This commentary by Kresge Detroit Program Officer Alexa Bush was originally published in Crain’s Detroit Business as part of the annual Detroit Homecoming, a three-day event created for Detroit expats — those who grew up, went to school, or built early careers in metro Detroit and now live elsewhere. The experience reconnects expats to Detroit through programming that showcase the people, neighborhoods, and ideas driving the city forward and is designed to spark renewed connection to the city. 

Coming home can be complicated, especially when the place you are returning to has changed since you left.

For Detroiters returning for Homecoming, some of that change will be visible. Familiar blocks may look different. New businesses and gathering places have opened. Organizations you may not know are leading important work in neighborhoods across the city.

This is a good thing. It also means the Detroit you remember may be a few chapters behind the Detroit of today.

We would love to welcome you back to join us in building the future. Bring your capital, expertise and best ideas. But first, take time to get reacquainted with the city.

There is a meaningful difference between investing in Detroit and investing with Detroit. Investing in a place can begin with a proposal. Investing with a place begins with listening.

Residents understand their neighborhoods at a level no market analysis can capture. They know what has been tried, what is already planned and who has been doing the work for years. That knowledge should not be treated as a courtesy stop on the way to a groundbreaking. It should help shape the project from the beginning and even open new opportunities you would never have discovered alone.

Detroit has a strong network of block clubs, neighborhood associations and community development organizations. They can help returning Detroiters and prospective investors understand residents’ priorities, the plans already underway and the history of a particular site or corridor. Connect with them before arriving with a finished answer. Engagement after the important decisions have been made is too late.

The same principle applies to city government. During my time with Detroit’s Planning and Development Department, I saw the value of engaging city staff early — well before the permitting stage. Planners can help investors understand how a proposal fits with existing neighborhood plans and connect them with the people closest to the work. Early conversations can also surface practical complications before significant time and money have been committed to a design.

I will not pretend the process is frictionless. Municipal systems are complex, and there may be bumps along the way. But Detroit wants to work with people who bring serious retail, business and development ideas to the city. Investors can find partners willing to problem-solve with them.

And while financial performance matters, it is not the only measure of a successful investment. Does the project respond to a priority residents have identified? Will it create jobs, contracts or other opportunities for Detroiters? Will it complement the businesses already operating along a corridor? Will it strengthen the surrounding neighborhood or stand apart from it like an island?

The most durable investments align the investor’s success with the community’s success.

Detroit is entering another period of transformation. The work underway in mobility, aviation and advanced technology shows that this remains a city of invention. Returning Detroiters have an opportunity to contribute to that momentum and help shape what comes next.

Bring your ideas. Find the people already building here. Listen before you pitch. Then build something with Detroit.

Alexa Bush is a program officer with The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit Program and former Director of the city of Detroit’s Planning and Development Department.