In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a virtual learning milestone, Detroit’s jobs report and an upcoming event for Black tech empowerment.

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Statewide GetSetUp partnership celebrates five years

The state is celebrating a five-year partnership with the digital platform GetSetUp. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services credits the partnership with safeguarding the mental health of many older adults in the state.

State health official Scott Wamsley says the program allows older Michiganders to socialize and learn computer skills.

“There are a lot of older adults that enjoy taking classes online,” Wamsley says. “In fact, we’ve had over a half million residents attend more than 1.5 million classes. So obviously people are enjoying the platform. It’s used across all 83 counties. And so it’s really been a win-win for us.”

Wamsley says the virtual classes offer everything from support for caregivers and the latest on Medicare to learning about the arts, travel, and food.

Detroit wages increasing

Jobs and wages are moving in the right direction in Detroit, according to a report from University of Michigan. In the City of Detroit Economic Outlook for 2024-2030, wage growth at jobs located in the city averages 3.2% annually, which is faster than the entire State of Michigan overall.

Detroit is expected to gain 1,500 payroll jobs annually during the forecast period. And by 2030, the jobless rate should decline to 8.9% while Michigan’s rate should be at 5.6%.

Detroit to host Digital Empowerment Summit

Black Tech Saturdays is having their 2025 Digital Empowerment Summit in Detroit on Sep. 26–27. This 3-day event is part of the National Digital Inclusion Week, aimed at fostering economic mobility through mass tech adoption. Dr. Megan Hicks will be a featured speaker. For more information, go to blacktechsaturdays.com. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Detroit is just a few weeks away from a primary election that will decide the two final contenders to become the next mayor. WDET is listening to the voices of Detroit voters as part of our Citizen Vox project.

One of those voters is Dena Norris. She says she wants the next mayor to address issues that hit close to home.

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Dena Norris: So, top of mind for me is senior security, you know, and more services for seniors. You know, as I travel down in age, I’m interested in those specialties. I’m also very concerned about affordable housing. It is outrageous the rents that, you know, people are being asked to pay and for so little.

I provide housing for senior women who are in temporary states of homelessness. And I know that they’re not going to find anything — it’s going to be very difficult for them to find affordable housing when they leave me. I like the concept of tiny homes. I think that is an excellent way to go. If we can have more communities of tiny homes… It’s a small thing, a big thing, you know, a small contribution, but a very big thing.

Sascha Raiyn, WDET News: Have you heard any candidates addressing the issues that are important to you?

DN: No, I haven’t. I listened to one forum, and I was impressed with a few of them. I don’t remember if they addressed those issues specifically, but I don’t think so.

They were talking about creating more jobs. Really important. We need that too. Everybody talks about, in every election, you know what they bring, what they’re going to bring. And then nobody brings anything. You know, if you don’t know how to operate economically, what can you really bring to the city?

You have great ideas. You know, I had great ideas once upon a time.

Great ideas are great ideas. Can you manifest them? Do you have the skills? Do you know how to work it? By the numbers, those are the important points.

SR: Do you see some enthusiasm, interest in this election right now?

DN:  I don’t. I don’t, you know, but I don’t feel any enthusiasm in the city for this election. Period. Maybe I’m not hanging out in the right places, you know, but I’m not feeling that energy.