Detroit's mayor is open to the city being a destination for techno parties

Some of Detroit’s biggest DJs are leading the charge for the city to embrace its reputation as a destination for techno.

Members of Underground Resistance proposed to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan how the city could make the techno scene drive the city’s economy at a meeting with Theo Parrish and Omar S in attendance.

Speaking at UR's Submerge headquarters, UR label manager Cornelius Harris said: "Around the world, when you ask people about Detroit what they say is cars and music.

"Electronic music is a $6.5 billion industry globally. It was created here. The question is, of course, how much of that money makes its way back into the city? And the answer is very little."

The group is suggesting looser restrictions around nightlife in Detroit, pointing to Berlin and it’s estimated $900 million a year in techno tourism as an example of how it can boost the economy. Currently most bars close or stop selling alcohol at 2am in Detroit.

Mayor Duggan has supported 4am bar activity in the past and reiterated that longer opening hours could come into play as long as local residents were happy.

Duggan said: "We need to do it in a way that's sensitive to neighbors and the like, but I think if we plan it together we can do it."

The group also suggested the appointment of a Nightlife Liaison - much like the Night Mayor in Amsterdam and the Night Czar in London - on Duggan’s team and the creation of an official entertainment district.

Harris added: "We can get the people here, we can do all that. We don't need help from the city for that, we're just looking for an environment that's amenable for that kind of thing happening."

Another proposal to the Mayor was to make Detroit a destination for drag racing.

[Via: Metro Times]

[Photo: Raphael Merriweathers Jr]