In this season of Thanksgiving, I can’t help but think about all the things that I am thankful for. Life has many ups and downs but to be able to endure struggle and overcome is nothing short of a blessing. When I think about the things that I am thankful for, my mind started to shift to the things that we as a city should be thankful for.
Over the years Detroit has endured a lot. The city has endured abandonment, ridicule, embarrassment, and failure, but yet Detroit and the people who reside in the city still have a lot to be thankful for.
1. Detroit has new development with increase in jobs.
Detroit broke ground on the brand new Red Wings arena and entertainment district in October. The creation of this new area and entertainment district will create thousands of jobs in fields such as hospitality and construction. This new arena will also build up the value or the surrounding neighborhoods. Detroit will also break ground on a brand new bridge to Canada that will create thousands of jobs.
2. Detroit’s Crime has decreased.
Although for another year Detroit was listed at the FBI most dangerous city in the country, crime over the last year have decreased. Murders in the city have decreased by 18 percent and violent crimes have decreased by 3 percent. The Detroit Police Department has put forth a tremendous effort to decrease crime in the city and although we still have a long way to go, we are pushing forward in the right direction.
3. Detroit professional teams are winning
Despite being the underdog this season after losing key star players, the Tigers seemed to preserve. They continued to win games throughout the regular season and made it to the playoffs. Although they did not make it out of the first round, the Tigers defeat the odds that were set on them at the beginning of the season and made a strong run to the playoffs. The Lions currently are 8-4 and are on the verge of making it to the playoffs. Under Jim Caldwell the Lions are really making some noise, giving Detroiters a lot to cheer about.
4. Detroit is in the verge of being out of bankruptcy.
One of the most talked about events in Detroit has been the city filing for bankruptcy. This was the largest municipality bankruptcy filing in the history. Despite the humiliation that went with the city being so far in debt that bankruptcy was the only option, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Recently Detroit financial plan was approved by the Bankruptcy court was approved and Detroit has begun the march to being out of bankruptcy.
5. The city is starting to thrive again.
When you look around the city, you can see a change. The city is growing and you can tell a difference. Downtown has more business both big and small. The riverfront has grown into one of the premiere river-fronts in the nations. More people are working and spending money in the city. Detroit is becoming a force to reckon with and you can tell.
Although Detroit has some problems and we still have a long way to go, Detroit has come a very long way and that is something that all Detroiters should be thankful for.
“Detroit Led U.S. in Murder, Crime Rates, FBI Says.” Detroit Led U.S. in Murder, Crime Rates, FBI Says. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2014.