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Notebook: Farewell, city council

November 26, 2025

The Detroit City Council concluded its year by approving major sports infrastructure projects worth nearly $300 million combined, including a new soccer stadium for Detroit City FC in Corktown and a WNBA practice facility along the east riverfront. The DCFC project secured tax breaks and a community benefits agreement requiring $1. 2 million in community investments over 12 years, union-friendly wages, and youth soccer programs, while the $50 million WNBA facility received $4.

Who is affected

  • Detroit City FC and WNBA team organizations
  • Residents of Corktown and east riverfront neighborhoods
  • Arena and facility workers who will receive $17 minimum wage
  • Community organizations receiving $1.2 million investment over 12 years
  • Youth participating in free soccer programs and sports development academies
  • Detroit residents receiving 3,000 annual free tickets
  • Detroit Land Bank Authority
  • Outgoing Council Members Durhal and Sheffield, and incoming Council Members Denzel McCampbell and Renata Miller
  • Visitors to Spirit Plaza
  • Food vendors and future residents at the Five and Dime Midtown project

What action is being taken

  • The Detroit City FC stadium and WNBA facility are receiving tax breaks and approvals
  • Spirit Plaza is undergoing renovations with Michigan Recreational Construction
  • The Detroit Land Bank Authority is working under a newly approved one-year memorandum of understanding with City Council
  • Developers are seeking to redevelop a vacant building at 3700 3rd Ave. into the Five and Dime food and apartment complex

Why it matters

  • These projects represent significant economic investment in Detroit's sports infrastructure and community development, totaling nearly $300 million. The contrasting approaches to community benefits agreements between the two projects highlight ongoing debates about how major developments should engage with and benefit local communities. The DCFC agreement sets standards for worker wages, community investments, and youth programming that could influence future development projects. The sports facilities also position Detroit as a growing destination for professional athletics while creating opportunities for youth development and community engagement through dedicated programs and facilities.

What's next

  • The former Southwest Hospital building will be demolished to make way for the AlumniFi stadium
  • The WNBA practice facility and headquarters are scheduled for completion by 2029
  • A youth development academy with outdoor athletic fields is planned for a second phase of the WNBA project
  • New Council Members Denzel McCampbell and Renata Miller will be sworn in January to replace Durhal and Sheffield

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com