225: Detroit Beyond the Comeback with Kevin Johnson
About this episode
Dane Carlson interviews Kevin Johnson about Detroit's economic momentum and lessons for other communities.
In this episode Dane talks with Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, about Detroit’s current economic momentum and what other communities can learn from it. Kevin explains why “comeback city” no longer fully captures Detroit’s story, how technology, manufacturing, real estate, sports, tourism, and earned media are reshaping the city’s market position, and why neighborhood commercial corridors matter to both residents and corporate decision-makers. The conversation also digs into Motor City Match, startup investment, grocery access, DEGC’s role as a consistent economic development partner across administrations, and the need for economic developers to lead community conversations before projects reach the public hearing stage. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Move past outdated narratives. If your community is still being described by an old story, build a clearer explanation of what is happening now and why the market should care. Turn earned media into market momentum. When outside publications, events, or visitors validate your community…
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