Corey Hill examines the experimentation at work to rebuild Detroit, from green manufacturing to community-led economic initiatives. But the municipal and state governments may be getting in the way.
Hill points out that, behind the mainstream narrative of a once-mighty industrial city left to decay is another story, one that involves grassroots efforts such as urban gardens and solar panels that will help to turn Detroit into a new kind of city for the 21st century. "Look closely at Detroit," he says,
"...and you'll learn lessons with implications far beyond the asphalt capillaries of the Motor City.
The alternative proposal is to put the region's skilled labor force to work building the next generation of green technology, turning Detroit into the green manufacturing hub for North America. Factories that once made Fords and Chevrolets could now make solar panels, electric streetcars and electric cars. Detroit could once again become the heart of America's industrial engine, albeit one that pumps significantly greener lifeblood.
As the Great Recession drags on and city and state governments across the country propose sweeping budget cuts and various draconian measures, Detroit's community-led efforts for change offer a vision for a saner alternative."
FULL STORY: Urban Gardening and Green Economy Flourish in Detroit
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
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San Francisco Turns On California’s First Speed Cameras
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Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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