Daily Detroit

What are Detroit's movers and shakers thinking and talking about?

We went to the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference on Thursday and have some highlights and thoughts.

• It'd cost $500 million per RenCen tower to convert them to residential, says GM and Bedrock. We discuss the details we learned yesterday on the Renaissance Center partial demolition and park plan.
• We need to connect Ann Arbor and Detroit better in multiple ways in order to compete nationally. What could that look like?
• Speaking of connections, everything needs to get connected better, along with our top research schools like the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter.

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Perceptions of Downtown Detroit among residents and the wider region are up, according to a new survey.

What are the areas that have made progress, and where is there still work to do? Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and Gina Cavaliere, Chief Community Impact Officer and Director, BIZ

Here's a link to the survey results: https://downtowndetroit.org/news-insights/downtown-detroit-partnership-reveals-results-of-biennial-perception-survey-to-key-stakeholders

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today's episode is in the three parts.

First, a 21-story smaller tower of the RenCen complex is up for auction and the starting bid is under $3m. Should we buy it? Should we turn parking lots into dog parks? (Only half kidding)

Second, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says she's running for Governor. We discuss the overall environment right now.

And finally, we have (for real) a new thing coming on Tuesday to help serve you better. We discuss. Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today's episode gets into the need to increase Detroit's transit funding, and what advocates at Transportation Riders United (TRU) say is the path toward a better transit system in the city. Our guest is Joel Batterman of TRU.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussing the DDOT Reimagined Plan: The city of Detroit released a plan in 2024 that would double the amount of bus service in the city, but it seems there isn't the funding for it.

• Frequent Transit: Advocates say that transit is considered "frequent" when a bus comes every 15 minutes, and that this is not always the case in Detroit's current system.

• Impacts of Inadequate Transit: Hear how a lack of reliable public transportation effects residents and limits economic mobility

• The Role of Funding: Discuss how Detroit invests less in transit compared to other similar metro regions, and hear more about a campaign to double the city's investment.

• What TRU says is needed: They'd like to see $150 million added to the current Detroit Department of Transportation budget.

Links:

• Transportation Riders United: detroittransit.org

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On today's all-local podcast:

• An update on the proposal to cover I-75 in downtown Detroit with parks, including funding and what's next
• New Center's potential sparks optimisim with a listener
• Another listener says that the Mayor's Race Open, but asks if anyone will match Mike Duggan's Influence?
• And a third listeners asks Devon about Dearborn's development potential, and he shares his predictions

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Show notes:

[01:01] Vesper Wine Bar

• Norris describes his recent visit to Vesper wine bar in Core City located in a former bank.

[02:33] Checker Bar Fire

• Jer talks about the fire at the Checker Bar

[06:04] New Mayoral Candidate: Saunteel Jenkins

• Norris introduces Shantell Jenkins as a new entrant to the mayor's race. Jer notes she was formerly city council president, and focus on neighborhood safety and community policing

[10:05] Governor Whitmer at the Detroit Auto Show

• Jer mentions Whitmer's speech at the Detroit Auto Show where she rolled out an economic agenda, and signaled strong interest in bipartisan cooperation

• One in five jobs in Michigan are tied to auto industry and those jobs pay on average $70k, more than the state median

• Norris speculates about how Chinese companies may find a way into the market

• Norris and Jer discuss the importance of price for consumers

We talk about the immaculate vibes that the city is feeling on this playoff run for the Detroit Lions. Then get into previewing the playoff game Saturday against the Washington Commanders. Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

What should you be looking for when you go to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show?

The 2025 Detroit Auto Show represents a shift towards more interactive, consumer-focused automotive experiences, blending nostalgia, innovation, and practical transportation solutions.

Key Highlights:

• Show Transformation (01:27) - Shifted from North American International Auto Show to a regional consumer-focused event - Reduced emphasis on splashy media reveals - More space for experiential brand interactions

Automotive Brand Insights:

• Ford (05:28) - Maverick Lobo with 3D printing customization options - Jared Goff appearance generated significant buzz - Diverse vehicle pricing range

• Cadillac (00:07:23) - Escalade IQ electric vehicle - Optique EV with sophisticated interior design - Emphasis on tactile buttons and luxurious materials

• Stellantis (11:54) - Price reductions between $3,000-$9,000 - Jeep Wagoneer S electric SUV - New Charger EV with innovative design Interesting Wildcards:

• Volkswagen ID Buzz (17:02) - Named Utility Vehicle of the Year - Nostalgic design - Potential for family and road trip use

• INEOS Grenadier (18:53) - Inspired by classic Land Rover Defender - Robust off-road capabilities - Premium pricing around $80,000

Additional Notes:

• Show runs through January 20th
• Adult tickets: $20 - Includes vintage movie cars and concept vehicles
• EV education section by DTE and IBEW 58

Guest: Eric Trytko (Instagram: @RumbleStrip) and Raoul Duke Media https://raouldukemedia.com/

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Chris Williams joins us to talk about the most underused words that should come back in 2025, then Jer shares three stories to know around Detroit.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

We're back with our annual predictions episode! First we run down what we said last year and checked if we got it - then, we get into high, medium, and low confidence predictions for Detroit, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/