Taking Notes From Detroit’s Downtown Redevelopment Processes

Date Posted: February 26, 2024

Posted In: Discussion, Ideas,

by Jarrad Holst, Partner at Riezman Berger P.C. & Founder/President of 1904Group

Take notes St. Louis leaders; we could learn a lot from the rebirth of Detroit’s downtown.

Detroit’s resurgence from its bankruptcy only a decade ago is a result of a purpose-driven partnership between government, developers and community leaders. As a result, billions of dollars have been invested and their downtown has been completely transformed in a short period of time.

In 2016, Detroit became the first major city in the United States to adopt a Community Benefits Ordinance which requires Neighborhood Advisory Councils for major projects. Every neighborhood has a voice from residents not just politicians. This legislation has yielded transparency and millions in community benefits.

St. Louis’ current “scorecard system” is not providing the engagement needed from local residents and investment in their specific neighborhoods. Just ask local residents. Instead, we are taking benefits from neighborhoods impacted by developments and giving them to other communities. This shell game is just pushing lower income residents from one neighborhood to another.

Detroit also passed an ordinance (2017) requiring developers to set aside at least 20% of their units for affordable housing if they reach certain incentive thresholds.

In St. Louis, we do not have this affordable housing requirement which means there is a lack of transparency with residential developers on what requirements will be imposed on any proposed project seeking incentives. If you set it in stone, these developers will present projects that include affordable housing allocations in their underwriting rather than a moving target that only harms residents that need this type of housing.

Finally, St. Louis needs to develop a comprehensive long-term master plan for our Downtown and implement legislation to make it happen. Detroit has one and they are following through on what it says.

There is a lot we can learn from Motown.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”!