Linking Southwest Detroit to Infrastructure Jobs
Southwest Detroit boasts a thriving retail district, a large concentration of residents, and regional attractions such as Mexicantown. Due to its location near an international border crossing and port of entry, Southwest Detroit is also the site of major transportation infrastructure investment. Two new projects proposed for Southwest Detroit could bring additional investment to the region: the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal (DIFT) expansion and the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) – a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
While large infrastructure improvements generate regional economic health, low-income communities such as Southwest Detroit often bear the negative consequences of such projects, such as relocation, noise, air pollution, and a loss of retail and restaurant business.
Southwest Detroit could also benefit from the new projects. Major infrastructure projects result in thousands of new jobs during the construction phase, as well as many permanent jobs at the new infrastructure facility or in other businesses. This plan addresses the balance between the region’s need for infrastructure investment and social equity, by explaining ways to connect residents of Southwest Detroit with new job opportunities.
• Ensure that residents of Southwest Detroit receive construction-related jobs associated with the Detroit International River Crossing and the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal.
• Ensure that residents of Southwest Detroit receive jobs associated with the operations of the Detroit International River Crossing and the Detroit Intermodal Freight Terminal.
• Protect local businesses from adverse effects of construction and promote patronage of local businesses.
• Link Southwest Detroit residents to DRIC and DIFT-related jobs that improve the local environment.
