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Detroit - once heralded as the spirit of American manufacturing, music, and democracy - descended into disrepair and insolvency over the course of several decades, culminating in the largest municipal bankruptcy in American history in 2013. With democracy suddenly suspended, the city became an epicenter of courtroom drama and backroom deals with life-altering consequences for residents, retirees, bankers, and politicians. The bankruptcy also exposed the consequences of avoiding tough decisions, and taught the reconciling power of compromise in a politically paralyzed world.

Gradually, Then Suddenly  is the story of Detroit’s climb out of bankruptcy and towards a future of possibility. In this real-life drama, people of all backgrounds and viewpoints found common ground in search of a solution to give Detroit a new lease on life.  A recovery for all Detroiters will determine whether the 'grand bargain' can serve as a model for urban America.