“There has been great success in just two short years in downtown Detroit,” said Penske. “We have identified the organizations that are invested in the DDP’s mission and have forged dynamic collaborations that have given us the support and tools we need to continue downtown’s immense progress.” 

Penske reviewed the accomplishments in greater downtown Detroit, which spanned from visual improvement efforts to internationally-recognized events.  Among them, he discussed the success and growth of NEXT Detroit: Clean Downtown, a program that has rid downtown of 300 tons of trash; the launch of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1 On the Go! program for rehabilitating the homeless; and the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, which generated nearly $53 million in economic impact for the region.

“When establishing a strategic agenda for downtown, we look at the city on every level, from the cleanliness of the streets to multi-million dollar events and conventions. Downtown is the economic and entertainment hub of the region, and Detroit’s calling card to the world.  Its image affects all of us,” Penske said.

Eastern Market

NEXT Detroit: Clean Downtown, a signature program for DDP, was jump-started by Super Bowl XL and has continued to maintain a clean and inviting downtown Detroit by operating 7 days a week/360 days a year. The program employs workers from Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit who sweep and power-wash sidewalks, remove graffiti, and clean litter from downtown parks, sidewalks, and freeway access points.  Clean Downtown has been so successful and well-received that the program has expanded beyond downtown by securing contracts to clean Detroit’s new RiverWalk, portions of Midtown and the locations of special events, such as the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.  Goodwill Industries will launch a new landscape division this year to support DDP’s expansion into greenspace maintenance for downtown.

 

“2-1-1 On the Go” is a United Way for Southeastern Michigan downtown homeless outreach program, started in October of 2007, due to a partnership with Strategic Staffing Solutions and the DDP.  2-1-1 On the Go employs two United Way caseworkers, who use bright yellow and white vehicles to survey Detroit for the homeless.  The caseworkers conduct one-on-one interventions with individuals, assess their needs and help them gain employment and access to living facilities.  2-1-1 On the Go offers services such as voicemail, prepaid calling cards, mailboxes and state-issued photo IDs. 

Penske also announced future initiatives for downtown including the 3-year, $750,000 grant from Detroit Renaissance to the DDP.  which will underwrite the production of marketing materials that will focus on greater downtown, from the Riverfront to Midtown and Eastern Market. 

The DDP was established in 2005 as a focal point for private sector leadership for the downtown.  DDP’s Board of Directors comprises the chairs of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit 300, and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, executives from foundations, corporations and financial institutions, and Detroit Renaissance, as well as representatives from the Mayor’s Office.  Its role is to build economic value in the downtown through enhancement of public spaces, planning, marketing, research and events.