Kresge President and CEO Rip Rapson, unveiling the 2017 Detroit Reinvestment Index at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. last week, summarized key results of the latest survey of national business leaders and local entrepreneurs, discussed trends driving Detroit’s revitalization and addressed gaps between what entrepreneurs say they need to succeed and what Detroit provides.

The 2017 index expands on data from 2016 based on surveys of national business leaders to include perceptions about Detroit from local entrepreneurs. The survey finds both groups strongly optimistic about the city’s revitalization and its investment potential.

Along highlighting data from the latest survey, Rapson pointed to trends driving an improving investment atmosphere in Detroit:

• A growing number of large corporate anchors are moving downtown.
• Public-private investments in public spaces such as the Detroit Riverfront, the Dequindre Cut bikeway and walkway, Belle Isle, Eastern Market and neighborhood parks.
• A surge in small business ventures and entrepreneurial incubators.
• The opening later this year of a new sports housing commercial complex which will house the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings.
• The opening of the QLine, a streetcar that runs from the heart of downtown along Woodward Avenue.

Rapson’s full remarks are available in the Library section of the Kresge website.