Monday, April 1, 2024     |     www.detroitmi.gov

City of Detroit’s credit rating upgraded two levels to Investment Grade, first time since 2009

Mayor Duggan and local leaders celebrated the return to Investment Grade for Detroit with bottles of black ink, signifying the City’s positive financial growth.

The City of Detroit received an upgrade in its Moody’s Investors Services credit rating, returning to investment grade for the first time since 2009.  The announcement was made by Mayor Mike Duggan and the City’s financial officials.

Not only did Detroit achieve an investment grade credit rating in just ten years out of bankruptcy, but Moody’s Investors Services upgraded the City’s credit rating two levels at once, a rare and exceptional occurrence.

As a result of the improved credit, the City of Detroit can now approach large investors (pension funds, mutual funds, insurance companies) that only purchase investment-grade bonds, lowering interest rates. This allows the City to reprioritize taxpayer money, investing more in infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization and public services.

With Detroit’s increasing tax base, revenue growth, and strong management, Moody’s expects the momentum to continue. Mayor Duggan, City Council members and community partners celebrated the announcement with bottles of black ink, signifying Detroit’s positive financial growth.

Mayor Duggan, community partners, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp gathered on Detroit’s east side to celebrate the completion of $1.5 million in renovations to Balduck Park.

Renovations include improved park entries and signage, installation of new walkways, playground upgrades and expansion, a new picnic shelter and dog park. Enhancements have been made to Community Hill for sledding.

A total of 92 trees were planted. Landscaping and crucial infrastructure improvements were added to address chronic flooding issues in the park’s south end.

Balduck Park’s revitalization was made possible through generous contributions from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) investment and President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA.)

This work further highlights the ongoing commitment to enhancing Detroit’s recreational spaces.

Less then 30 days until 2024 NFL Draft kicks off, first street closings begin March 29

With less than 30 days until the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off, the City of Detroit, Rocket Companies, Detroit Sports Commission, Visit Detroit, and other draft partners outlined details regarding the upcoming event. Residents and visitors can get all the details at visitdetroit.com/2024nfldraft.

The draft’s central hub (Draft Theater) will be located downtown at Campus Martius. The NFL Draft Experience will happen at Hart Plaza and is FREE for all ages. There will also be free Draft Day in the D viewing parties throughout the area, including Grand Circus Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley, and others.

To accommodate hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors, there will be street closures. Phase one closures began March 29 at:

• Randolph St. between Macomb St. and Fort St.
• Monroe St. between North Woodward Ave. and Randolph St.
• Farmer St. between Randolph and Bates (Garage access only)
• Bates St. (No through traffic)
• Farmer from Randolph to Bates

Learn more about street closures, event schedules/registration, and public transportation services at visitdetroit.com/2024nfldraft. Or download the NFL One Pass app.

Digital kiosks provide information on City programs and events

Residents and visitors can learn more about the City of Detroit and other local programs, events and policies on 28 interactive digital kiosks, including 17 downtown and 11 in neighborhoods across Detroit.

The locations of the neighborhood kiosks are:

• Greydale & W. Grand River
• Evergreen & Joy roads
• Livernois & W. Outer Dr.
• E. Seven Mile & Van Dyke
• E. Jefferson & Chalmers
• Russell & Winder (Eastern Market)
• W. Grand Blvd. & Milwaukee
• W. Warren & Woodward
• Cass & W. Canfield
• Trumbull & Michigan
• Bagley & 24th St.

The locations of the downtown kiosks are:

• E. Adams & Witherell
• Witherell & Madison
• Brush & Beacon
• Grand River Ave. & Madison
• Monroe & Beaubien
• E. Lafayette & St Antoine
• Cadillac Square & Woodward
• Griswold & W. Fort
• Washington Blvd. & Larned (Convention Center)
• Washington Blvd. & W. Congress
• Cass & Michigan
• Shelby & Griswold (Capitol Park)
• Griswold & State
• Library & Farmer
• Broadway & John R
• Bagley & Third Ave. (MGM Grand)
• W. Fisher Service Dr. & Woodward

City to name transit center in honor of late DDOT Driver Jason Hargrove

Mayor Duggan joined City officials and the Hargrove family for the reveal of the Jason Hargrove Transit Center rendering.

When it opens in May, the beautiful new transit center at the former Michigan State Fairgrounds will be named the Jason Hargrove Transit Center.

Hargrove was a bus driver for the Detroit Department of Transportation at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 when he posted a video about a passenger coughing on him. The video, which included Hargrove urging members of the public to be more respectful and considerate toward bus drivers, amassed millions of views. Ten days later, on April 1, Jason died from COVID-19, leaving behind his wife and six children.

With this honor, Hargrove will be in the company of Rosa Parks, the civil rights icon whom Detroit’s other transit center is named after.

Detroit and City Walls announces DCLEATED – a colossal cleat art installation for 2024 NFL Draft

The City of Detroit, Detroit Medical Center, Visit Detroit & SpaceLab Detroit are gearing up for the 2024 NFL Draft with a unique and impactful art installation project: DCLEATED.

The cleats served as canvases for 20 Detroit artists to unleash their creativity. The artists have partnered with a local non-profit with a mission they are passionate about, integrating their story and message into their cleat design.

During April, these eye-catching creations will be prominently displayed in and around  downtown, immersing visitors in the artistic spirit of Detroit and the causes it champions.

James Noseda named new Deputy Corporation Counsel

Veteran City attorney James Noseda was named Deputy Corporation Counsel by Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett. In his role as Supervising Assistant Corporation Counsel, Noseda played a major role in Detroit’s efforts to reform the troubled police towing process. A Detroit native, James earned a bachelor’s degree in 1982 from the University of Michigan and graduated with honors from DePaul University College of Law in 1988. He has worked under five mayors.

Mayor Mike Duggan has named Tepfirah Rushdan the City’s new Director of the Office of Sustainability. She will replace current director Jack Akinlosotu, who leaves on April 12 for a new opportunity, continuing his work in climate change and sustainability.

Rushdan has served as Detroit’s first-ever Director of Urban Agriculture since September, working to encourage urban farming by improving policies, streamlining process and reducing red tape.

In her new role, Rushdan will lead and coordinate the City’s priority action steps within the four main goals of the Detroit Climate Strategy.

Homeowners and renters in Wayne County with uninsured or underinsured damage caused by the August 24 – 26, 2023 severe storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for assistance is Monday, April 8, 2024.

Residents can apply for FEMA assistance online or in person:

• Go online here, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center at Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St., from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

If you already made repairs or started your recovery, you can still apply. If you have received a letter stating that you are ineligible for FEMA assistance, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot expect any help from FEMA. It’s important to read your FEMA decision letter carefully.

Detroit Tenants and Landlords can register at detroitmi.gov/rental.