The Office of Treasury has unveiled a new initiative that will soon enable residents of Detroit to pay taxes and local fees using cryptocurrency. Beginning in mid-2025, people will be able to make these payments via a secure platform handled by PayPal, a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to modernize its financial processes.
PayPal currently accepts major digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and its own stablecoin, PayPal USD, despite not disclosing the specific cryptocurrencies it supports. This program is consistent with Detroit’s overall goal of positioning itself as a tech-forward city that embraces emerging technologies.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed delight for the effort, emphasizing the city’s commitment to building a technologically friendly environment that benefits both citizens and companies. Detroit intends to be one of the first big U.S. cities to provide blockchain-based payment choices for public services.
In addition to implementing cryptocurrency payments, Detroit is encouraging blockchain entrepreneurs and developers to submit proposals for blockchain uses in municipal projects. Submissions are open until December 15, providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to cooperate with city officials on ideas that improve openness, security, and accessibility to public services.
Detroit’s use of cryptocurrency payments follows a growing trend among American towns and states such as Miami Lakes, Colorado, and Louisiana, which have begun taking cryptocurrency for taxes and other municipal payments through agreements with third-party companies.
With this forward-thinking approach, Detroit intends to attract blockchain startups, strengthen its economy, and improve city operations by leveraging blockchain technology and digital assets’ growing significance.
