2012 Finalist: Detroit[BETA]
It is no secret that Detroit faces significant challenges. Over the last 50 years, the City has lost 57 percent of its population, resulting in increased blight and abandonment, a substantially decreased tax base, and an increased demand for City services. As the rest of the country struggles to recover from the economic recession brought on by the housing and financial crises, Detroit continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Yet, in these challenges also lie a tremendous amount of opportunity to redefine Detroit.
The City of Detroit is seeking to partner with Code for America to promote redevelopment and use the city’s available infrastructure as a platform for new business and economic growth. Data on the vacant properties is currently siloed and unorganized, so the city lacks a clear picture on available real estate, which undercuts future residential and commercial development. The Code for America fellows would develop an online system for registering and managing the city’s stock of vacant properties. With this platform, the city will be able to make better decisions regarding vacant lots, engage citizens to collaboratively make use of the available space, and stimulate the local economy through new business.
The Challenge
Detroit is a finalist for the 2012 Code for America Fellowship, and if selected, it’ll be up to a team of CfA Fellows to take on this challenge. In less than a year, they’ll need to work with the city and our local partners to go from concept to delivery — with everything from research and marketing to development and testing. Up for the challenge? We’re now accepting applications.
