The City of Detroit, founded in 1701, is one of the nation's largest cities, and the center of one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. The City of Detroit sought the review of its existing Renaissance Zones, which were originally designated by the state in 1996 and then expanded with the assistance of our firm in 2000. The city again retained Anderson Economic Group to aid in the review, revise the criteria, examine opportunities and costs, and recommend action by the city. A review committee including our project team, the city's planning and development department, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and the city assessor's office recommended that the city not extend their existing zones at the time, given the results of our cost/benefit analysis and statutory review.

The city requested our review of a new federal law establishing a “Renewal Community” economic incentive program. Our analysis revealed the city would be a candidate for such a designation, and we recommended that the city file an application with HUD.

Anderson Economic Group advised the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department during the Renewal Community application process, outlining an appropriate process, identifying specific tax benefits to employers and investors, preparing documents and graphics summarizing economic conditions, working with State economic development and housing officials to confirm a course of action, and analyzing census statistics to define the best qualified application area. Our project team, with the City of Detroit, produced and delivered to HUD the entire application packet within 15 business days.

HUD’s review process followed a competitive procedure outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, under a federal law that limited designations to the 40 most qualified. The designation was awarded to the city on January 18, 2002, making it eligible for $17 billion in development and tax incentives.