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.
Electric Car Share Comes to Detroit’s Eastside
The program is operated by the Eastside Community Network and funded through the U.S. Department of Energy.
Checking in on Detroit’s Housing Renaissance
Efforts by the city and residents have generated 17,000 new housing units in the last five years.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service