Detroit Water & Sewerage Department announce damage claims & sewage backups for February flooding
On February 17, 2025, residents near the area of Beard and Rowan streets in southwest Detroit experienced flooding because of a 54-inch water transmission main break.
If you were impacted by the water main break and have experienced any real or personal damage, please complete the Notice of Claim form as soon as possible using the link below. If you need assistance completing the form, please call (313) 774-5261.
For all other damage claims not related to the February 17 water main break at Beard and Rowan, check the DWSD Sewer Backup and Damage Claim.
If you experienced a sewer backup or other damage related to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), you may file a claim within 45 days of the discovery of the backup.
Before you complete the form, call DWSD at (313) 267-8000 to report the issue and get a service request number for your claim. You must have a DWSD service request number when you file your Notice of Claim.
Deputy Mayor, DEGC celebrate opening of 179th Motor City Match business
Deputy Mayor Melia Howard joined local leaders and residents to celebrate the grand opening of Jessica Blair Beauty, the 179th Motor City Match business to open in Detroit.
Jessica Kwalli, founder of Jessica Blair Beauty, left her healthcare career to become an entrepreneur. She opened her beauty supply store in Detroit’s Rosedale Park neighborhood after recognizing the industry’s lack of Black representation.
According to the Black-Owned Beauty Supply Association, only seven percent of U.S. beauty supply stores are Black-owned. This contrasts with the Black hair care industry, which generates $2.5 billion annually.
A $25,000 grant to Jessica Blair Beauty at 18724 Grand River supported renovations to the establishment, including new flooring, paint, lighting, display shelves, signage and more.
Motor City Match is a unique partnership between the City of Detroit, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit (EDC) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. More information is available at MotorCityMatch.com.
Fire Department celebrates graduation of 51 Firefighter Cadets
Leaders and members of the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) this week celebrated the graduation of 51 cadets, who finished their rigorous basic training program. The new firefighters received their official certificates at a special ceremony at Second Ebenezer Church.
During the yearlong training, cadets also earned their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licenses, a requirement for all DFD new hires since 2021.
Among the graduates are a fourth-generation Detroit firefighter, a military veteran, and a former elementary school teacher.
This ceremony marks a significant milestone for these cadets as they transition into full-fledged firefighters, committed to protecting and serving the people of Detroit. Their dedication, perseverance, and unique backgrounds highlight the strength and diversity of the DFD’s newest class.
The Young People and 21st Century Policing Symposium is set for March 15. Register here, or scan the QR code above.
City seeks artists to create installations for southwest Arts Alley; Deadline February 24
SpaceLab Detroit has issued an open call to artists on behalf of Detroit’s City Walls and Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) for the Bagley Arts Alley Murals. This project will include three murals.
The goal is to celebrate local culture, foster community pride, and showcase the exceptional talents of both experienced and emerging artists.
The Bagley Arts Alley is part of a larger Arts Alley Initiative; a transformative project that envisions vibrant, safe, and inclusive community gathering spaces in the heart of Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Artists interested in applying should send an Artist Packet to SpaceLab Detroit at info@spacelabdetroit.com, where details for submissions are available. Proposal Submission Deadline: February 24, 2025.
The City of Detroit is looking for dedicated citizens for the Serve Detroit Volunteer Snow Team to help clear snow from walkways, sidewalks, and driveways at the homes of seniors and residents with disabilities.
To volunteer for the Serve Detroit Snow Team, please click here.
City reminds those facing a housing crisis that help is available
After this week's tragic death of two children whose mother was struggling with homelessness, the City of Detroit is reminding all residents that help is available and that no one needs to sleep outside or in a vehicle.
Residents can access the emergency respite locations anytime by walking in, no referral needed, or by calling the Cold Weather Line through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520.
Individuals also may go to a police precinct any day after 6 p.m. or on the weekends and be connected with an outreach team for help with overnight services.
City reports revised Revenue Estimates for Fiscal Years 2025-2029
The City held its regular biannual Revenue Estimating Conference last week to receive an update on the Detroit economic outlook and approve new economic and revenue forecasts for the remainder of fiscal year 2025 and for fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
Detroit’s revenues are projected to grow over the next five years, without consideration to uncertainty surrounding national economic policy. The projection is in alignment with the Detroit Economic Forecast for 2024-2029 released by the University of Michigan earlier this month.
The forecast predicts larger paychecks for Detroiters and those who work in the city. Wages for residents are expected to grow by 3.8 percent per year through 2029, outpacing the 3 percent growth statewide. While disparity in wage levels remains between residents and jobs in Detroit, the gap is reduced over the forecast period.
As winter weather continues, Fire Department shares home heating tips to stay safe and prevent fires
The Detroit Fire Department wants residents to stay safe. There are so many possible causes of fires, everything from electrical to a kitchen accident. One of the most common and deadliest cause of residential house fires nationwide each year, however, is alternative heating sources.
In Detroit in 2024, 73 fires were determined to have started because of alternative heating sources, such as warming fires indoors or improper use of home heating appliance.
The best way to stay safe is to ensure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, purchased at any hardware store.
If you have any questions or need more information about home heating and carbon monoxide safety or assistance with a fire safety plan, call (313) 596-2929.
Detroit ACE seeks works by young artists for exhibit in new Children’s Gallery at Butzel Family Center
The City’s Youth Affairs Team (YAT) and Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) are issuing an open call to young artists for an inaugural exhibit at ACE’s new art gallery at the Butzel Family Center.
The 2025 Youth Artists Exhibition "This is How We Do It: Detroit Youth Look to the Future" invites young artists ages 10 to 18 to submit artwork reflecting Detroit’s through values of unity and hope.
The exhibition will begin during the grand opening of the new ACE headquarters at the Butzel Family Center this spring.
Detroit youth interested in being selected for the exhibit should email a letter to detroitace@detroitmi.gov with the following information:
Name, address, email address and phone number
Parent or guardian’s name, email address, and phone number (if under 18)
One paragraph describing how their art fits the theme
Name of the artwork
High-resolution photo of original artwork (jpeg, pdf, or png file)
