Services in the Detroit regional economy: implications for a city in transition

Abstract

The Detroit region has a global reputation as a relic of the old economy, while the city is often portrayed as an urban dystopia bound to a decaying industrial heritage. Both images are stereotypes that hide the vast changes that have already occurred in Detroit's regional economy and the opportunities these changes present Detroit going forward. This paper will describe how the Detroit regional economy has been evolving from its dependence on manufacturing to a more diversified service-based economy. Implications for the city of Detroit will also be discussed.