Mayor Duggan, local leaders hold opening ceremony for Dakkota auto supplier plant

Mayor Mike Duggan joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other local leaders this week for a showcase of Dakkota Integrated Systems, a new 375,000-square-foot facility on the site of Detroit’s former Kettering High School.

Dakkota Integrated Systems, a major supplier to Chrysler-parent Stellantis’ Detroit assembly plants, is a Native American, woman-owned company that employs hundreds of residents from the surrounding neighborhood. The company is expected to bring 500 jobs, and another 75 projected at the plant alone, where 90 percent of employees identify as a minority.

Andra Rush, founder, chair and CEO of Dakkota’s parent and herself a Native American, said  employing local residents was a goal for the site.

Locating in the city was important, Rush said, because Dakkota — which means “friend” or “ally” in the Native American Dakota language — values diversity and uplifting the community in which it does business.

The company made use of the City of Detroit Detroit at Work program, which screens applicants and recommends them to employers, with an emphasis on hiring Detroiters.

City encourages roofing & construction contractors to take part in $30M Renew Detroit program bid opportunities

• American Rescue Plan Act funds to put new roofs on homes of 1,000 low-income senior citizens

• Phase 1 work to begin this summer; City seeks qualified contractors

• The deadline to submit proposals is May 23

Spirit Plaza official season opening this weekend in Downtown Detroit

• Spirit Plaza will offer a wide variety of programs for all residents and operate seven days a week

• New management partner Total Access Events will manage the City-owned property

• Mother’s Day launch event includes free giveaways, tea, and more

Spirit Plaza officially opens with a variety of activities for kids and families Saturday, May 7 from noon – 5 p.m. and activities for mothers on Sunday, May 8 from 1 – 3 p.m.

Spirit Plaza is a free event space providing Detroiters with a wide variety of events, operating seven days a week. Spirit Plaza is located at the foot of the iconic Spirit of Detroit statue at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue.

The Plaza has programs Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday evenings.

For more information about Spirit Plaza programs and activities, go to detroitmi.gov/recreation

Residents in District 1 on Detroit’s northwest side will grab their rakes, shovels, bags and gloves to kick off Motor City Makeover this Saturday, May 7. The City’s annual cleanup, and beautification effort will take place on seven Saturdays in May and June.

Individuals and community groups must register with the City of Detroit Department of Neighborhoods (DON) in order to receive a limited supply of bags and gloves, as well as information regarding special pickups of brush, tires, bagged litter and roll-off containers. Debris will only be collected from pre-determined locations.             

• District 1 – May 7
• District 2 – May 14
• District 3 – May 21
• District 4 – May 28
• District 5 – June 4
• District 6 – June 11
• District 7 – June 18

The City of Detroit Municipal Identification Program is being relaunched and is available once again after being idled for the past two years due to the pandemic.

The Detroit ID card provides all Detroiters with a photo ID so they are able to access City Services, open a checking/savings account, gain entry to City buildings, or establish a utility account with providers such as DTE Energy and Detroit Water & Sewerage Department.

The Detroit ID card is available to all Detroiters, including those experiencing homelessness and returning citizens, regardless of immigration status, age or gender identity. The cost is $25 for a new card application for adults ages 18-62; $10 for youths ages 17 and younger; seniors ages 62+ and for former and existing cardholders whose card is expired and want to renew.

Applicants under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian present during their application appointment. Fees are waived for the first 5,000 Detroiters who sign up.

For more information, read the story at Detroit ID Municipal Card Program (detroitmi.gov)

Adoption & License Fees Waived at Detroit Animal Care from May 2-15

• Event in partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters campaign

• Flowers will be given to all who adopt on Mother’s Day

Adoption and license fees are being waived at Detroit Animal Care from May 2-15, thanks to a partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation’s national Empty the Shelters program.

Detroit Animal Care is one of 275+ shelters in more than 40 states that are participating in BISSELL Pet Foundation’s springtime Empty the Shelters event.  The funding allows DAC to waive adoption and licensing fees for the two-week period in May. In addition, DAC is giving free flowers to anyone who adopts on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 (while supplies last).

All Detroiters are welcome to come and visit Detroit Animal Care and check out the many dogs and cats in need of a “Furever home.” All animals are fully vaccinated, micro-chipped and neutered.

Detroit Animal Care is located at 7401 Chrysler Drive, Detroit. The shelter is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  For more information, read the full story on the City’s website at Detroit Animal Care (detroitmi.gov)

City residents can now get more great eats in the streets; Food truck vendors have more locations to dish up their faire

• Detroit has expanded the area where food truck vendors can serve residents

• New ordinance gives food vendors opportunities to expand their business revenue

• City guidelines include four Central Business District zones and 14 restricted commercial corridors