Detroit Named "City Of The Year" For 2026

DETROIT — A global design magazine and website named Detroit the "City of the Year" for 2026.

Wallpaper cited Detroit's redevelopment efforts to keep and attract new residents (12,500 in 2024, according to US census data) for its bright future.

"This transformation is emblematic of a new wave of revitalisation sweeping the Motor City, one that stems from the first seeds of scrappy urban renewal that began to emerge here a decade or two ago," Adrian Madlener wrote for the website.

Madlener also praised Detroit's design approach to urban revitalisation, adding that other cities with similar challenges Detroit has faced should take note.

Some projects include a cultural complex along the Detroit River that is set to open in 2027 and a plan to transform the Albert Kahn-designed Packard Plant into an affordable housing unit.

Wallpaper's review comes as the New York Times says Detroit is among the top 52 places in the world to visit. Travel + Leisure ranked Detroit as one of the 50 best places to travel, citing its "big city thrills" to entice travelers.

You can read the full Wallpaper review here