Region’s collaboration would strengthen Detroit, surrounding communities

PRESS RELEASE

June 21, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

Current Census Bureau Stats confirms Detroit’s declining residents

DETROIT – The entire nation witnessed the success of Super Bowl XL and many have since commented and written on how well metro Detroiters worked together for the first time in a long time. This accomplishment was the result of strong leadership and cooperation from all sectors of our region and state – both imperative for the future vitality of Detroit and southeastern Michigan.

This is critical especially as the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics reconfirm what is already known – Detroit has seen a tremendous population decline in the past several years, dropping 12,451 residents from July 2004 to July 2005. Since 2000, Detroit’s population has declined by 64,599 residents, which includes families with school-aged children.

According to Kurt Metzger, director of research for United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the decline is primarily due to the challenged economy and shift in jobs, and it impacts all areas of our infrastructure.

"The city’s school district has witnessed annual decreases of 10,000 students in recent years and projects similar losses for the next 3 - 5 years," said Metzger. "Meanwhile, outlying districts are increasingly having to pass bond initiatives to either expand existing schools or build new ones."

"The tri-county area as a whole has experienced no overall population growth in the last 35 years. During that time, the city of Detroit has lost more than 300,000 residents while outlying areas such as Novi, Macomb Township and Canton Township have experienced population increases approaching 700 percent. As we face a critical shortage in the funds necessary to repair our roads, bridges and sewers, we are being faced with demands to develop and expand the infrastructure of these outlying suburbs. Where is the balance?"

One of the resounding messages from more than 6,200 tri-county resident who took a recent survey conducted by United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s showed that residents believe people from across our region would work together to address and solve social issues. Although United Way is still compiling survey responses, this message is critical for Detroit and our region to thrive.

"Our region must take a hard look at these trends and begin to understand how it is affecting the social and human service needs of our region," said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Regional collaboration is critical for a thriving Detroit, and a successful Detroit is necessary for a thriving region. If we are truly going to lift this region from a place of ‘we can’t’ to a place of ‘we can’ with possibility and opportunity, we must be proactive, partner together and engage people around the work. Only then will we make progress on issues, improve lives and succeed as a region."

See attached report

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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