I attended the "Movin' the D Forward" symposium on Wednesday the 12 at WSU Law school, it was the first of the series I attended. The program was moderated by Murray Feldman with a panel of business owners operating in Detroit and the Metro area.
Here is a link with the details: http://www.govaffairs.wayne.edu/community/movintheD2.php
Overall, it was a very interesting discussion with the audience submitting questions to the panelists, however, I do feel the topics were steered a bit to keep the discussion in a positive light. I understand the importance of maintaining this mindset, but I also feel it it is imperative to address the current state of affairs in the city and nation. If we don't, how do we expect to work with and solve the economic crisis?
Panelist Jeanette Avila, owner of El Rancho Restaurant, discussed how her license fees and property tax has increased from $5k to $20K in the last 5 years! That is absolutely staggering. How nearly impossible does that make it for someone to open a business? How do we expect to draw new city residents with the outrageous property taxes in the city? The tax breaks/credits and Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Zone are great programs, but they do nothing to solve the long-term problem of attracting, growing and retaining Detroit's population.
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