Little Caesars Arena as Catalytic Development

In exchange for generous public subsidies, Illitch Holdings, owner and developer of the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, promised large-scale economic development.

1 minute read

September 26, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Detroit, Michigan

Susan Montgomery / Shutterstock

"Just over a year after Little Caesars Arena opened its doors for the first time, Ilitch Holdings is celebrating the changes that have come to Detroit and noted that it's only the beginning," writes John Gallagher.

Gallagher lists the economic development and tax revenue benefits touted by the company, which include, 3 million guests to the arena, $600 million in contracts to local companies and 20,000 jobs, a 456 percent increase in property tax base in the district, 40,000 square feet of additional commercial development, and $200 million in funding commitments to additional redevelopment projects.

Planetizen first reported criticisms of the generous subsidies allowed the sports arena back in 2014, and the public investments continued into 2017. In 2016, the Illitch family has promised that the city's investment in the arena and surrounding sports and entertainment district would reap additional private investments in the area.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in Detroit Free Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight