Detroit Unveils Plan for Shrinkage

Kaffer says that rather than the promised long-term plan, the Detroit Works Project is a short-term solution:

"The city plans to tailor services based on neighborhoods' needs, beefing up blight enforcement in a steady neighborhood, for example, while pulling back that work in a distressed neighborhood. In turn, the distressed neighborhood might see more bulk trash collection or be targeted for more demolitions or property acquisitions."

Meanwhile, "targeted investment" will go to three "demonstration areas."

Community advocates and non-profit leaders interviewed by Kaffer are flummoxed by the plan, and express wishes for faster and bolder action.