Detroit Mayor Dave Bing delivered his annual State of the City address at the Detroit School of Arts Wednesday night. You can read the entire speech below, but here are some highlights. -- JTW
No Emergency Manager…Yet
It is fair to say that our City was in a financial crisis when I took office in 2009. My predecessors may not have acknowledged that fact, but I did. My administration inherited a $332 million accumulated deficit, in addition to $13.8 billion of long-term liabilities.
We were immediately thrust into the enormous task of managing this crisis. And that is exactly what we have done. Despite the naysayers‘ predictions, there have not been any payless paydays. No Emergency Manager to date. And no declaration of bankruptcy for the City of Detroit.
100 More Cops On The Streets
This spring, the department will move an additional 100 officers to the streets or to criminal investigations. When the restructuring is completed, we will have 80-percent of our police officers on patrol . . . 15-percent in the investigative unit . . . and only 5- percent in administration.
Late last year, we re-opened eight police mini-stations in our neighborhoods. Six more will open by this spring. The mini-stations mark a return to community policing and bring our residents closer together with law enforcement.
If You Happen To Have An Extra $45 Million Laying Around…
In an effort to fill the gap created by our financial crisis, my administration launched a three-year campaign called ―Active and Safe Detroit. Our goal is to raise $60 million to keep our 17 recreation centers open and to provide the latest equipment and training for police and firefighters. This initiative is led by the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and brings together public and private supporters who are committed to creating a safer city. To date, the Foundation has secured $15.5 million in pledges.
Last week, I met with the top CEOs of metropolitan Detroit businesses to ask for their assistance in raising the additional $45 million to reach our goal.
The Pulte Demolition "Authority"
Tonight, I am excited to announce a new partnership that will strengthen our fight against blight in Detroit. Bill Pulte of Pulte Homes, one of this country‘s largest homebuilders, has created a private, non-profit group called the Detroit Blight Authority. The group is working with my office to eliminate blight . . . neighborhood by neighborhood . . . street by street.
RICO-Free Since September 18, 2008
Businesses are investing in Detroit because my administration has proven that it is not business as usual in City Hall. Corruption will not be tolerated. We have created an environment of integrity and trust. There is no Pay to Play requirement in this administration. Today, there is a level and fair playing field. And the process for doing business in Detroit has improved. For instance, the City now has one-stop shopping for businesses wishing to obtain permits.
Lisa Franklin, RTA Appointee
And I thank the state legislature for backing the creation of a Regional Transportation Authority to put Detroit on track with other major cities that have mass transit systems.
Tonight, I am proud to announce my appointment to the Regional Transportation Authority Board. She is a lifetime resident of Detroit and represents an underserved population as President of Warriors on Wheels. Ladies and gentlemen, please recognize and thank Lisa Franklin for accepting this appointment.
