For fifty years “ Detroit” has been shorthand for all that' s wrong with urban America: crime, corruption, decay, racial tension, struggling businesses, failing schools, a declining tax base, and more. Since 1950 Detroit has lost two-thirds of its population, falling from fifth place in the U.S. (just behind Los Angeles) to twenty-fourth (just behind Nashville). Between 2000 and 2017 alone, its population fell 28%, a steeper drop than any other major American city. A third of its land now lies vacant or dotted with empty, derelict houses. The good news is there are unmistakable signs of renewal in Detroit. Given a fresh start— courtesy of the largest municipal bankruptcy in history followed by heroic commitments to the community from visionary local entrepreneurs— Detroit has slowed its rate of population decline, stabilized its finances, and set out to prove to the world that it' s once again open for business.
