Focus Areas

Architecture

Despite city hall's propensity to knock down historic structures, Detroit's building stock remains pretty remarkable for a city of its size. From humble Victorians in Corktown to sprawling mansions in Indian Village, from Yamasaki's sleek and calm McGregor Conference Center to the jaw-dropping deco design on display at the Guardian Building, the city's got enough in the bricks-'n'-mortar department to keep those tourist cameras snapping.read on…

Arts

New ideas and forward-thinking actions are all part of the arts in the D. Visual artists, including painters, sculptors, designers, architects; and musicians working in nearly every genre (or sub-genre) under the sun and moon are here doing their funky thing.All provide the foundation for multiple healthy scenes. Much of what we do here is recognized on a global scale. And sometimes the world comes to us. Just tap that cute girl or guy on the shoulder at Hamtramck's Public Pool next time you're there and ask if they're speaking Danish or Dutch. It was Danish last time we did that. The arts are happening in Detroit, and they stay hot year round. read on…

Building Communities

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City Kids

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Entrepreneurs

One thing about Detroiters: When they see a need for something in their city, they are likely to take action to fill the void. From clothing boutiques to acupuncture clinics, from bike shops to restaurants, from dance studios to book stores, locals are thinking small ... in a big way.read on…

Film

Lured by tax incentives, Hollywood has discovered the Mitten State in a big way ... and Detroit's architecture and talent keeps 'em coming back. Not that locals aren't playing a role in the boom as well: comedy, noir, sci-fi, blaxploitation ... you name the genre and guaranteed, someone around here is shooting a scene.read on…

Green

There are lots of hopeful signs that Detroit is taking sustainability seriously, with bicycling, recycling, urban agriculture, green architecture and renewable energy each at the forefront of serious conversations about the city's future. A long time coming, but well worth the wait. read on…

Green Tech

With the creation of a Tech Town district and other start-ups moving into the city, why can't some of that technological brain space be directed toward green development? Some innovators already are -- and the city stands to reap the benefits of harnessing solar energy, constructing buildings with environmentally friendly features, and other green advancements. read on…

Higher Ed

Wayne State University is one of the state's largest universities and, with its role as a partner with TechTown and NextEnergy, its research reach and national stature continues to grow. Add in the College for Creative Studies, which just opened a second campus, University of Detroit Mercy, which has Michigan's only Division 1 lacrosse team, and Marygrove College's impressive urban leadership work. All in all, not too shabby in the knowledge department for a blue-collar town.read on…

Job Creation

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Move to Detroit

Despite a slow and steady population loss, Detroit is attracting new residents and welcoming back wayward sons and daughters. The lure of cheap real estate is part of it, but many speak also of possibility, potential and room for creativity. And cheap real estate. read on…

Redevelopment

What's old is new again�and brownfield and historic preservation tax credits available to careful and diligent developers mean that old is more than just aesthetically pleasing, it's economically viable. Add in the inherent sustainability of reuse, and the triple-bottom-line survey says: redevelopment is the way to go.read on…

Reuse / Rebuild

Just because a space has been abandoned does not mean it is no longer useful. Entrepreneurs, artists, city officials, activists and neighbors, with the right amount of ambition and innovation, can take vacant spaces and turn them into opportunities. By transforming what we already have into sustainable properties, we revitalize neighborhoods and stimulate local economies.read on…

Shop Local

Dollars spent in the D are likely to be re-spent here: an estimated $68 out of every $100 versus just $43 from that same hundo dropped at a national chain. With indie retailers popping up all around town, spreading -- and keeping -- wealth inside the city limits is getting easier and easier.read on…

Small Business

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Social Innovation

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Talent Dividend

The Talent Dividend is a calculation of how much economic impact college grads have on a city. By increasing the number of college graduates in Detroit by one percentage point of our population, $4.6 billion would be generated in personal incomes, or revenue. That's like attracting a billion dollar company to this region. The best way to measure the economic success of a city is per capita income and the simple most direct connection of per capita income is college attainment, says CEOs for Cities, the group that created the Talent Dividend initiative.

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Transit

An improved bus system and light rail are top priorities for many in this region. It seems that, as most of the country's thriving metropolises boast impressive transit, everyone agrees that the time has come to get Detroit moving.read on…

Urban Farming

Where some people might see a fallow, empty lot, others see potential -- not only for fruits and vegetables, but for a rebirth of the city. Can Detroit turn around on the backs of climbing beans and tomato plants? Maybe not, but urban farming will likely play an important role either way.read on…

Urban Leadership

Without Detroit's urban leaders, the city would not have the richness it has today. Whether it's promoting the ousting of the Nain Rouge or organizing a neighborhood-based futbol league or creating organizations to save Detroit's green spaces, it's all pushed to the forefront by Detroit's array of urban leaders.read on…

Woodward Avenue

Woodward Avenue, or M-1, is the region's "Main Street," stretching from the Detroit River out deep into the suburbs. The Woodward corridor will play an enormously important role in the city's future, especially as the new M-1 Rail project heats up.read on…

Workforce/talent development

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