The DEGC is seeing extraordinary efforts from our partners throughout the development community in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. At the same time, we are acutely aware of the impact of the current environment on existing projects and timelines. Summarized below, please find several initiatives underway to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the development community.

In addition, DEGC would like to hear any questions and concerns developers have, so that we can address them with our local and state partners. To capture that information, we ask that those in the development ecosystem complete a short and confidential survey located here.

• As the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive dictates, the DEGC Development Services Team is working remotely. However, we are moving projects forward as quickly as possible, including underwriting incentive applications, finalizing agreements and preparing applications for specific governmental approvals. We’re committed to having projects ready to move through the public approval process as soon as the City can safely begin public proceedings.
• DEGC will continue to send notices via our stakeholder messages, our COVID-19 webpage and our Facebook page. Please utilize these sources for updates on new tools and resources being made available.
• If you are at risk of missing a milestone or deadline related to an agreement with a public authority for any reason, please contact your DEGC Real Estate Manager immediately so that we may address your issues.
• The City Clerk’s office will accept petition applications via email. Please submit your application to Nicholas Marsh (nmarsh@degc.org). He will coordinate with the Clerk’s office to ensure the application is formally processed.
• Detroit City Council has enacted Recess Procurement Procedures, suspending all regular standing committees and formal sessions except for Executive Sessions for the remaining Budget Hearings. Similar to the August and December recess periods, contract, award and grant agendas will be prepared and sent to Council for review for the time period March 25 through April 13, 2020. As of today, Council plans to return to session April 14.
• DEGC’s Board Administration staff is working to conduct public board meetings using video/telephone conferencing, in compliance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-15. An updated schedule of board meetings, as well as instructions on how to join a meeting, are located on the DEGC’s website.
• The City of Detroit is also issuing regular updates and notices on the availability of resources, departments, and other information. You can sign up here.
• The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) is working remotely and certain reviews can still occur electronically. A notice from the Department was issued to all online users with active accounts. If you have other questions related to city processes, our development services team will work to connect you to the information (Sarah Pavelko, spavelko@degc.org; Catherine Frazier, cfrazier@degc.org; Nevan Shokar, nshokar@degc.org; Kaci Jackson, kjackson@degc.org)

Despite the restrictions and uncertainty we face today, DEGC stays committed to continuing Detroit’s growth and equitable development. Please work with us as we advocate for relief for all of the City’s businesses feeling the impact of our current health crisis.