Cash incentives for employees to live downtown coming soon, Dan Gilbert says

[Casual]

BY JOHN GALLAGHER

DETROIT FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Workers at some downtown companies including Quicken Loans will soon be able to qualify for cash incentives to buy or rent a home in the downtown area.

Dan Gilbert, Quicken’s founder and chairman, revealed the incentive program this morning during a meeting with visiting media representatives. Details will be formally announced in July, he said.

The program is a spin-off of a popular incentive program in Detroit’s Midtown district. Announced in January, the Live Midtown incentive program provides cash incentives of up to $25,000 for employees of three organizations – Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System – to move into the Midtown area.

Besides Quicken Loans, other firms said to be considering participating in the program are Compuware and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Contact John Gallagher: 313-222-5173 or gallagher99@freepress.com.

[Casual]

When will this man run for Mayor?

[gthomas]

When will this man run for Mayor?

Well, according to most of these Detyes'r, he's no good for Detroit. He's doing too much for the Downtown area TOO fast! THESE PEOPLE IN THIS REGION!!! I love his foward-moving efforts in trying to move this city in the right direction. I don't understand why many of you dislike what he's doing. It's better than nothing...Put your money where your mouth is. I agree he should be mayor so he can proven doubters, most of whom does'nt live here anyway.

[Meddle]

When will this man run for Mayor?

Thought y'all said a white dude ain't got no chance of bein' Mayuh?

[canuck]

Let him take care of his business and be a leader in that department. Others might follow suit. Maybe Maroun got his cues on rehabbing MCS from his example, who knows? Give Bing a chance to change things and not jump on him staightaway. He may have a lot of crooks and incompetents but if he gets Obama's ear, there is some promise at least that he is on the straight and narrow himself and can help deliver the goods in time. Detroit is not an easy puzzle to fix.

[esp1986]

Gilbert is giving this thing his all. And he's doing it the right way. If this were to happen slowly, many people may end up simply being frustrated with the lack of ammenities in the city and leave. By doing it so fast, he creates an instant demand for such ammenities, thus encouraging providers to set up shop given the ample demand. Without demand, no stores would set up shop and people will get frustrated and leave. Only a few people who really believe in the city would remain, holding out with a glimmer of hope. Economically speaking, this is the best way to do it. By creating demand with the infusion of people, the supply should soon follow, improving the quality of life for all and really giving people no reason to leave.