August 31, 2023
Getting Down to BIZness
Spring 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ). The BIZ, led by a volunteer board of directors representative of the diverse community it serves, contracts with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) to manage its daily operations. For nearly a decade the BIZ has helped keep Downtown safe, clean, and welcoming. Determined to deliver quantifiable results based on data-driven decisions, we want to share the continuous value the BIZ provides to Downtown property owners, residents, businesses, and visitors.
Easily recognized by their distinctive yellow jackets, Ambassadors serve as Downtown’s concierges. In 2023, the Ambassadors, more than 90% Detroiters, will clock more than 150,000 hours. The Ambassadors are also trained in mental health first aid and de-escalation so that they are prepared to engage competently and respectfully with unhoused people and people facing addiction and mental health challenges.
More than 250 restaurants, retailers, and small businesses are in the BIZ Zone. The BIZ conducts hundreds of personal visits with them each year. All are featured in the recently-launch Downtown BIZ Directory.
The BIZ’s 250+ small businesses tell us they need workers, so the BIZ is hosting seasonal job fairs. Each has reached employer capacity. Recent events have been attended by close to 400 jobseekers, some hired on the spot.
Our work continues to shine bright through Downtown Detroit’s nationally recognized program, Project Lighthouse. A consortium of public- and private-sector safety partners including the Detroit Police Department, the Detroit Transit Police, the Wayne County Sheriff, and the Wayne State Police. The 19 Project Lighthouse locations ensure that anyone in need of assistance can find a safe haven 24/7/365.
The BIZ provides enhanced services in Downtown Detroit, preserving property values and attracting new investment. The BIZ, with DDP, will release its annual Downtown Community and Development Update at the DDP Fall Forum on September 19. Join us at the Fall Forum to find out a more detailed update about how the BIZ and DDP keep Downtown clean, safe and welcoming!
Thanks for reading and for your continued support,
Gina Cavaliere, DDP’s Chief Community Impact Officer and BIZ Director
Read the full newsletter at the following link: https://mailchi.mp/downtowndetroit/july2023ddpnewsletter
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