20 Detroit Finalists Named in Knight City Challenge

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced its finalists for this round of Knight Cities Challenge, including 20 finalists from Detroit. Applicants from Detroit outnumbered other cities, with 767 applications out of the 4,500 total.

Finalists include the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Bamboo Detroit, and Cornetta Lane, who founded Detroit Dialogues.

Many applicants submitted ideas for programs designed to repurpose vacant lots around the city. We also see many ideas building on Detroit's recent distinction as the first US city to be named a UNESCO City of Design. A full list of applicants can be seen here.

Chosen applicants must submit a full application by the end of January. Winners will be announced this Spring.

The Knight Cities Challenge looks for programs that will "attract and retain talent, expand economic opportunity and create and strengthen a culture of civic engagement." Winners must enact and complete their programs in 18 months. The fund will award $5 million in grant funding through its 26 communities this funding period. Unlike other Knight programs, this one does not require matching grant funds.
· Knight Cities Challenge [official]
· Detroit Named First American City of Design by UNESCO [Arch Digest]
· 158 finalists move forward in the Knight Cities Challenge [Knight Blog]