoods.

A recent speech given by the Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, vowed to make Detroit an inclusive city where everyone was welcomed and involved in the ongoing revival of the city. Of course, those in the destitute neighborhoods believe this speech was merely an attempt at re-election due to the severe division and inequities they continue to face.

When looking at Detroit from a sheer numbers stance, the city is currently in the midst of a financial upswing. It’s constant revitalization and frequent, hefty investments are a documented sign that Detroit is definitely moving in the right direction. However, these numbers are only prominent in particular areas—leaving the rest of Detroit to wonder if only the rich and connected of the Motor City are a priority for the Municipality.

News Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/09/detroit-economic-recovery-poverty-mike-duggan