Rebuilding the Motor City: An Exploratory Analysis of How Detroit Went Bankrupt and How Entertainment is Spurring Its Comeback

Abstract

The rise of suburbs saw many downtowns that were once the focal point of communities, gradually lose their luster. Detroit was not immune to these changes, and in many ways the economic problems the city has faced in this decade, were triggered by an inability to adapt with these economic changes. This SIP goes in-depth on Detroit’s rise as the Motor City, and its steady fall that culminated in the city filing for bankruptcy in 2013. It will start by examining trends and economic concepts integral to urban core cities across the country. The study expounds upon these concepts by connecting them to Detroit specifically; looking at the city’s history and how changes in economic policies influenced where the city is today. Next, the study analyzes what strategies Detroit is following currently to recover from its financial crisis. The study concluded by summarizing the impact of these economic strategies on the outlook of the city.