Featured Stories

Detroit youth harness science to create homegrown solutions to neighborhood problems

Sarah Rose Sharp Monday, May 29, 2017

Thanks to mentorship from several forward-thinking organizations from around the city, a small but growing population of students are ready to tackle the problems of today and tomorrow through the power of science.

Education, Neighborhood Innovation, Science of the City, STEM Hub, Sustainability

Voices: TechTown CEO on the value of failure

Ned Staebler Monday, May 29, 2017

Failure carries with it an unfortunate stigma, especially in Detroit's business community. For the first entry in a series on empowering failure, TechTown CEO Ned Staebler writes about his failed run for the Michigan state legislature.

Detroit Talent, Entrepreneurs, Failure, Local Government

The 6 best places to eat and drink outside in Detroit

Aaron Mondry Monday, May 29, 2017

With spring in full bloom, you need to take advantage of the weather every chance you can get. So here are Model D's favorite places to eat and drink outdoors.

Food and Drink, Lifestyle, Placemaking

Corktown, Southwest Detroit

Michigan Nightlight Voices: What I learned as a 10th grader about the food system in Detroit

Carla Underwood Tuesday, May 23, 2017

The youth program at the Detroit Food Policy Council teaches students about the local and national food economy through interactive trips and activities. Carla Underwood writes about her eye-opening experience in the program.

Education, Food Economy, Michigan Nightlight, Urban Farming

Ford's Wagner development was first conceptualized by the ULI Larson Leadership program.

Collaborative real estate development program makes a difference across Metro Detroit

Patrick Dunn Monday, May 15, 2017

Urban Land Institute's unique leadership program brings together diverse viewpoints to study some of the region's most vexing development challenges.

Choosing Michigan, Redevelopment, Urban Leadership, Workforce/Talent development

James Glenn works at the front counter and lumber desk

Brooks Lumber & Hardware: Building Detroit for over 120 years

Sarah Rose Sharp Monday, May 15, 2017

Since 1896, the hardware store has sat on the same piece of land in Corktown, outlasting the old streetcar system, Tiger Stadium, and perhaps every other retail business in the city.

Detroit History, Legacy Business, Small Business

Corktown

Video: Alex Clark of Bon Bon Bon at Startup Story Night

New Economy Initiative Monday, May 15, 2017

Earlier this year, five metro Detroit entrepreneurs performed stories about challenges they have overcome to grow their businesses. Watch Alex Clark of Bon Bon Bon tell hers.

Entrepreneurs, Food and Drink, Speaker Series, Video

A new model for Write a House means more writers in Detroit

Patrick Dunn Monday, May 08, 2017

Since 2014, Write a House has given away four rehabbed Detroit homes to writers. But because of the city's changing real estate market, they're transitioning to a rental model—which will hopefully mean even more writers in Detroit.

Arts, Detroit Talent, Neighborhood Innovation

Hamtramck

Detroit's chief storyteller: Why the stories of everyday Detroiters matter

Aaron Foley Monday, May 08, 2017

The city of Detroit recently created the position of chief storyteller—perhaps the first of its kind in the nation. In a column for Model D, new hire and veteran journalist Aaron Foley writes about his hopes for the job.

Building Communities, Detroit History, Innovation, Local Government, Placemaking

What Michigan can learn from Chicago about growing early childhood education

Claire Charlton Monday, May 08, 2017

Focus on quality in early childhood education is growing. What lessons can Michigan learn about building strong early learning environments that support vibrant communities? And how quickly can we get there?

Building Communities, Early Education Matters, Education, Public Policy, Social innovation

Metro Detroit's DIY network offers many paths to creativity

Lish Dorset Monday, May 01, 2017

There's no shortage of ways to get crafty in Metro Detroit. Local crafting maven Lish Dorset clues us in on ways to embrace our inner makers.

Arts, Lifestyle, Placemaking

Pickled products, beans, flour, fruit and more: Michigan businesses export food with help of state

Sue Stuever Battel Monday, May 01, 2017

Here's some advice from Michigan food and agriculture businesses that are making the most of opportunities for exporting.

Entrepreneurs, Food Economy, Michigan's Agricultural Future

View of Keyworth Stadium during their game against AFC Ann Arbor

Is being the coolest team in amateur soccer enough? Detroit City FC explores going pro

Aaron Mondry Monday, May 01, 2017

DCFC has been one of the great American success stories in both amateur sports and soccer. Now they're exploring a jump to professional status.

Building Communities, Detroit Talent, Placemaking, Sports

Hamtramck

Military veterans find good fit in Michigan�s agricultural economy

Deven King Monday, April 24, 2017

Military veterans' leadership training, skills, and perspective give them a grounding they need to help meet the challenges of producing food and rebuilding rural and urban communities. In Michigan, these protectors are turning into agricultural producers.

Education and training, Food Economy, Michigan's Agricultural Future

Ne'Gyle Beaman runs the shop Bleu Bowtique, a seller of custom ties

The newest pop-up space in Midtown helps entrepreneurs test their businesses, together

Patrick Dunn Monday, April 24, 2017

The Cass Collective provides space to six retailers on a rotating basis so entrepreneurs have the opportunity to test their business without the upfront investment of a permanent shop.

Entrepreneurs, Lifestyle, Shop Local, Small Business

Midtown