Detroit is the first city of its size to become bankrupt and some policy makers have argued that, since then, it has entered a 'new beginning'. This book critically examines the evidence for and against this claim.

Joe T. Darden analyzes whether Detroit's patterns of race and class neighborhood inequality have persisted or whether investments have led to improvements in academic achievement, homeownership, employment, and reductions in poverty and violent crime. He measures, quantitatively, the benefits and disadvantages of staying in urban Detroit or moving to the suburbs, and provides evidence to answer whether Detroit, after bankruptcy, is becoming an inclusive city.