Respondents overwhelmingly say Detroit is moving in the right direction
DETROIT (January 22, 2025) — The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) held a media and stakeholder roundtable today at DDP’s CHALET 313 designed by Gardner White in Campus Martius Park, sharing the results of the 2024 Downtown Detroit Perceptions Survey.
The DDP and BIZ conduct this survey every two years to understand how Detroiters and Southeast Michigan residents use, perceive, and engage with Downtown. The results provide actionable measures that help guide the DDP and BIZ’s program of work and future investments.
The survey delves into areas including impressions of the Downtown, DDP, and BIZ; use of parks and public spaces; safety; transportation; and more.
“We were gratified to see the numbers continue to move in the right direction, but there is always more work to be done,” said DDP CEO Eric B. Larson. “There is great value in hearing from Detroit residents as well as those beyond the city limits. We use the data to inform our work as we continue to drive urban innovation through social and economic impact in Downtown.”
More than 1,000 individuals participated in the 2024 survey, which the Michigan State University Center for Survey Research independently analyzed. This is the seventh survey to date.
Among the highlights:
- Ninety percent of Detroiters said that Downtown was either very or somewhat family-friendly, an 8 percent increase from 2018. Of all respondents, those between the ages of 35 and 59 were most likely to have this perception.
- Seventy-seven percent of Detroiters and 80 percent of the tally* agree that Downtown sidewalks are clean and free from litter and debris.
- More than 80 percent of Detroiters, and nearly 90 percent of the tally think that Downtown is a safe place to visit.
- Detroiters have a very strong positive overall impression of Downtown Detroit—93 percent, up 8 percent from 2018.
- NFL Draft Survey: Likelihood to recommend Downtown Detroit to a friend or family member – more than 75 percent of respondents rated Downtown a 10/10.
- Visitation to Downtown’s public spaces is up among all respondents, across all our spaces, and is enjoyed equally across racial demographics.
Larson also shared that the data helps influence future projects, including I-375 and I-75 Cap, and continuous park enhancements – all of which will contribute to a more connected Downtown.
“Both the DDP and the BIZ can better promote their respective programs and services,” said Gina Cavaliere, DDP chief community impact officer and BIZ director. “Since 2018, familiarity with the DDP and BIZ grew 15 and 12 percent respectively. We want to continue that trajectory, but what’s most important is that we are making a difference in Downtown Detroit and in people’s lives, and that speaks volumes.”
A complete overview is available on Downtown Detroit Partnership’s website, including all survey questions, results, and demographics.
*Tally: indicates anyone who responded to an open invitation to take the survey, primarily including metro Detroiters.
About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to support and strengthen the Downtown community through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core and is responsible for programming, managing, and operating Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.
About the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone
The Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) creates a clean, safe and vibrant Downtown through services provided to property owners, businesses, residents and employees. The BIZ is a public entity that works in collaboration with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The BIZ is dedicated to enhancing the overall appeal of Downtown Detroit. BIZ services include hospitality, cleaning, a robust lighting program, safety, parks maintenance, urban planning, business outreach and engagement that benefits Downtown patrons, visitors and stakeholders. The financial contributions of Downtown Detroit property owners through a special assessment they voted to authorize allow the BIZ to serve the Downtown community. The BIZ also provides access to resources, events and timely information about all things happening in the Downtown in relation to local businesses.
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