Jackson joined Super Bowl XL host committee chairman Roger Penske, executive director Susan Sherer and others Tuesday in what the committee plans to be the first in a series of monthly phone conferences with the media to provide updates on planning for the Super Bowl, which will be played at Ford Field on Feb. 5.

Jackson said the DEGC has earmarked $64 million to support streetscape programs, facade improvements and other projects in the city's central business district. A dozen facade improvement programs have already begun and Jackson reports more than 100 applications have already been received by the DEGC for the program. DEGC is providing matching grants of up to $150,000 to help Detroit businesses finance facade and parking lot improvements.

The agency is also paying for streetscape beautification programs on Woodward, Broadway and Washington avenues in the Downtown area, as well as in front of Cobo Center. All of the work on those projects should be done by May, except for the Cobo work, which is slated for a July completion date. Jackson also said 47 businesses, mostly entertainment-related or retail stores, have moved into the Central Business District of Detroit since the host committee started working.