Detroit block clubs on the rise

When neighbors organize with goals, they can form an official team and seek grants from the city — and these block clubs are becoming more popular.

Why it matters: Fifty-six new block clubs have registered this year so far, Erinn Harris, deputy director of Detroit's department of neighborhoods, tells Axios.

• That brings Detroit to 573 registered block clubs, with the newest one in District 6: Breckenridge Street Block Club.

Context: Harris attributes recent growth to the Neighborhood Beautification Program, which has run two rounds so far offering $500-$15,000 grants for block clubs, neighborhood associations and nonprofits to clean, garden and make improvements on vacant lots.

• The next application round opens in spring 2024.

What they're saying: "We're really trying to push for more organized groups, which really help out the neighborhood" by building relationships between community and government, Harris says.

• The city is encouraging the groups to have meetings and participate in volunteer cleanup and beautification initiative Motor City Makeover.

Flashback: Some clubs date back more than 40 years, like the Castle Rouge Civic Association, founded in 1978.

• Among the oldest local clubs/associations is the North Rosedale Park Civic Association, founded in 1923, per Harris.

Of note: The department has an interactive map and a list of block clubs and neighborhood associations.

• To start your own, get in touch with your neighborhood's district manager and follow the steps on the city's website.