Returning Detroiters: Make Detroit Home

Returning Home to Detroit

Coming Back to Build What's Next

Make Detroit Home: Returning Home to Detroit is designed for boomerangs–former Detroit residents, those with an ancestral connection to the city, and graduates from Michigan colleges and universities ready to build their futures in Detroit.

Detroiters are special. This city makes you. Now it’s your turn to invest back in it, bringing your experiences, skills, and ambitions to be born right here in Detroit. Detroit isn’t just one of the ‘coolest places to visit’ according to Travel & Leisure; it’s an even better place to build a life. As Vogue says, “Detroit is having a major moment.” This is your sign to not let it pass you by.

After all, Detroit is in your blood, in your imagination, and in your memories. Whether you grew up here, studied here, or said ‘whatupdoe’ at your family reunion, Detroit is the kind of place you’re searching for wherever you go. Your people are here, opportunity is here, and the kind of life you’ve been dreaming about is possible–only in Detroit. You can make an impact on the world–in your career and in your community-and still kick back to enjoy your life, all courtesy of the 3-1-3. You can get a front row seat to world-class art, musical genius, world-renown architecture, and sports contenders on every corner, plus a table or a ticket at the hottest spot in town. You could even start your own. Nothing stops Detroit.

You’ve been wondering if it’s time to make Detroit home? Well boss up, then pack up. Returning Home to Detroit makes it easy.

Why Boomerangs?

Detroit’s greatest strength has always been its people. That includes the ex-pats on loan to other cities across the states. This “alumni network” of people who already know and care about Detroit can be an asset–especially when we welcome them home.

Choosing where you’ll invest your energy and build your future is voting with your feet. The place you choose to live benefits from your tax dollars–an investment in local quality of life; from your expertise in the local talent pool–one in demand from Detroit’s fast-growing industries and innovation ecosystem; and from your investment–as a customer to local business, a homeowner in your community, and beyond. Make Detroit Home: Returning Home to Detroit welcomes the former Detroiters and area graduates most likely to return, stay, and invest in the community, while amplifying what’s beautiful and unique about Detroit’s people and culture.

What You'll Receive

🤝 Built-In Community & Connections - Participants will be invited to join one curated Community Event Series aligned with their interests and goals upon touching down in Detroit. Each is designed to grow participants’ local networks and community connections, so its never been faster to feel right at home. Programs include access to community events, VIP Detroit experiences, industry-specific opportunities, and more. The Community Event Series options to select from include:

🏙 A Warm Re-introduction to Your Best Detroit Life - All participants will be enrolled in a one-year Welcome Program designed to increase engagement in your city, and amplify your quality of life right here at home. Benefits include:

*May be subject to change or exchange for equivalent community engagement opportunities.

💰 Financial Support to Live & Work in Detroit - To support your next chapter in the city, selected participants will receive meaningful funding to invest in their futures and improve their lives in Detroit.

$15,000 stipends are limited. Eligible applicants meeting program criteria will be reviewed by the Move Detroit team, with final selections based on each candidate’s demonstrated long-term commitment to Detroit, and the projected personal & community impact of each candidate’s plans for their $15,000 stipend, to support them staying, building, and sparking growth in Detroit. Move Detroit may contact candidates as part of the stipend selection process.

What It Means to Come Back

Returning to Detroit isn’t just a move—it’s your big shot, a chance to reconnect with a city shooting the moon while you get the opportunity to play a part in what’s next. Returning Home to Detroit is about reuniting former Detroiters with their future–one that’s brighter than you could even imagine. Today’s the day to make that long-term investment in your career, your community, and Detroit’s continued growth. We can’t wait to welcome you back home.