Detroit Today: Can expanding residential zones spur a revitalized downtown Detroit?

With the pandemic upending traditional working patterns, downtowns across America are struggling and Detroit is no exception. But could converting parts of downtown into mixed-used areas with residential development be the answer to revitalizing the city?

Washington Post columnist Heather Long thinks so. She joined Stephen Henderson on Detroit Today to discuss why the Washington Post is pushing cities to reimagine their downtowns.

“I think this is a scary moment [but] it’s also a once in a generation — maybe two generation — opportunity to remake cities in America for the future.” — Heather Long, Washington Post

Listen: How cities can revitalize downtowns by expanding residential zones

Guest

Heather Long is a columnist and member of the Washington Post’s Editorial Board — which recently authored a piece encouraging cities to have a rethink about revitalizing downtowns. She says vacancies in office buildings cities represent an opportunity to remake cities for the better.

“What we’re seeing across the country is buildings are being downgraded in their value,” says Long. “That means less money for schools, for police, for mental health…for affordable housing…[for] all these other programs that we want to do.”

“So I think this is a scary moment that you have to adjust to this new reality, and at a time when those revenues are falling,” continues Long. “But it’s also a once in a generation — maybe two generation — opportunity to remake cities in America for the future.”