Economic development is more critical than ever, as our communities work to recover from the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, including the loss of many small, local businesses. Leaders in the field point to past project successes to demonstrate impact in Detroit, and what role they might play post-COVID.

“I’m seeing people making similar things going through similar struggles, and especially here in Detroit — but I’m also seeing them persevere,” says furniture designer Andre Sandifer. “I think Detroit has this reputation that people here are strong; you persevere and you get through stuff. I think that attitude is definitely heavily rooted here.”