Reinvesting in Detroit: Gratiot, 7 Mile, & Denby-Whittier

Today, we're learning about the massive capital investments heading to Detroit's East Side — specifically around Gratiot, 7 Mile, and Denby-Whittier.  To do it, Norris Howard and I sit down at our TechTown studio with Kala Gibson, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer for Fifth Third Bank.  Kala shares his personal story growing up in Detroit, how a neighborhood bank closing shaped his career, and why Fifth Third is committing hundreds of millions of dollars to housing, workforce development, and small business grants across the city. Plus, we talk about straight-talk banking, supporting local entrepreneurs, and a little local debate over Detroit pizza and classic Coney spots. In this episode: The origin story behind Fifth Third's Neighborhood Program and the expansion from G7 (Gratiot and 7 Mile) into Denby-Whittier. How $5,300 grants and low-interest loans are helping local neighborhood businesses grow without taking on massive debt. Why physical bank branches and community capital are critical to rebuilding neighborhood corridors. Kala's favorite homecoming food stops in Detroit (and a hot take on Coney Island spots). For the full, unedited transcript of this conversation and past show archives, head over to our Daily Detroit website. As always, feedback - [email protected] or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. And be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.