History of Detroit in Timeline
Detroit, Michigan's most populous city and the largest U.S. city bordering Canada, had a 2020 population of 639,111, making it the 26th largest city in the U.S. The Metro Detroit area boasts 4.3 million people, ranking as the second largest in the Midwest after Chicago and the 14th largest in the nation. Detroit stands as a vital cultural hub, renowned for its contributions to music, art, architecture, and design, as well as its significant legacy in the automotive industry.
1903: Ford Motor Company Founded
Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903, solidifying Detroit's future as the world's automotive capital.
1907: Detroit River's Commercial Peak
In 1907, the Detroit River handled 67,292,504 tons of shipping commerce, making it a major global trade route.
1908: Detroit River Dubbed "Greatest Commercial Artery"
The Detroit News called the Detroit River "the Greatest Commercial Artery on Earth" in 1908.
1910: African American Population
In 1910, Detroit's African American population was approximately 6,000.
1915: Rise of the KKK in Detroit
The Ku Klux Klan's presence significantly increased in Detroit starting in 1915, targeting immigrants and Black Americans.
1919: Sacred Heart Major Seminary Founded
Sacred Heart Major Seminary was founded in Detroit in 1919.
1920: Detroit Becomes Fourth-Largest City
By 1920, fueled by the automotive industry's expansion, Detroit's population grew to become the fourth-largest in the US.
1920: Prohibition and Smuggling
The prohibition era, starting in 1920, saw the Detroit River become a route for smuggling Canadian spirits.
1920: Detroit's Automotive Boom
The rise of the auto industry led to Detroit becoming the fourth-largest city in the US by 1920.
1922: Nederlander Organization's Origins in Detroit
The Nederlander family's acquisition of the Detroit Opera House in 1922 marked the beginning of the Nederlander Organization, a major player in Broadway theater.
1924: America's Thanksgiving Parade Begins
In 1924, America's Thanksgiving Parade, one of the nation's largest parades, was first held in Detroit.
1925: Ossian Sweet Incident
In 1925, racial tensions flared when Dr. Ossian Sweet, an African American physician, moved into a predominantly white neighborhood. His home was surrounded by a hostile mob, and a resulting shooting led to the trial of Sweet and ten others for murder.
1930: Growth of African American Population
By 1930, Detroit's African American population had increased significantly to over 120,000.
1932: Eddie Tolan's Olympic Triumph
Detroit native Eddie "The Midnight Express" Tolan won two gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter races at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
1933: End of Prohibition
The end of Prohibition in 1933 marked a shift in the Detroit River's role in illegal alcohol trade.
July 24, 1934: Record High Temperature
On July 24, 1934, Detroit experienced its all-time record high temperature of 105°F (41°C).
October 1935: Detroit Tigers Win World Series
The Detroit Tigers won the World Series in October 1935, marking the beginning of Detroit's rise as a "City of Champions".
December 1935: Detroit Lions Win NFL Championship
The Detroit Lions secured the NFL championship in December 1935, further solidifying Detroit's status as a dominant sports city.
1935: Michigan Chronicle Founded
In 1935, the Michigan Chronicle, a prominent African-American weekly newspaper, was founded in Detroit, covering various topics.
April 1936: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
In April 1936, the Detroit Red Wings clinched the Stanley Cup victory, completing a remarkable seven-month period where Detroit's major sports teams won championships in all three major leagues.
1936: Black Legion's Downfall
The Black Legion's criminal activities were exposed in 1936 after the murder of Charles Poole, leading to numerous convictions.
1937: Joe Louis Wins Heavyweight Championship
Joe Louis, from Detroit, won the world heavyweight championship in 1937.
1940: Restrictive Covenants and Racial Discrimination
In 1940, restrictive covenants prevented African Americans from buying homes in many Detroit neighborhoods, contributing to racial segregation.
1941: World War II Migration
Between 1941 and 1943, a large influx of people migrated to Detroit for defense jobs during World War II.
1941: Peak Streetcar Frequency
In 1941, during peak hours, streetcars ran on Woodward Avenue every 60 seconds.
1942: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1942.
June 1943: 1943 Detroit Race Riot
The 1943 Detroit race riot resulted in 34 deaths and widespread destruction, highlighting racial tensions during World War II.
1944: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made its first bid for the Summer Olympics in 1944, which was unsuccessful.
1945: Detroit Tigers Win World Series
The Detroit Tigers won the World Series in 1945.
1949: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1949.
1949: J. W. Westcott II Begins Service
The J. W. Westcott II, a floating post office serving ships on the Detroit River, began its service in 1949 and is the only floating ZIP code in the U.S.
1950: Detroit's Peak Population and Industrial Mergers
Detroit reached its peak population of 1,849,568 in the 1950 census, while industrial mergers reshaped the auto industry.
1950: Start of Population Decline
Detroit's population has been declining since 1950, with the most significant drop occurring between 2000 and 2010.
1950: Detroit Reaches Peak Population
Detroit's population peaked at 1.85 million in the 1950 census.
1950: Detroit's Population Decline Begins
Starting in 1950, Detroit's population began a decline that would continue for decades, impacting the city's tax base.
1951: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1951.
1952: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made a bid to host the 1952 Summer Olympics, which was unsuccessful.
1952: Detroit Lions Win NFL Championship
The Detroit Lions won the NFL Championship in 1952.
1953: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1953.
1954: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1954.
1956: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made a bid to host the 1956 Summer Olympics, which was unsuccessful.
1956: End of Detroit's Streetcar Era
Detroit's last major streetcar line was replaced by buses in 1956, marking the end of a once extensive streetcar network.
1957: Louis Miriani Becomes Mayor
Louis Miriani became mayor of Detroit in 1957, marking the start of his term.
1957: Detroit Lions Win NFL Championship
The Detroit Lions won the NFL Championship in 1957.
1960: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made a bid to host the 1960 Summer Olympics, which was unsuccessful.
1962: End of Louis Miriani's Mayoralty
Louis Miriani's time as mayor of Detroit concluded in 1962.
June 1963: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech in Detroit
In June 1963, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a significant address during a civil rights march in Detroit. This speech served as a precursor to his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered in Washington, D.C., two months later.
June 1963: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech at the Great March on Detroit
In June 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a powerful speech at the Great March on Detroit, advocating for civil rights and equality.
1963: Lowest Annual Precipitation
The year 1963 saw the lowest recorded annual precipitation in Detroit, with only 20.49 inches (520 mm).
1964: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made a bid to host the 1964 Summer Olympics, which was unsuccessful.
1964: Federal Civil Rights Laws
Following the momentum of the civil rights movement, significant federal civil rights laws were enacted in 1964.
1965: Federal Civil Rights Laws
Further advancements in civil rights were achieved in 1965 with the passage of additional federal legislation.
July 1967: Twelfth Street Riot
The Twelfth Street riot erupted in July 1967, stemming from long-standing tensions in Detroit. The riot resulted in significant casualties, injuries, arrests, and widespread destruction, impacting black residential and business areas severely.
1967: White Flight from Detroit
While some white families left Detroit after the 1967 riots, a significant wave of outward migration occurred after the Milliken v. Bradley decision. This mass exodus contributed to a substantial decline in the city's tax base.
1968: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made a bid to host the 1968 Summer Olympics, which was unsuccessful.
1968: Detroit Tigers Win World Series
The Detroit Tigers won the World Series in 1968.
August 18, 1970: NAACP Lawsuit Against School Segregation
On August 18, 1970, the NAACP initiated a lawsuit against Michigan state officials, alleging de facto public school segregation despite the absence of legal segregation.
1972: Detroit Bids for Summer Olympics
Detroit made a bid to host the 1972 Summer Olympics, which was unsuccessful.
1972: Motown Moves to Los Angeles
Motown Records, a pivotal force in the music industry and the first major African American-owned record label featuring primarily Black artists, relocated to Los Angeles in 1972 to explore film production but eventually returned to Detroit.
November 1973: Election of Coleman Young
In November 1973, Coleman Young was elected as Detroit's first black mayor. His administration focused on increasing racial diversity in the police department and improving the city's transportation system. However, tensions between Young and suburban officials persisted throughout his tenure.
1973: Gasoline Crisis
The gasoline crisis of 1973 had a profound impact on the auto industry. Consumers shifted towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars from foreign manufacturers.
1973: Coleman Young Elected Mayor
Coleman Young was elected as Detroit's first Black mayor in 1973.
February 27, 1974: Milliken v. Bradley Supreme Court Case
On February 27, 1974, the Supreme Court heard the Milliken v. Bradley case, which had significant implications for school desegregation nationwide. The court ruled that schools were subject to local control and suburbs could not be compelled to participate in the desegregation of Detroit's schools.
1974: Detroit's High Homicide Rate
In 1974, Detroit recorded a staggering 714 homicides, highlighting the city's struggle with crime.
1976: Federal Funding for Regional Transit System
In 1976, the federal government offered substantial funding for the construction of a regional rapid transit system under a single regional authority. However, due to unresolved conflicts between Detroit and its suburban neighbors, the majority of the funding was lost. Subsequently, the city proceeded with the construction of the Detroit People Mover.
1977: Renaissance Center Opening
The Renaissance Center, a mixed-use office and retail complex, opened in 1977 as part of Mayor Young's efforts to revitalize Detroit's downtown area and retain businesses. Despite this and other projects, the downtown area continued to decline as businesses relocated to the suburbs.
1979: Gasoline Crisis
The auto industry faced another challenge in 1979 with another gasoline crisis, as consumer preferences continued to shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.
1980: Metro Times Founded
The Metro Times, a weekly publication covering news, arts, and entertainment, was founded in 1980 in Detroit.
1982: Detroit Grand Prix Begins
The Detroit Grand Prix was first held in 1982 at the Detroit street circuit.
January 21, 1984: Record Low Temperature
Detroit's record low temperature of -21°F (-29°C) was recorded on January 21, 1984.
1984: Detroit Tigers Win World Series
The Detroit Tigers won the World Series in 1984.
August 16, 1987: Northwest Airlines Flight 255 Crash
On August 16, 1987, Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashed near Detroit Metro Airport, resulting in a significant loss of life.
1987: People Mover Completion
In 1987, the elevated People Mover rail system was completed, providing service around a 2.94-mile loop in downtown Detroit.
1988: End of Detroit Grand Prix's Initial Run
The initial run of the Detroit Grand Prix at the Detroit street circuit ended in 1988.
1989: Detroit Pistons Win NBA Championship
The Detroit Pistons won the NBA Championship in 1989.
1990: Hispanic Population Baseline
In 1990, Detroit's Hispanic population served as a baseline for the significant growth observed by 2010.
1990: Detroit Pistons Win NBA Championship
The Detroit Pistons won the NBA Championship in 1990.
1993: Retirement of Coleman Young
Coleman Young, Detroit's longest-serving mayor, retired in 1993, choosing not to seek re-election for a sixth term. He was succeeded by Dennis Archer.
January 19, 1994: Record Low Maximum Temperature
The record low maximum temperature in Detroit was -4°F (-20°C) on January 19, 1994.
1996: Casino Gambling Referendum
A referendum to permit casino gambling in Detroit was approved in 1996.
1996: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1996.
1997: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1997.
1999: Detroit Rock City
The song "Detroit Rock City" by Kiss and a 1999 film of the same name further emphasized the city's rock music heritage.
1999: State Intervention in Detroit Public Schools
In 1999, amid allegations of mismanagement, the Michigan Legislature replaced the locally elected Detroit Board of Education with a reform board appointed by the mayor and governor.
1999: Temporary Casinos Open
Following the approval of the casino gambling referendum, several temporary casino facilities commenced operations in 1999.
2000: Estimated Median Household Income
In 2000, Detroit's estimated median household income was $29,526.
2000: MAC Basketball Tournament Moves to Cleveland
In 2000, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Basketball Tournament permanently relocated to Cleveland.
2000: Investigation into Detroit Police Department
In 2000, the city requested a United States Justice Department investigation into the Detroit Police Department concerning allegations of excessive force and civil rights violations.
2000: Census Data Point
The 2000 Census marked a key data point in Detroit's population decline, with a dramatic 25% decrease observed by the 2010 Census.
2000: Integrated Neighborhoods Baseline
The year 2000 served as a baseline for measuring the increase in integrated neighborhoods in Detroit. In 2000, Detroit had 100 integrated neighborhoods.
2001: Jewish Population
In 2001, around 103,000 Jews, representing about 1.9% of the population, lived in the Detroit area.
2001: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 2001.
2001: International Riverfront Redevelopment
The initial phase of the International Riverfront redevelopment project was completed in 2001 as part of Detroit's 300th-anniversary celebrations.
2002: Asian Population Percentage
As of 2002, Asians made up approximately 1% of Detroit's population.
2003: Compuware Headquarters in Downtown
Compuware completed its world headquarters in downtown Detroit in 2003.
2003: Conclusion of Police Department Investigation
The Justice Department investigation into the Detroit Police Department concluded in 2003.
2004: MAC Football Championship Game at Ford Field
The MAC Football Championship Game began being played at Ford Field in Detroit in 2004.
2004: Campus Martius Park Opening
Campus Martius, a redesigned park at downtown's main intersection, was inaugurated in 2004 and has been recognized as one of the nation's premier public spaces.
2004: Detroit Pistons Win NBA Championship
The Detroit Pistons won the NBA Championship in 2004.
November 8, 2005: Reinstatement of Elected School Board
On November 8, 2005, the first election for the new 11-member Detroit Board of Education took place, re-establishing local control after a period of state oversight due to alleged mismanagement.
2005: MLB All-Star Game in Detroit
Detroit hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 2005.
August 1, 2006: Record High Minimum Temperature
Detroit tied its record high minimum temperature of 80°F (27°C) on August 1, 2006.
2006: Super Bowl XL and World Series in Detroit
Detroit hosted Super Bowl XL and the World Series in 2006.
2006: New Office Buildings Downtown
Ernst & Young completed its office building at One Kennedy Square in Detroit in 2006.
2006: Downtown Investment and Restorations
In the decade leading up to 2006, downtown Detroit attracted over $15 billion in public and private investments, leading to substantial restorations and new developments. Two years later, this figure had grown to $1.3 billion, increasing construction jobs and stimulating urban revitalization.
2006: Investments in Downtown and Neighborhoods
Since 2006, $9 billion has been invested in Detroit's downtown and its surrounding areas, with a significant portion ($5.2 billion) concentrated in 2013 and 2014.
2006: Renovation of Lithuanian Hall
The renovated Lithuanian Hall in Detroit reopened in 2006.
2007: Permanent Casinos Open
Permanent downtown casinos with hotels were established in 2007-2008.
2007: Detroit Red Wings Win Stanley Cup
The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 2007.
2007: Drug-Related Homicides
A 2007 analysis revealed that approximately 65-70% of homicides in Detroit were drug-related, with a similar percentage of cases remaining unsolved.
2007: Downtown Detroit Recognized as Best Retirement Neighborhood
In 2007, CNNMoney editors recognized Downtown Detroit as the best city neighborhood for retirement among the largest U.S. metro areas.
2007: WrestleMania 23 and Return of Open-Wheel Racing
Detroit hosted WrestleMania 23 and saw the return of open-wheel racing to Belle Isle in 2007.
2007: Young Professionals in Downtown Detroit
A 2007 study found that many new residents moving to downtown Detroit were young professionals, with 57% aged 25-34, marking a shift in demographics.
April 2008: Detroit Announces Stimulus Plan for Revitalization
In April 2008, Detroit announced a $300 million stimulus plan, financed by city bonds and wagering tax revenue, to create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods.
September 2008: Resignation of Kwame Kilpatrick
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resigned in September 2008 following felony convictions.
2008: Casino Resort Hotels Open
By 2008, three major casino resort hotels had opened in Detroit following Mayor Dennis Archer's redevelopment plan.
2008: Decline in Violent Crime
Despite a decrease of 11% in 2008, Detroit's violent crime rates from 2007-2011 did not improve as much as the national average.
2008: City Bonds for Blighted Property Demolition
Detroit issued bonds in 2008 to fund the demolition of blighted properties, part of its urban renewal strategy.
March 2009: Shift to Online News in Detroit
In March 2009, Detroit's major newspapers, the Free Press and the News, reduced home delivery to three days a week, opting to focus on internet-based news.
April 2009: NCAA Final Four in Detroit
Detroit hosted the NCAA Final Four in April 2009.
June 2009: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Opens Satellite Campus
In June 2009, Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine opened a satellite campus at the Detroit Medical Center.
November 2009: Referendum on City Council Districts
In November 2009, a referendum was held in Detroit that resulted in a change to the election process for City Council members, with seven members being elected from districts and two at-large, starting in 2013.
2009: Decline in Median Household Income
By 2009, Detroit's estimated median household income had fallen to $26,098.
2009: Detroit Parcel Survey Reveals Vacancy Issues
A 2009 parcel survey found approximately 25% of Detroit's residential lots to be undeveloped or vacant and 10% of its housing unoccupied, while most homes (86%) were in good condition.
2009: Rise of Charter Schools and Performance Issues
By 2009, charter school enrollment in Detroit nearly equaled that of traditional public schools. However, both charter and traditional public schools faced challenges with student performance on standardized tests around 2009.
December 30, 2010: DMC Joins Vanguard Health Systems
On December 30, 2010, Detroit Medical Center (DMC) became part of Vanguard Health Systems, with Vanguard agreeing to substantial investments, debt assumption, and pension obligations.
2010: Quicken Loans Relocates to Downtown
Quicken Loans, a major mortgage lender, moved its headquarters and 4,000 employees to downtown Detroit in 2010, consolidating suburban offices and boosting the city's economy.
2010: Detroit Census Data
The 2010 United States Census reported Detroit as the center of a three-county urban area with a population of 3,734,090, a six-county metropolitan statistical area with a population of 5,322,219, and a nine-county Combined Statistical Area with a population of 5.3 million.
2010: G.R. N'Namdi Gallery Opens
The G.R. N'Namdi Gallery opened in Midtown Detroit in 2010, offering a substantial 16,000-square-foot space dedicated to art.
2010: Poverty Rate in Detroit
In 2010, Detroit's mean income was significantly below the national average, and one in three residents lived in poverty, leading author Luke Bergmann to describe Detroit as "one of the poorest big cities in the country."
2010: Hispanic Population Growth
By 2010, Detroit's Hispanic population reached 48,679, including 36,452 Mexicans. This represented a 70% increase since 1990.
2010: Demographic Shifts and Segregation
By 2010, African Americans constituted approximately 82% of Detroit's population. The city's segregation levels decreased, with the number of integrated neighborhoods rising from 100 in 2000 to 204 in 2010.
2010: Significant Population Drop
Between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, Detroit saw a dramatic 25% decrease in its population.
2010: Detroit Addresses Vacancy with Demolition and Proposed Solutions
In 2010, Detroit began demolishing derelict houses and proposed solutions for low-density issues caused by vacancy, including resident relocation and converting unused space for urban agriculture.
2011: Analysis of Segregation Decrease
In 2011, a New York Times op-ed suggested that the decrease in Detroit's segregation might be attributed to the overall population exodus and cautioned that remaining areas could become more segregated.
2011: Port Authority Passenger Terminal Opens
In 2011, the Port Authority Passenger Terminal opened in Detroit, along with a riverwalk connecting Hart Plaza to the Renaissance Center.
2011: Low Test Scores in Detroit Schools
In 2011, both traditional public schools and charter schools in Detroit recorded very low scores on national standardized tests.
2011: Unpaid Property Taxes
In 2011, a substantial number of Detroit property owners failed to pay their tax bills, resulting in a significant loss of revenue for the city, Wayne County, Detroit Public Schools, and the library system.
2011: Detroit Public Schools Enrollment and Challenges
In 2011, Detroit Public Schools (DPS) had approximately 66,000 students, making it Michigan's largest school district. Combined with about 56,000 charter school students, around 122,000 students were enrolled in Detroit schools in 2011.
2011: Mayor Bing Announces Neighborhood Prioritization Plan
In 2011, Mayor Dave Bing announced a plan to categorize Detroit neighborhoods by their needs and prioritize the delivery of necessary services.
2011: Increased Medical Research Investments
In 2011, DMC and Henry Ford Health System significantly increased investments in medical research and hospital facilities in Detroit's Midtown and New Center areas.
2011: Highest Annual Precipitation
Detroit experienced its highest annual precipitation on record in 2011, measuring 47.70 inches (1,212 mm).
2011: Detroit's Walkability Recognized
A 2011 study by Walk Score highlighted Detroit's above-average walkability compared to other large U.S. cities.
July 2012: U.S. Patent Office Opens in Detroit
In July 2012, the first U.S. Patent and Trademark Office outside the Washington D.C. metro area opened in Detroit's Rivertown/Warehouse District, a milestone reflecting the city's growing importance.
July 17, 2012: 100°F+ Temperature Reading
On July 17, 2012, Detroit reached a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher. These high readings are infrequent, occurring every decade or two.
2012: Regional Transit Authority Established and ReFLEX Launch
In 2012, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) was established to oversee regional mass transit. Its first project was the ReFLEX bus service connecting Detroit with Oakland County.
2012: New Center Construction Projects
In 2012, major construction projects began in New Center, including a medical distribution center and the Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), which was projected to house up to 500 researchers and staff.
2012: High Crime and Car Insurance Costs
High crime rates in 2012 were identified as one factor contributing to elevated car insurance costs in Detroit.
2012: Detroit City FC Founded
Detroit City FC was founded in 2012 as a semi-professional soccer club.
2012: World Series in Detroit
Detroit hosted the World Series in 2012.
March 2013: Financial Emergency Declared in Detroit
In March 2013, Governor Rick Snyder declared a financial emergency in Detroit due to a $327 million budget deficit and over $14 billion in long-term debt, leading to the appointment of an emergency manager.
June 14, 2013: Detroit Defaults on Debt
On June 14, 2013, Detroit defaulted on $2.5 billion of debt by withholding $39.7 million in interest payments, while Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr met with bondholders and creditors to restructure the city's $18.5 billion debt and avoid bankruptcy.
July 18, 2013: Detroit Files for Bankruptcy
On July 18, 2013, Detroit became the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy.
2013: Building Inspector Bribery Charges
Seven building inspectors in Detroit faced felony bribery charges in 2013.
2013: Highest Snowfall Season
The winter of 2013-2014 brought a record-breaking snowfall of 94.9 inches (241 cm) to Detroit.
2013: Meijer Opens First Detroit Supercenter
Retail chain Meijer opened its first Detroit supercenter in 2013, a $20 million investment anchoring the $72 million Gateway Marketplace shopping center.
2013: Conviction of Kwame Kilpatrick
Kwame Kilpatrick was convicted on multiple federal felony counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud, and racketeering, in 2013, and received a 28-year federal prison sentence. His actions were estimated to have cost the city $20 million.
2013: District-Based City Council Elections Begin
In 2013, Detroit began electing City Council members from districts, following a 2009 referendum.
2013: Detroit Files for Bankruptcy
Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, becoming the largest U.S. city to do so.
2013: Increased Construction Activity
Construction activity in downtown Detroit increased notably from 2013 to 2014. In the same period, the number of vacant buildings decreased significantly from almost 50 to about 13.
2013: Catholic Schools in Detroit
As of 2013, four Catholic grade schools and three Catholic high schools operated within Detroit, all on the west side, while many others served surrounding suburbs.
April 2014: High Unemployment Rate
In April 2014, the unemployment rate in Detroit stood at a concerning 14.5%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
November 7, 2014: Detroit's Bankruptcy Exit Plan Approved
On November 7, 2014, the city's plan for exiting bankruptcy was approved.
December 2014: Detroit Exits Bankruptcy
In December 2014, Detroit successfully emerged from bankruptcy after filing in 2013.
2014: Detroit Begins Street Lighting Overhaul
In 2014, Detroit began a project to replace its outdated high-pressure sodium streetlights with LED lights to address public safety issues and housing abandonment caused by a large number of non-working lights.
2014: Religious Demographics Study
In 2014, a study found that 67% of Detroit's population identified as Christian, with 49% attending Protestant churches and 16% identifying as Roman Catholic. 24% claimed no religious affiliation, and other religions constituted 8% of the population.
2014: Decrease in Vacant Buildings
The number of vacant buildings in downtown Detroit decreased significantly from almost 50 to about 13 as of 2014.
December 2015: Michigan Central Station Renovation Completed
The renovation of Michigan Central Station, a symbol of Detroit's decline, was completed in December 2015, with new windows, elevators, and facilities.
2015: Detroit Designated "City of Design"
In 2015, Detroit became the first and only U.S. city to be designated a "City of Design" by UNESCO.
2015: Low Literacy Rates in Detroit
In 2015, Detroit public school students had the lowest scores in reading and writing among major U.S. cities. Among eighth-graders, only 27% demonstrated basic math proficiency and 44% in reading, while almost half of Detroit adults were considered functionally illiterate.
2015: Second Meijer Supercenter Opens
Meijer opened a second supercenter in Detroit in 2015, further expanding retail options in the city.
2015: Canada Funds Gordie Howe International Bridge Customs Plaza
In 2015, Canada committed to funding the entire $250 million U.S. customs plaza for the planned Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is expected to open in 2024.
December 2016: Detroit Completes LED Street Lighting Conversion
By December 2016, Detroit completed the installation of 65,000 LED streetlights, becoming the largest U.S. city with all LED street lighting.
2016: Excess School Openings and Persistent Performance Issues
As of 2016, DPS still served most special education students. Additionally, the city grappled with 30,000 excess openings in public and charter schools, with persistent low performance despite school choice, a situation described as "lots of choice, with no good choice".
2016: Challenges in Detroit's K-12 Education
As of 2016, Detroit's K-12 education system faced challenges, including high student mobility, a concentration of schools in wealthier areas, and a lack of transportation options for students.
2016: High Percentage of Carless Households
In 2016, 24.7% of Detroit households did not own a car, significantly higher than the national average of 8.7%. The average number of cars per household was 1.15, below the national average of 1.8.
2016: School Official Corruption Charges
Twelve principals, a former school superintendent, and a supply vendor were charged with corruption in 2016 in a $12 million kickback scheme.
2017: Little Caesars Arena Opens
Little Caesars Arena, the new home for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, opened in 2017, as part of The District Detroit development project.
2017: Detroit as a Top Travel Destination
The New York Times ranked Detroit as the 9th best travel destination in 2017, underscoring the city's revitalization and growing appeal to tourists.
2018: Ford Motor Company Purchases Michigan Central Station
In 2018, Ford Motor Company purchased the renovated Michigan Central Station for mobility testing and potential train service restoration.
2018: Lonely Planet Recognition
Lonely Planet designated Detroit as the second-best city in the world to visit in 2018, further cementing its rising status as a tourist hotspot.
2018: American Community Survey
The 2018 American Community Survey reported Detroit's median household income as $31,283, significantly lower than Michigan's median of $56,697. The median family income was $36,842, also substantially below the state median. A high poverty rate was observed, with 33.4% of families, 47.3% of those under 18, and 21% of those 65 and older living below the poverty line.
2019: JPMorgan Chase Invests in Detroit
In 2019, JPMorgan Chase pledged an additional $50 million investment in Detroit by 2022, focused on affordable housing, job training, and entrepreneurship, bringing its total investment to $200 million.
2019: Rising Gentrification in Detroit
In 2019, the cost of a one-bedroom loft in Detroit's Rivertown reached $300,000, with a five-year sale price change of over 500%, highlighting the city's increasing gentrification and its impact on long-time residents.
2020: 2020 US Census
According to the 2020 United States Census, Detroit had a population of 639,111, making it the 27th most populous city in the country.
2020: Detroit City FC Joins NISA
Detroit City FC joined the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in 2020 and became two-time champions.
2020: Detroit as a Sanctuary City and Presidential Election
In the 2020 Presidential election, Detroit, sometimes referred to as a sanctuary city due to its anti-profiling ordinances, saw approximately 94% of its votes go to Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
2020: Value of 1943 Riot Damages Adjusted for Inflation
The $2 million in property damage during the 1943 riot is equivalent to about $30.4 million in 2020.
2020: 2020 Census
The 2020 census recorded Detroit's population at 639,111, making it the 26th-most populous city in the United States.
2022: Third Highest Homicide Rate
By 2022, Detroit's homicide rate remained alarmingly high, ranking third in the nation at 50.0 per 100,000 residents.
2022: Time Magazine Recognition
Time magazine named Detroit as one of the World's 50 Greatest Places in 2022.
2023: Detroit Stimulus Plan Value Adjusted for Inflation
Adjusted for inflation, the Detroit stimulus plan announced in April 2008 reached approximately $417 million in 2023.
2023: Gentrification Continues to Impact Detroit
By 2023, the cost of a one-bedroom loft in Detroit's Rivertown, adjusted for inflation, reached approximately $352,668, further illustrating the city's ongoing gentrification.
2023: Assessment of Detroit's Corruption
In 2023, law professor Peter Henning argued that Detroit's level of corruption is not unusual for a city of its size.
2024: Detroit Hosts NFL Draft
Detroit hosted the NFL Draft in 2024, which drew a record-breaking attendance of over 775,000 people over three days.
2024: Projected Opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Windsor, is projected to open in 2024, with Canada covering the majority of the bridge's $2.1 billion cost.