In the first edition of a new series, Richard Florida introduces us to the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and artists, designers and musicians invested in the bottom-up effort to revive Detroit.
Long the butt of jokes about failing cities, and with good reason due to its unprecedented decline, a new spirit of optimism is infusing the Motor City, following on the "long legacy of creativity and innovation that are part of the city's very DNA."
Florida introduces readers to some of the organizations, artists, entrepreneurs, and institutions leading Detroit's revival.
"Organizations such as I Am Young Detroit, Detroit Lives, and Detroit 4 Detroit
are the products of energetic and engaged locals who are utilizing
everything from citizen philanthropy to social branding to change the
way people view Detroit from the ground up. The PowerHouse Project promotes neighborhood stabilization and revitalization by supporting artistic and creative enterprises, while PonyRide supports collaboration among community members as they create new opportunities and ideas. Every time someone signs the Detroit Declaration, they are making a commitment to their community."
"Detroit's new generation of place makers and city-builders draws deeply
on the city and the region's many assets. Yes, urban renewal devastated
parts of the city, and yes, it's true that there are too many empty lots
and abandoned buildings. But a walk through and around the urban core
evidences a fabulous urban fabric with fantastic historic buildings of
the very sort that Jane Jacobs was talking about when she said that old
buildings give rise to new ideas."
FULL STORY: How Detroit Is Rising
Downtown Detroit Stages a Rally
Like its beloved baseball team, downtown Detroit is on an upswing, writes Bill Morris. The area's rise as a desirable neighborhood can be attributed in no small part to new sports facilities located in close proximity.
Detroit Transit Agency Requests $20M Budget Increase
The Detroit Department of Transportation wants to boost ridership by hiring more drivers, buying new buses, and enhancing station infrastructure.
Analysis: Just 5 Percent of Detroit Bus Stops Have Shelters
The city’s thousands of bus stops are sorely lacking in seating and shelters to protect riders from rain, snow, and sun.
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.
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OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes
The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.
Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’
Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.
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