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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer & Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Announce Detroit Wins Bid to Host 2024 National Football League Draft
LANSING, Mich.— Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist issued the following statements after the National Football League (NFL) selected Detroit to host the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Bringing the 2024 NFL draft to Detroit is a huge win for Detroiters and football fans across the state of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “It will inject energy into our economy, benefitting countless small businesses and working families in Southeast Michigan. The NFL’s selection is a testament to the Motor City’s hustle and spirit, and I’m so proud that yet another major company has decided to make a historic investment in Michigan since Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and I took office. I am grateful to all the local leaders, community organizations, and business owners who continue to get things done in Detroit. Together, we will continue landing marquee projects and events as we stay focused on growing our economy to help every working family, small business, and community thrive.”
“This announcement is a win for Detroit and for Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Governor Whitmer and I have worked hard to build a Detroit with opportunity and prosperity for everyone, and we are excited that the NFL has recognized Detroit’s strength as a center for tourism, culture, innovation, and athletics. We look forward to hosting the 2024 NFL draft and we will continue standing tall alongside Detroiters.”
Governor Whitmer wrote to the NFL in March 2021, supporting Detroit’s bid to be the home of the 2024 NFL Draft. A year later, thanks to the hard work and advocacy of so many Michiganders, Detroit landed the bid. To view the full letter, click the link below:
Detroit Detroit is on the move. Over the last couple of years, the city has attracted jobs and investment from around the world, continued building and repairing its infrastructure, and advanced its reputation as a hub of arts, culture, and athletics.
Since Governor Whitmer took office, the State of Michigan has made bold, bipartisan investments in Southeast Michigan’s economic growth, housing, and infrastructure.
Economic Investments in Detroit Since 2019, over 20,000 auto jobs have been created in Michigan, including the opening of a Stellantis auto plant, the first auto manufacturing plant in Detroit in nearly 30 years. The $1.6 billion Mack Avenue assembly plant created nearly 5,000 good-paying auto jobs for Michiganders in SE Michigan.
Another project in Detroit includes the 30-acre Michigan Central Innovation District in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, where Google and Ford are incubating entrepreneurs and local businesses building the future of mobility and electrification. The Michigan Central Innovation District will help Detroit attract and retain highly skilled talent and high-growth companies while supporting the development of neighboring neighborhoods.
On top of these two bold investments, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has invested over $610 million to support over 130 business development projects in SE Michigan and $330 million in over 120 community development projects. Combined, these investments have leveraged over $16 billion in private investment and reactivated over 3 million square feet of public space.
Workforce Development in Detroit Governor Whitmer established two game-changing workforce development programs—Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners—that have put tens of thousands of Michiganders on a tuition-free path to good-paying, high-skill jobs.
There are 53,742 Michigan Reconnect applicants and 44,586 Futures for Frontliners in SE Michigan on tuition-free paths to higher education or skills training. Additionally, there have been 8,390 new registered apprenticeships created in SE Michigan since 2019, with a focus on supporting opportunities for underrepresented populations: veterans, women, people of color, those with disabilities, and young Michiganders.
Infrastructure in Detroit Since Governor Whitmer took office, Michigan has fixed 2,172 lane miles of road and 320 bridges in SE Michigan, supporting 23,440 jobs. The state has invested $460 million into water infrastructure in the region to upgrade sewer systems, replace lead pipes, and protect safe drinking water for families, and $14.8 million to improve SE Michigan’s state and local parks. And when it comes to housing, Michigan has constructed 4,770 affordable, attainable housing units, helped 7,004 families with mortgages and down payments, and kept 49,766 families in their homes with rental and utility assistance in Southeast Michigan. |
Detroit Wins Bid to Host 2024 NFL Draft
