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Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes

The museums say stable funding is needed as their financial reserves dwindle.

Culture

Two Detroit museum institutions are seeking new funding through a millage to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wright Museum of African American History" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thewright.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thewright.org/" target="_blank">Wright Museum of African American History</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Historical Society" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" data-vars-content-id="f9191bcc-f333-4745-bf38-d7665aae4d9b" data-vars-headline="Detroit museums seek millage amid funding woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroithistorical.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Historical Society</a> are major anchors of the city&#x27;s cultural district.

Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes

A patchwork of state laws means voters face different rules for political deepfakes.

Politics

AI-generated attack ads and campaign content are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rampant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/ai-deepfake-ads-campaigns-midterms" data-vars-content-id="cfc7a484-967e-4c48-94c2-18a30f4563d2" data-vars-headline="Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/16/ai-deepfake-ads-campaigns-midterms" target="_self">rampant</a> leading up to the midterms.Why it matters: More use of AI makes it harder for voters to determine fact from fiction, per the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Attorney General" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026/protecting-michigan-voters-from-ai-generated-election-misinformation" data-vars-content-id="cfc7a484-967e-4c48-94c2-18a30f4563d2" data-vars-headline="Michigan confronts AI election deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026/protecting-michigan-voters-from-ai-generated-election-misinformation" target="_blank">Department of Attorney General</a>.

RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism

Residents want more time and influence over the massive riverfront redevelopment.

News

Developers seeking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remake the Renaissance Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" data-vars-content-id="b901940f-89cb-4125-acf7-9c9262452672" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" target="_self">remake the Renaissance Center</a> made their opening arguments Tuesday at Detroit city hall. The initial response was skeptical.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first public meeting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" data-vars-content-id="b901940f-89cb-4125-acf7-9c9262452672" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment faces early skepticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/08/11/rencen-redevelopment-community-benefits" target="_self">first public meeting</a> exposed an early tension over whether a project developers say will benefit all Detroiters is giving residents enough time and influence to shape it.

Vaccination rates fall among Michigan kindergarteners

Michigan's vaccine waiver rate rose to 7.7% as coverage declined.

Vaccination rates among Michigan kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="a9224af1-2bd5-4880-8a34-8f03672451ec" data-vars-headline="Vaccination rates fall among Michigan kindergarteners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">new data</a> from the CDC.The big picture: It&#x27;s part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="a9224af1-2bd5-4880-8a34-8f03672451ec" data-vars-headline="Vaccination rates fall among Michigan kindergarteners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">national trend</a>. Exemptions from getting one or more vaccines increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, growing to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before.

Detroit tax relief program returns

The PAYS program can erase penalties and help those eligible settle overdue property taxes.

A program helping prevent Detroiters from facing foreclosure has returned.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="foreclosure crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://outliermedia.org/bernadette-atuahene-detroit-foreclosure-crisis/" data-vars-content-id="d70371bb-07a6-44be-bf38-2acc576871fd" data-vars-headline="Detroit tax relief program returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outliermedia.org/bernadette-atuahene-detroit-foreclosure-crisis/" target="_blank">foreclosure crisis</a> led to housing instability that puts residents&#x27; health and wellbeing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk" data-vars-click-url="https://detroit.umich.edu/news-stories/detroits-legacy-of-housing-inequity-has-caused-long-term-health-impacts-%E2%88%92-these-policies-can-help-mitigate-that-harm/" data-vars-content-id="d70371bb-07a6-44be-bf38-2acc576871fd" data-vars-headline="Detroit tax relief program returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroit.umich.edu/news-stories/detroits-legacy-of-housing-inequity-has-caused-long-term-health-impacts-%E2%88%92-these-policies-can-help-mitigate-that-harm/" target="_blank">risk</a>.

RenCen redevelopment enters community process

Residents will help negotiate benefits tied to the massive riverfront project.

The redevelopment of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renaissance Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" data-vars-content-id="b767a80f-6ceb-47df-afcf-2d4dc4e54838" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment enters community process" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/17/rencen-redevelopment-funding-detroit" target="_self">Renaissance Center</a> is entering the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community benefits process" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/02/16/detroit-future-health-development-community-benefits" data-vars-content-id="b767a80f-6ceb-47df-afcf-2d4dc4e54838" data-vars-headline="RenCen redevelopment enters community process" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/02/16/detroit-future-health-development-community-benefits" target="_self">community benefits process</a> this month, a key step toward starting work next year.Why it matters: The process gives Detroiters a formal role in shaping the future of the iconic riverfront complex, including negotiating benefits and addressing the project&#x27;s potential effects.

CPA Building on the market again in Corktown

The building near Michigan Central is for sale for $2.5 million.

Real Estate

It feels like the right time to try again to sell the long-vacant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CPA Building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/cancer-survivors-sought-for-portraits-planned-on-corktown-building" data-vars-content-id="93277ae7-360b-4eeb-9971-dca5faa935af" data-vars-headline="CPA Building on the market again in Corktown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/18/cancer-survivors-sought-for-portraits-planned-on-corktown-building" target="_self">CPA Building</a> on a well-known corner of Corktown, ownership representative Robert Zalkin tells Axios.The big picture: The wedge-shaped, six-story building across from Michigan Central is now listed for $2.5 million by O&#x27;Connor Real Estate in the quick-changing, price-rising neighborhood near downtown.

The luxury home boom is complicated in Metro Detroit

More high-end homes are selling, even as local prices slip.

Demand for luxury homes is rising amid an economic boom for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rich Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rich-americans-thriving-while-80-200000627.html" data-vars-content-id="97801353-9a75-449f-bdc9-106843577793" data-vars-headline="The luxury home boom is complicated in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rich-americans-thriving-while-80-200000627.html" target="_blank">rich Americans</a>.Why it matters: This is the K-shaped economy in action, a thriving upper class and everyone else stagnating or falling.

Homebuying season heating up in Metro Detroit

Prices are rising as buyers navigate rates and tight affordability.

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.

Real Estate 🏠

Detroit tax relief program returns

RenCen redevelopment enters community process

CPA Building on the market again in Corktown

The luxury home boom is complicated in Metro Detroit

Homebuying season heating up in Metro Detroit