The Detroit Free Press
Regional Rail Chances Getting Brighter in Detroit
With a recent infusion of $44 million and hopes for more from the federal stimulus package, regional light rail is gathering momentum in Detroit. Advocates see more than mobility in the struggling city's future.
The Detroit Free Press
A Great Lakes President?
Presidential candidate Barack Obama has announced a $5 billion plan to restore the Great Lakes, funded by reductions in tax cuts for oil companies.
The Detroit Free Press
Container Condos Planned in Detroit
Developers in Detroit are planning a condominium project completely made out of used shipping containers. But city approval is needed before the project can move forward.
The Detroit Free Press
Developer Action Needed to Spur Light Rail Plans
Private investors and developers must come forward and plan around proposed rail lines in Detroit if there is any hope of transit materializing, according to this editorial.
The Detroit Free Press
To Save Detroit, Plan For A Smaller City
A recent editorial argues that Detroit must look for ways to concentrate its dwindling population in a smaller, more compact city if it is to survive.
The Detroit Free Press
The Fight for $1 Homes
A HUD plan that allows municipalities to buy up foreclosed homes for just $1 is causing controversy in Wayne County, Michigan, where cities and counties are fighting over who is best suited to take over abandoned homes.
The Detroit Free Press
A Final Plea For Transit In Southwest Michigan
If local officials don't come together with a workable plan, Detroit may just blow its last chance to implement a regional transportation system.
The Detroit Free Press
Suburban Detroit Builds Up, Not Out
The suburban Detroit town of Wixom is looking to lure in residents by creating dense downtown living.
The Detroit Free Press
An Intimate Look at the Streets of Detroit
This series from The Detroit Free Press looks at the state of the city that is both struggling and succeeding.
The Detroit Free Press
From The Toilet To The Fields
Detroit city officials have approved a plan to recycle the city's waste sludge into fertilizer.
The Detroit Free Press
Emptying Pocket Parks In Detroit
Detroit is planning to sell off nearly 100 of its public parks to make way for redevelopment. The mostly small, pocket parks have been increasingly abandoned as their neighborhoods decline in population.
The Detroit Free Press
Report Says Sprawl Will Offset Any Reductions In Auto Emissions
A new report from the Urban Land Institute says that even with increased fuel efficiency in cars, an increasing rate of vehicle miles traveled due to sprawling development will counteract any reductions in emissions.
The Detroit Free Press
High Costs Unravel Citywide Wi-Fi Plans
Cities reconsider the economics behind free citywide Wi-Fi networks. Plans have already fallen through in Chicago and San Francisco, and more are expected to follow.
The Detroit Free Press
Urban Microfarming: A Smart Solution For Vacant Lots
Urban farming takes root in Detroit.
The Detroit Free Press
Detroit's People Mover Turns 20
The Detroit Free Press looks back on the city's much-maligned public transit system after 20 years of service.
The Detroit Free Press
Detroit Riverwalk Ushers In New Redevelopment Model
After pursuing a single-player, single-project strategy for decades, Detroit seems to have found a winning recipe for redevelopment with its new RiverWalk, which stressed regional cooperation from various public, private and non-profit organizations.
The Detroit Free Press
Is Detroit's Rebound Around The Corner?
Professor Robert Fishman, author of "The Fifth Migration", argues that Americans' rediscovery of inner cities will give even troubled cities like Detroit a major boost.
The Detroit Free Press
Home Sales Up In Detroit, Down in Suburbs
Although homes sales were down over 20% in some Detroit suburbs last year, the city itself saw a modest increase of 6%, and residential construction is at a 30-year high.
The Detroit Free Press
Thinking Beyond Tighter Automobile Fuel Economy
While Congress is eager to increase fuel economy standards to lower petroleum consumption, ill-planned regulations could do more harm than good, says a senior researcher at RAND.
The Detroit Free Press
Downtown Detroit's Bright Future
Long a symbol of urban decay, downtown Detroit is attracting residents and investment, though obstacles remain.
The Detroit Free Press



















