Developing Detroit's New Comprehensive Plan

The plan will take shape over the next 12-18 months, according to a mandate by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. Privte foundation money has pulled in urban planner Toni Griffin to head the effort, along with Marja Winters, deputy director of Detroit's Planning and Development Department.

"Next American City: Are you intimidated by the scope?

Toni Griffin: It is a challenging task and we take it very seriously. But I think it offers such an amazing opportunity that I can't think of since New Orleans, I guess, which is an American city that has had the opportunity - unfortunately through a disaster - to reinvent itself, reform itself, build on its strengths and position itself in a way it hadn't been able to before.

Marja Winters: It seems overwhelming at times just because sometimes you have to separate the short term from the long term. There are some things that we know we have to do right now to keep the city moving forward, but at the same time we have to keep the bigger picture in mind."