Residents of Detroit will soon have the option to pay their taxes and city fees in cryptocurrency through a secure platform managed by PayPal, as announced by the city's Office of the Treasury. This new payment method, expected to launch in mid-2025, will allow Detroiters to pay with cryptocurrencies supported by PayPal, including bitcoin, ether, bitcoin cash, and litecoin, with all payments settling in USD.
By embracing crypto payments, Detroit aims to become the largest US city to do so, following in the footsteps of Miami Lakes, Florida, and Williston, South Dakota. The city's decision is part of a broader effort to foster economic growth by embracing new technologies and encouraging blockchain and tech companies to establish a presence in Detroit. Mayor Mike Duggan expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it empowers residents and entrepreneurs by creating a technology-friendly environment. Additionally, the city is calling on crypto entrepreneurs to submit proposals for blockchain-based civic applications that enhance transparency, improve data security, and streamline public services, with a focus on driving greater accessibility, efficiency, and security.