Benefits to Residents
    How do I find out if I live in the Empowerment Zone (EZ)?
Go to http://hud.esri.com/locateservices/ezec/ezec_open.htm or phone the Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (EZDC) office at (313) 872-8050

 

    How does the $100 million in EZ funds benefit residents?
There are over 90 economic development and human services programs that receive funding within the Empowerment Zone. These programs offer the widest and most beneficial rage of resources and services possible to the majority of EZ residents. Many of the programs are geared toward special segments of society, including youth, seniors, disabled individuals, the unemployed, under-employed and the homeless.

The programs rage in function from job training and neighborhood development planning to educational and self-help programs for special sectors of the EZ population.

To obtain a list and description of EZ programs call the EZDC office at (313) 872-8050.

 

    Will all EZ residents benefit from these programs?
EZ programs offer the widest and most beneficial range of resources and services possible to the majority of EZ residents. However, each program is unique and some may have capacity limitations or serve only certain segments of the community.

 

    How will EZ residents stay apprised of these programs as well      as other activities benefiting them?
In addition to information provided by each implementing agency (agencies that manage the day-to-day activities of specific programs) the EZDC serves as the information-clearing house for the entire EZ. Information will be disbursed through numerous channels, including a regularly published newsletter, the EZ's web site (www.detez.com), mailings to community and neighborhood organizations, and press releases announcing special events and developments. Residents will also be able to participate directly in EZ activities through the Neighborhood Review Panels (NRP is a community organization composed of residents, businesses and organizations that represent the east, central and southwest sectors of the Empowerment Zone).

The EZDC staff is also available to respond directly to individual inquires. Just call the office at (313) 872-8050.

 

    Are EZ funds available to neighborhood groups and community-      based organizations?
Yes. Non-profit 501 (c) (3) community development organizations with housing projects in the EZ can apply to the Community Based Delivery System program. There are also funds to launch innovative programs not already covered in the strategic plan through the Innovation Fund. Innovation Fund programs must address in some capacity the Zone's three themes - Clean & Safe, Healthy & Smart, Living & Working.

 

    Can residents apply for EZ funding for projects of their own,      such as housing rehabilitation, home repairs, demolition of      abandoned buildings, neighborhood service programs, new      community centers, youth education and training programs,      and start-up businesses?
EZ funding for individual residents is not generally available. As required by the federal government, EZ funding has already been substantially allocated in the Strategic Plan. None of the designated programs are private, for profit business ventures, or individual housing projects.

 

    How can EZ residents apply for loans, grants and other funding      for businesses, community-based housing and commercial     development, and individual home purchases and repairs?

Private and public funding is currently available from a variety of sources. Many of these funding sources will be accessible through the One Stop Capital Shop. This facility also offers free technical assistance for small businesses and community development organizations. You can contact them by calling (313) 965-1100.

As for other sources of public funding, the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department continues to administer all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and home repair loan programs city-wide. To inquire about CDBG opportunities call (313) 224-9974. For information on home repair and rehabilitation loans call (313) 224-3461.

 

     Are there any special tax benefits for EZ residents?

No. Tax benefits are designed for business owners and employers who hire EZ residents and improve property within the EZ. However, these incentives were designed to benefit EZ residents through job creation and increased investment.

 

    Whom can I talk to about the demolition of abandoned      buildings?
The City of Detroit Public Works Department handles all demolition of city-owned property. The Demolition Division can be reached at (313) 224-3900.

 

     What is the EZDC and how does it function?
The EZDC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established by the City of Detroit to coordinate and evaluate programs, implement the city's Strategic Plan and facilitate communication and synergy among stakeholders.

In addition, the EZDC works closely with the implementing agencies serving as needed as facilitator, troubleshooter, partner and a resource for technical assistance. For a few key programs, such as the Community Based Delivery System and the Innovation Fund, the EZDC serves as the implementing agency.

 

     How do residents have input into the various EZ programs,
      and the direction the programs take?
Resident involvement can occur through participation on the EZDC Board of Directors and Neighborhood Review Panels, attendance at Board meetings and by direct participation in specific programs.

In addition to holding seats on the Board, residents, local business and other EZ stakeholders can serve on three Neighborhood Review panels (NRP's), one for each region of the EZ. NRP's formalize ongoing dialogue within the community and keep new ideas, criticism and other feedback flowing to the EZDC Board. Among their many functions, NRP's review and evaluate community-based proposals for the Innovation Fund.

Residents also have many opportunities to participate in various EZ projects, as both recipients and providers of services. Volunteers are always welcome to contact the EZDC to convey their areas of interest and offer their services.

 

     What are the long-term implications of the EZ initiative?
The long-term goals of the EZ initiative are articulated in the Strategic Plan and address various improvements in the quality of life. These goals are backed up with specific targets for each of the Plan's programs, including targets for increased employment and job referrals; new and rehabilitated housing; and numbers of residents served by community self-sufficiency centers, training, education, health and other designated EZ projects.

 

     What opportunities are available for people who do not live in       the EZ?
Many of the programs in the EZ Strategic Plan are not restricted to EZ residents, and many benefit large areas of the City of Detroit. Whenever feasible, project implementers will extend project benefits to as many people, and to as great an area as possible.

 

     Where can I obtain more information about the EZ?
The Strategic Plan is available for $10.00 at the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department, 2300 Cadillac Tower, Detroit, MI 48226, (313) 224-6380. Please call this number to verify that the Plan is in stock prior to stopping by, or to inquire about purchases by mail.

All other information can be obtained free of charge by calling or writing to the EZDC office at One Ford Place, Suite 1F, Detroit, MI 48202. The telephone number is (313) 872-8050.