The news spread rapidly in June when Bank of America announced it was making a $1 billion, four-year commitment to help local communities address key issues such as economic and racial inequality that have been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic. This landmark program is focused on helping people and communities of color who have experienced […]
Bicycling, once relegated as a kid’s method of transportation, has become a boon for cities such as Flint and Detroit, both working hard to attract young residents and families as well as develop efforts to build a growing local economy, health and wellness initiatives as well as community development, riders and bike experts agree. Riding […]
As part of the activity and excitement surrounding Detroit’s reformation, policymakers and planners would be wise to consider transforming Detroit into a world-class “age-friendly” community. The prospect of putting Detroit on course to be repopulated with a rich mix of young, middle age and older residents – coexisting and prospering – is nothing short of […]
“We’ve got more strengths than we do weaknesses, the challenge is we’ve got to come together.” Rodrick Miller, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation We uncovered one key piece of information about Detroit Wednesday during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2016 Policy Conference: This city is loud and proud. Why is this […]
When John Hope Bryant looks around Detroit, he sees the city has all of the elements it needs to be successful: Its location is outstanding. It has strong small businesses. It has stable leadership. The only thing missing? Energy. Inspiration. Drive. The power of long-term vision. Leaders here have spent so much time getting the […]
With more Detroit street lights on, blighted properties boarded-up, fewer issues with trash pick-up, a toughened response to illegal scrapping and increased access to fresh foods, it is clear that the quality of life in Detroit’s neighborhoods is continuing to improve. Many of the latest improvements in city services are either supported by or reliant […]
In Detroit, it is easy to fall in love … with a piece of property. And that’s exactly what happened at first for John Vermiglio and Josef Giacomino, two Millennial transplants by way of Chicago and Wisconsin. These chefs wanted their own restaurant. The coveted Ye Old Butcher Shop spot had opened up. So, like […]
Detroit, like many cities, has its share of friends and foes. There are plenty of companies that deserve to hang their collective heads in shame for polluting, dumping and plain-old ignoring the city’s natural resources and long-standing architectural gems. But then there are the heroes. The companies, business owners and employees who are trying to […]
Detroit is, in many ways, a city of contrasts. There is wealth next to poverty. There is educational excellence near schools that struggle. And in one of the most dramatic examples, there is the downtown compared to some of the city’s residential neighborhoods. But where one person might see open lots and blight, others see […]
Ideas, like people, evolve and change. What you’ve done in the past should be remembered. But it is what you do today that truly matters. So Lisa Waud and her friends could have sat back, popped open an adult beverage and talked endlessly about an October 2015 event they created called Flower House. It was […]