Doing Business in the City

The Woodward Corridor presents many business and development opportunities. With high residential occupancy rates in almost all of the multi-family residential properties in the Woodward Corridor, the demand to develop and do business in Midtown is greater than ever. Our neighborhood provides a mix of residential and commercial spaces, cultural activities and entertainment venues. We can provide assistance with site location, site design and property acquisition; network of service providers, such as architects, contractors and engineers; assistance navigating the City requirements; technical assistance to new and existing businesses and referral services; maps and data on available properties; and assistance in locating financing options. For more information please contact Real Estate Manager, Lawerence Williamson,

Navigating City of Detroit Business Processes

City of Detroit Permitting Process Maps
The City of Detroit Business Advocates is working with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Detroit Regional Chamber and Midtown Detroit, Inc. to provide transparency and better service local businesses. In 2012, the team began work on the development of a set of six permit process maps engaging Walsh College to conduct the research and document the processes and Dandelion to execute the design. Some of the processes that are being mapped include: Special Events, Patio and Signage.

In the spring of 2013, the City of Detroit was placed under the control of an Emergency Financial Manager. In an effort to ensure streamline systems, a number of changes were made in the Building, Safety, Environmental and Engineering Department. The team is currently working to update the maps which are expected to be released later this summer.

For more information on permits and business licenses in the City of Detroit and more please contact:

The City of Detroit, Building Safety, Engineering, Environmental Department

Brian Ellison

Business Advocate

Email: ellisonbr@detroitmi.gov

Helen Broughton

Business Advocate, Communications

Email: broughtonh@detroitmi.gov

Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue, 4th Floor
Detroit, MI 482216.

Ph: 313- 224-3172
General Inquires 313-224-3178
www.detroitmi.gov

Did You Know?

Detroit’s Business Advocates have worked with over 250 busineses and service providers since the offices creation in 2011.