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The collapsing pastor pipeline in Michigan

Denominations have fewer priests and pastors, but they're also seeing youth interest grow.

Religion

Fewer people want to become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" data-vars-content-id="136c1647-00e4-4001-8990-4daf0d1c07b0" data-vars-headline="The collapsing pastor pipeline in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" target="_self">pastors</a>, accelerating a leadership vacuum inside one of the country&#x27;s oldest civic institutions.Why it matters: As the pastor role becomes lower-paid, higher-risk and less trusted, the U.S. isn&#x27;t just losing clergy — it&#x27;s losing a key layer of local leadership.

Duggan exits governor race

The independent candidate's supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country's marquee governor's races.

News

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent campaign for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/duggan-2026-michigan-election-chaos" target="_self">independent campaign for governor</a> Thursday, telling supporters he no longer sees a viable path to victory as national political forces reshape Michigan&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Duggan built a broad coalition of labor groups, business leaders and elected officials from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both parties" data-vars-click-url="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" data-vars-content-id="63917611-abb7-401f-bc2f-1e2d570534a9" data-vars-headline="Duggan exits governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mikeduggan.com/more-than-200-current-and-former-elected-officials-from-across-michigan-and-party-lines-endorse-mike-duggans-independent-bid-for-governor/" target="_blank">both parties</a> around his anti-partisanship message. Those supporters are now up for grabs in one of the country&#x27;s marquee governor&#x27;s races.

Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines

Years ago, the city passed on hosting as costs and demands loomed.

Detroit has built a reputation for landing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major sports events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/26/scenes-from-a-sports-centric-celebration-of-detroit-during-the-nfl-draft" target="_self">major sports events</a>, but the city will be watching from the sidelines when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">World Cup</a> kicks off next month.The big picture: Detroit declined to pursue becoming a host city during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2017 bidding process" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" data-vars-content-id="993bb656-32f7-47f3-8816-823feea51ce8" data-vars-headline="Detroit watches World Cup from sidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitsports.org/news/2017/10/4/general-united-bid-committee-announces-detroit-as-potential-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.aspx" target="_blank">2017 bidding process</a>. One obstacle was FIFA&#x27;s requirement that Ford Field install natural grass, along with an irrigation and drainage system, local tourism officials say.

Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing

The closure comes as the chain shrinks its U.S. footprint.

A Family Dollar store on Eight Mile Road in Warren is preparing to close, with liquidation signs now posted outside the store.Why it matters: The closure comes as Family Dollar continues shrinking its footprint after announcing plans to close <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of stores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/dollar-tree-family-dollar-set-to-close-1000-stores-in-coming-years-shuttering-600-locations-this-year.html" data-vars-content-id="a03533ee-0eb6-4466-b826-29ba855cfcf0" data-vars-headline="Family Dollar on Eight Mile in Warren is closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/dollar-tree-family-dollar-set-to-close-1000-stores-in-coming-years-shuttering-600-locations-this-year.html" target="_blank">hundreds of stores</a> nationwide.

Homebuying season heating up in Metro Detroit

Prices are rising as buyers navigate rates and tight affordability.

Real Estate

Homebuyers and sellers, prepare yourselves! Peak season is coming for you.Why it matters: Spring into summer is the most competitive time for buying a home.

How to pick a mortgage lender in Detroit

Local housing pros say trust and taking a class help most in picking a lender.

Picking a mortgage lender is one of the biggest decisions you&#x27;ll make when buying a house, and it&#x27;s a complex one.Why it matters: Who you trust with this major investment affects everything from your rate and closing costs to the speed of closing and how satisfied you are at the end.

More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords

Some homeowners are renting instead of selling as homes take longer to move.

More Detroit home sellers are becoming what Zillow calls &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accidental landlords" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" data-vars-content-id="d16de38c-15a4-4ec5-9984-a8acde3c6543" data-vars-headline="More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/accidental-landlords-36151/" target="_blank">accidental landlords</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The move from hopeful seller to landlord has reached its highest level since late 2022, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="d16de38c-15a4-4ec5-9984-a8acde3c6543" data-vars-headline="More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-rates-iran-war-housing-market" target="_self">mortgage rates</a> topped 7%.

Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate

Officials question whether zoning changes alone will lower housing costs.

A plan to ease <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/down-payment-metro-detroit-house-home-mortgage" target="_self">housing costs</a> by loosening zoning rules is drawing pushback from local officials and planners, who say the approach alone won&#x27;t guarantee affordability.Why it matters: Michigan faces a significant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" data-vars-content-id="4dd18359-3e1f-4e70-a8c0-605e1059ddbf" data-vars-headline="Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/03/michigan-is-short-195000-housing-units-for-low-income-renters-report-shows.html" target="_blank">housing shortage</a>, with rising prices pushing first-time buyers out of the market.

Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing

City leaders are exploring avenues to make it easier and more affordable to build new homes.

Business

Detroit hopes to attract innovative homebuilding companies like 3D printers as it seeks creative strategies to build housing on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacant land" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/12/vacant-land-bird-diversity" data-vars-content-id="a4e49265-0798-4b60-8c0a-fa4a9452ac19" data-vars-headline="Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/12/vacant-land-bird-diversity" target="_self">vacant land</a>.Why it matters: Homeownership is seen as a pathway to building generational wealth in a city where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poverty is on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/19/income-poverty-mayoral-race-election-economy" data-vars-content-id="a4e49265-0798-4b60-8c0a-fa4a9452ac19" data-vars-headline="Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/19/income-poverty-mayoral-race-election-economy" target="_self">poverty is on the rise</a>.

What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living

STEM and skilled trades workers have higher homeownership rates here than nationally.

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the Detroit area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.The big picture: Homeownership occupation trends in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area diverge from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national pattern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" data-vars-content-id="fb0d51db-90e9-49f1-92d4-c5396ae7790a" data-vars-headline="What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" target="_self">national pattern</a>, as we have higher overall rates of homeownership here among all the careers studied.

Hudson's Detroit condos now for sale

Presales have begun for 96 condos in Hudson's tower, priced from $600K.

Potential buyers for new high-rise condos at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hudson&#x27;s Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/hudsons-detroit-development-update" data-vars-content-id="a450fafe-d58a-407e-8bcb-5ef4b1057929" data-vars-headline="Hudson&#x27;s Detroit condos now for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/hudsons-detroit-development-update" target="_self">Hudson&#x27;s Detroit</a> can make their move.Why it matters: Tuesday&#x27;s presale launch was the first time condos at Hudson&#x27;s downtown development have been formally offered.

Detroit rents edge down, but housing still costly

Rents in Detroit dipped slightly, but many renters still face high housing costs.

Detroit&#x27;s median <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/08/rent-metro-detroit-still-rising" data-vars-content-id="83f4acdd-4e29-4a26-89f8-dff32a5ca384" data-vars-headline="Detroit rents edge down, but housing still costly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/08/rent-metro-detroit-still-rising" target="_self">rent</a> is down slightly in 2026 compared to last year, while other Midwestern cities aren&#x27;t so lucky.Why it matters: Housing remains unaffordable for many.

Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab

The group now offers zero-interest loans to support local housing developers.

A local organization known for assisting small Black-owned businesses is venturing into a new arena: home rehab.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Leaders Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" data-vars-content-id="7afe523f-14a2-4031-9664-e92b50864e27" data-vars-headline="Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" target="_blank">Black Leaders Detroit</a> (BLD) has provided grants and zero-interest loans worth more than $6 million to entrepreneurs since 2020.

It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit

Homes are getting more expensive and down payment assistance demand is high.

It took the typical Metro Detroit household nearly eight years to save for a median home down payment as of 2025, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" data-vars-content-id="607e8508-f65b-4472-ab4b-705ff6445908" data-vars-headline="It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" target="_blank">Realtor.com analysis</a>.Why it matters: Coming up with a down payment is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest barriers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" data-vars-content-id="607e8508-f65b-4472-ab4b-705ff6445908" data-vars-headline="It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" target="_blank">biggest barriers</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="607e8508-f65b-4472-ab4b-705ff6445908" data-vars-headline="It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

Real Estate 🏠

Homebuying season heating up in Metro Detroit

How to pick a mortgage lender in Detroit

More Metro Detroit sellers becoming landlords

Michigan zoning plan sparks affordability debate

Detroit to get innovative in goal for new-build housing