Mayor Duggan’s 2020 State of the City address was delivered Tuesday, February 25 at 7 pm at Flex N' Gate

Learn more below about how to get connected to city programs and opportunities.

Detroiters Making a Difference

Brian McKinney

Brian moved back to Detroit to start his own demolition construction firm. After attending a Detroit Contractor Opportunity Fair, Brian became a certified demo contractor with the city. He now owns and operates Gayanga, his construction and engineering company. 85% of Brian staff are Detroit residents.

Tammy Black

A Jefferson-Chalmers resident and community hero, Tammy bought 15 vacant lots from the Detroit Land Bank and is working to develop them into safe outdoor space for children and neighbors. Tammy has raised over $180,000 to build a creative empowerment community garden which will be equipped with an outdoor movie screen, solar panel installation, dog park, and ADA accessible tree house.

Pastor Arric Wilkerson

A Denby high school graduate, Pastor Wilkerson decided to make a difference in his community by raising money to renovate homes and rent them to members of the congregation at affordable rates. Pastor Wilkerson’s and members of his congregation have renovated 25 homes on Santa Rosa and Stopel, purchased through the Detroit Land Bank.

Marcus Jones

A University of Michigan grad and Detroit resident, Marcus has worked to redevelop properties in the Livernois-McNichols neighborhood. After selling and renovating homes, Marcus founded a design and build firm with business partner Akunna Olumba. For their next endeavor, Marcus and Akunna are developing a pizza bar with help from Invest Detroit, CDFI Fund and the City of Detroit Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Their goal is to hire Detroiters from the surrounding neighborhoods when the business opens.