Video: Detroit bankruptcy: Authorities promise business as usual Detroit, once the heart of the US motor industry and the birthplace of Motown, has become the largest city in US history to file for bankruptcy. Kevyn Orr, an emergency city manager hired by the state in March to stop the city's fiscal free-fall, said it would be "business as usual" for Detroit citizens. "Services will remain open, paychecks will be made, bills will be paid, nothing changes from the standpoint of the ordinary citizen's perspective," Mr Orr added. Mayor Dave Bing who was elected four years ago, said it was a "very difficult day" for him as the city's debt spiralled to an estimated $18.5 bn. Detroit lost a quarter-million residents between 2000 and 2010, currently, the population struggles to stay above 700,000. Entire neighbourhood have been deserted and an estimated 78,000 buildings have been abandoned in the city.