Community
Michigan Central believes being a good neighbor means more than just participating in our community. It means elevating voices and ideas that come from the people who we call neighbors. Open dialogue, collaboration and a community-first approach: we believe this will help drive innovation and equitable outcomes for residents, businesses and innovators.
Ford Resource & Engagement Center
Ford has been strengthening and investing in Detroit communities for more than 70 years through its philanthropic arm, Ford Fund. It opened its first Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Southwest Detroit in 2013 at the Mexicantown Mercado. It provides a community gathering space for residents to develop new talents, learn new skills and access essential services. Working with non-profit partners, the center offers a Gleaners food hub, legal assistance, income tax preparation, education and job initiatives as well as cultural activities for individuals and families in the surrounding neighborhoods. To date, the center in Southwest Detroit has assisted more than 100,000 local residents, distributed more than 2.7 million pounds of food and helped complete over 11,000 tax returns.
Being a Good Neighbor
While we work to create Michigan Central, we want to be thoughtful about how we listen, collaborate and empower residents, business owners, and community leaders to be part of the district. We hold multiple update meetings as well as panel discussions and workshops focused on mobility, innovation and design.
Have an idea?
Sign up to join one of our upcoming workshops.
Events
As an active neighbor in the community we want to be part of bringing together residents in an authentically Detroit way. We do this through Michigan Central sponsored and hosted events that support the local economy, provide activities for visitors and foster a sense of community.
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Michigan Central Winter Festival
A 3D light and music show with over 20K attendees
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St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrating Irish History in Corktown
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Corktown Aglow
Supporting small businesses during the Holiday season
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Halloween Festivities
Observing Halloween with historic Michigan Central Station as the backdrop
Creating Equity
Thoughtfully creating equity through culture, education, work and innovation.
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Fast Track Job Program
Creating jobs for Detroiters in the skilled trades.
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The City: One MCS Challenge
Open Innovation competition to fund community-created solutions to today’s transportation challenges.
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Community Grants
Grants to highlight and support the best of local community and culture.
Information Center 
Located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard, this is the place where community members can hear updates on the Michigan Central development, learn about community programs and share feedback.
Notification:
The Information Center is temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Community News 
We distribute a physical newsletter to over 1,600 doors in the community.
Community Benefits Ordinance
Under the City of Detroit’s Community Benefits Ordinance, Ford is investing $10 million to support residents of the Michigan Central impact area with key programs that meet the needs of Corktown and Southwest Detroit such as economic growth, housing affordability, workforce development, neighborhood safety and preserving the neighborhood’s culture and quality of life.
These benefits are both in response to the community’s requests and build on Ford’s values which include putting people first, equity, inclusiveness, and innovation. These investments also complement our already $14+ million annual support from Ford’s philanthropic arm, the Ford Fund, to Detroit.
Visit the City of Detroit’s CBO webpage for more information.