No job for Harvard alum?

http://www.freep.com/article/20090419/COL10/904190463

I will just say it: a movement like ours will not go very far without the empowerment of black people who also want what is best for the city. Whether we work with them or work for them, when 81% of any population is of one race, that race needs to be especially respected and represented. The link above is about Bryan Barnhill. Growing up in a tough part of East Detroit, he overcame living on the same block as a crack house and hearing gunshots while trying to sleep. His perseverance landed him at Harvard where he made a difference. Now he's come back home to make an even bigger difference, but alas, no one will hire him.

We need to create opportunities for talented young men and women like Mr. Barnhill. We need to work with these talents and keep them in the city. How can we do it? How do we make sure our talent sticks around to create the social and cultural revolution we need? One thing is for sure, if we keep letting go of the talent we have, it may never return.

Mr. Barnhill is not from the suburbs and I am not from the city. But I know that we need each other. We need to work together. We need to begin the dialogue. We need to utilize each other's talents. And above all, we need to support one another. What do you think?

The Story: Urban Explorer - public radio piece on the abandonment of Detroit

My mom told me about an interesting segment on Dick Gordon's The Story last Monday. I listened to it later online. It is about one man's explorations of the city and is quite enlightening. Here is a link to the online archive: http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_753_Detroit_Blogger.mp3/view

The Story had a couple of other interesting links related to this:

http://www.detroityes.com/home.htm about the Ruins of Detroit

http://www.jamesgriffioen.net/ is the explorer's website

Dutch view of Detroit

According to Monday's Free Press (http://freep.com/article/20090414/COL27/90413077/Mugged+Dutch+reporter+won+t+beat+up+on+Detroit), a Dutch reporter was recently in the D. While she got carjacked, she did have a few good things to say too.

Here are the highlights:

Award-winning Dutch journalist Jacqueline Maris is back in the Netherlands, safe and sound after her reporting trip to Detroit last week during which she and a photographer were carjacked.

“I could have done a very positive story,” she said, “but there are drugs, gangs, wild dogs and garbage.”

In Detroit, she was struck by how much the entire city outside of the central business district appears to be in distress.

“It looks nice in downtown,” Maris said. “The Book Cadillac is very nice, and you see the potential. But when you get in the neighborhoods, it is very shocking. Wherever you go you see the houses that were once the houses of dreams. You see once there was a thriving life there.”

“People in Detroit seem very strong and resilient,” Maris said.

She’s not going to tell her listeners not to go to Detroit for fear of getting shot.

Foreclosure drop

Interesting article in Monday's News about a drop in foreclosures in Detroit. I'm not sure what the driver is, other than the subprime mess was earlier than the unemployment spike. Here is the link: http://detnews.com/article/20090413/BIZ/904130337/Foreclosures+hit+suburbs+as+layoffs+surge++mortgages+reset

Here are some highlights:

"The number of foreclosure filings in Wayne County, dominated by activity in the city of Detroit, dipped in February, the most recent figures available. But Oakland and Macomb counties' share of homes in foreclosure increased by double-digit percentages over the same month a year before, according to RealtyTrac, a California-based company that tracks housing numbers."

"The role reversal is attributable to many factors, including layoffs of suburban breadwinners -- blue- and white-collar alike -- and a recent surge in mortgage payment resets on types of loans more common outside Detroit's city limits."

"The spike in foreclosures has had one surprising effect: Home sales are on the rise. The market here fell so hard and fast that it quickly gained worldwide attention for "$1 houses," which investors have been snapping up by the dozens."

Study by Michigan Future Inc. and a UM Economist

Excerpt:

According to the researchers, the plan for economic vitality is clear. Michigan must:

• Place a higher value on learning and entrepreneurship;

• Create places where young, talented individuals want to live (e.g., vibrant central city neighborhoods;

• Ensure the long-term success of its higher-education system by expanding public investment;

• Transform teaching and learning to align with the realities of a "flattening" world; and

• Develop new private and public-sector leadership that is clearly focused on preparing, retaining and attracting talent — not re-creating the old economy.

http://www.ur.umich.edu/0809/Apr13_09/29.php

The impact and importance of buying local

The News the other day published an article about the impact of buying local. Here is the link: http://detnews.com/article/20090408/OPINION03/904080366/1148/Buying+American+cars++It+s+finally+catching+on

Key highlights:

"In January, the GM Foundation, the charitable arm of the struggling car maker, told groups like the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Opera Theater and Mosaic, a youth theater group, not to expect any funding this year. Late last month, Chrysler Foundation followed suit, announcing that it, too, would suspend its arts philanthropy. The Ford Motor Co. has said it expects its giving to fall by about 40 percent from last year."

"Reflecting a similar trend, a statistic has been making the e-mail rounds lately that has galvanized consumers to buy local. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the projection is: "If every household started spending just $10 per week of their current grocery budget on locally grown foods, we'd keep more than $37 million each week circulating within Michigan's economy." "

"In 2003, Ryan Anderson of Lincoln Park says he saw the writing on the wall. The following year, he started the Web site buymichiganproducts.com. "I just figured if people would start pumping their money into the local economy, we just might improve," says Anderson, a Web site development and software consultant."

In the comments, I'll share a related article I wrote for the IAGD newsletter.

Investors and property - key websites

For those interested in investing in Detroit property and contributing to the revitalization that way, there are a few interesting websites you should look into periodically.

BankOwnedBids.com is a newly established site focused on foreclosed and bank-owned properties in Michigan.

I check Craigslist (http://detroit.craigslist.org/rea/) periodically to see if there are any deals.

The city is also always selling a variety of lots and buildings (commercial and residential). Some undergo a bid process every month, while others are available, first come, first served. You can find out more here: http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/Departments/PlanningDevelopmentDepartment/RealEstateDevelopment/tabid/140/Default.aspx

Lastly, Hudson Marshall (http://www.hudsonandmarshall.com/) do Detroit-focused auctions of hundreds of properties every few months.

City of opportunity - event recap

I went to the Next American City and Model D event last night. It consisted of a panel discussion followed by a reception at the Center for Creative Studies. The venue was quite nice - it was neat to walk around that campus (I don't think I had been there before) - but the event started half an hour later than the publicized time. That worked out well though, as the room slowly filled up after being almost empty at 5pm.

Content wise, the moderator set up the situation, showing a map of where college graduates live in Chicago and Minneapolis and comparing that to Detroit - there was a big vacant space on Detroit, compared to lots of color on the other city maps. Then, the panelists (all from out of town) explained their reasons for choosing to live in the city of Detroit. I found it to be quite enlightening. Some of the reasons included:

• Affordability - less need to work crazy hours for the "golden handcuffs"
• Exciting to live in a big city after coming from rural background
• Nice to have a community
• Did not have negative perceptions or know much coming in - no bad things have happened since
• Outside of the US, Detroit does not have a bad reputation
• Desire to be a part of the revival and "move the needle" (can't be done as easily in other places)
• Urban experience
• Increasing attraction with each visit
• ...

There was some discussion about how Detroit could better attract the "creative class" - they are already here and word is getting out. The big point was to "spread the Gospel" of Detroit so to speak. There was a brief Q&A session. The point was made however, that the event was "preaching to the choir" - it should have happened in Ann Arbor. The moderator ended with an interesting poem about putting commas where we now put periods (when talking about Detroit) - we need to look forward and not try to remake the glorious Detroit of the 1950s.

The reception was ok - lots of attendees. Alas, I am not so great at the schmoozing, so I didn't meet to many people (ironic, as I am giving a speech on networking next week). Did speak to a couple of people though, including one of the panelists (who wrote the op-ed in the NYT about the $100 house). Interesting guy.

Overall, it was interesting event. I wouldn't say I learned too much or met the right people, but it was good to attend anyways, if only just to see a new part of the city. I guess these types of events happen rather often - the key is turning thoughts and ideas into action.

A website was also brought up, http://michiganfuture.org, which seems pretty interesting.

Detroit - City of Opportunity event

I've come across an interesting event happening tomorrow in Detroit. It is about how Detroit is trying to reposition itself. I will actually be attending for work tomorrow. It might be good for some of you to attend as well. Here is the description and details:

the SALON: The City of Opportunity
April 8, 5-8 PMCollege of Creative Studies, Wendell W. Anderson Jr. Auditorium
201 E. Kirby Street, Detroit

Join Next American City and Model D for a salon featuring a conversation about economy and how Detroit is working to reposition itself as the city of opportunity. Moderator Dave Egner of the Hudson Webber Foundation will host a panel of Detroit converts - Toby Barlow of the JWT Team Detroit, Luis Croquer of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Meghan McEwen of CS Interiors and Kirsten Ussery of Detroit Renaissance - to talk about the disconnect between preconceived notions about the city and the reality of moving into Detroit. A reception will immediately follow the conversation.

Admission to the salon is free for all attendees. Admission to the reception is free for subscribers. Admission for non-subscribers is $15 in advance or $20 at the door and includes a 1-year subscription to Next American City and entry to all NAC events and free food and drinks.

RSVP and subscribe at americancity.org/urbanexus/detroit.

Detroit Young Professionals - Check it out

ABOUT US

Detroit Young Professionals (DYP) is a regional nonprofit organization that provides professional development, social networking and civic engagement opportunities. We are dedicated to making metro Detroit a better place and developing our region's next generation of leaders.

MISSION

DYP enriches Detroit by cultivating an environment that attracts and retains young professionals and entrepreneurs. We empower young professionals to succeed and provide resources for them to develop and make a positive impact in the region.

HISTORY

Founded in November 2007, DYP began as a grassroots collective of diverse, forward-thinking individuals with a passion for cultivating creativity, entrepreneurship and a spirit of community in metropolitan Detroit. In our first year, we completed over 25 projects (http://www.detroityoungprofessionals.org/previousprojects.html) and evolved into an independent nonprofit organization with one of the largest networks of young leaders, innovators and changemakers in Southeast Michigan.

GET INVOLVED

DYP is a volunteer-driven organization and we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to participate. A thirteen-member Leadership Team governs and oversees the organization’s operation and affairs. Getting involved is as simple as attending our meetings and helping out with projects, as needed. Visit our website (http://www.detroityoungprofessionals.org), subscribe to our mailing list (http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=1005971p) and join our social networks to stay informed about the latest happenings. If you are interested in becoming an official member to enjoy special members-only events and benefits, please contact our Membership Team (membership@detroityoungprofessiona

ls.org).

CONTACT US

Email: info@detroityoungprofessionals.org
Web: http://www.detroityoungprofessionals.org
Facebook (Group): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6515475942
Facebook (Fan Page): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Detroit-Young-Professionals/56065830364

Brain drain forum with Granholm on 4/16

According to a News article from this weekend, there will be a public forum with Granholm about our brain drain.

"With half of Michigan's college graduates now taking their diplomas across the state line, Gov. Jennifer Granholm will address Michigan's brain drain at a public forum on April 16. "

"The free forum will be held at 9:30 a.m. April 16 at Fairlane Center North Quad E, 1900 Hubbard Drive, at University of Michigan-Dearborn. "

http://detnews.com/article/20090404/POLITICS02/904040372/-1/ARCHIVE

Job sprawl

Interesting article in today's News about how the average distance of jobs in our area from the city center is much higher than normal. Not surprising, but still interesting.

"More than three-fourths of jobs in Metro Detroit are farther than 10 miles from the heart of the city, deepening the economic and social divide between Detroit and its suburbs. "

"In most metro regions, the study found, about 45 percent of all jobs are at least 10 miles from their downtowns. "

"The problem is especially acute in Detroit, which lacks a regional mass transit system and where only 1 out of 3 residents has access to a car.

Shayneece Batson of Detroit is a perfect example. Batson had to quit her job at a Troy grocery store because the co-worker and fellow Detroiter who gave her a ride quit. "

Here is the link: http://detnews.com/article/20090406/BIZ/904060353/1001/Detroit+area+tops+in+job+sprawl

Friday Adventures: DEGC & UM Detroit Center

Final Four partying for some, apartment hunting for others... It was a busy Friday afternoon in the city of Detroit. After dropping Atiya back off to SmithGroup, I enjoyed my Tim Hortons lunch in the beautiful lobby of the Guardian Building. While there, I thought to visit another one of the building's clients: the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (http://www.degc.org/).

DEGC: Simply put, I would like nothing more than to be a volunteer researcher for the DEGC as they are the organization most responsible for retaining and attracting new businesses to Detroit. I was able to speak with a DEGC employee and I expressed my interest to her. Her response: "If you did my job for free, I would lose my job." So much for taking any help they can get. Folks, the reality in the city is that we have to break down some barriers, and apparently fear is one of them. That said, I will e-mail the HR lady at the DEGC this week in hopes of becoming a part-time intern of sorts.

Next stop: University of Michigan Detroit Center. http://www.michigandaily.com/content/2009-03-31/viewpoint-semester-detroit-uplifts-students-and-city. This is a spot on Woodward where UM houses all of its Detroit operations (outreach, services, collaborations, recruiting, etc.). I specifically wanted to see what my alma mater was doing with regards to urban planning in the city. As it turns out, there is a full-time faculty member who works there, Eric Dueweke, and I will soon contact him to learn more.

The Message: We must stop waiting to contact the right organizations and find out what's out there. I urge you all to go knock on doors and tell us what you find. Some will be good, some won't. But we need to know what is behind each door to make the sum of the parts better. Stay tuned.

Potential partners and organizations to work with

I think we should keep a running list of groups in the Detroit area that we can work with. Just list the group and their purpose or mission. We can update it as we find new potential partners.

• Cityscape Detroit (http://www.cityscapedetroit.org/): Cityscape Detroit is a nonprofit group devoted to good urban planning, urban design, historic preservation, architecture, investment, green spaces, mass transit, interesting streetscapes, pedestrianism, human scale development, urbanism, and the "built environment" in Detroit.
• City Year Detroit (http://www.cityyear.org/detroit.aspx): City Year Detroit is a nonprofit where participants devote a year to tutor and mentor students in Detroit; it might be a good partner for the educational aspect of what you want to/should pursue; they design after school programs for the kids to help keep them off the streets and interested in learning (City Year Corps members make a difference in schools by: Improving student attendance; Improving academic performance; Reducing incidences of violence; Improving the learning environment; Improving the commitment to volunteering and helping others; Enhancing the ability to connect and work with diverse group )
• ...

Experience Detroit - visitor guide

Interestingly, I am doing some Detroit-specific activities at work these days, so I came across an interesting site I thought I would share: http://experiencedetroit.com/.

Experience Detroit seems to be a pretty comprehensive visitor guide covering the key topics and regional highlights. Certainly, it would be a good place for newcomers to Detroit to see what there is to do and experience in the Metro area.

Bright flight - College grads leaving town

Interesting article in today's News(and a good follow up to yesterday's exodus article), talking about how too many Michigan grads are leaving the state.

"There are more recent MSU grads in Chicago than in any other metro area -- including any community in Michigan. While the Windy City has always been a destination for Spartan grads, the number going there -- and other vibrant urban centers such as Minneapolis and New York -- is growing.

The number leaving the state has doubled since 2001, from 24 percent to 49 percent, according to a school survey. "

53 percent of native Michigan Wolverine graduates left town in 2008 - including my brother!

Here is the link:
http://detnews.com/article/20090403/METRO/904030378/Half+of+university+grads+flee+Michigan

Farming in the City

Todays Free Press had an article about farming in the city (http://freep.com/article/20090402/BUSINESS04/904020370/Vacant+Detroit+land+eyed+as+urban+farming+hot+spot).



This is what I'm talking about! I wouldn't mind working with this guy, although I probably prefer smaller farms to major commercial enterprises.

Please see highlights below:

"Detroit could become a center of locally grown food and put large swaths of vacant land back on tax rolls under a proposal to create the city's first large commercial farm."

"Detroit already is home to hundreds of smaller community gardens. But Hantz's proposal is the first to envision large-scale commercial farming."

"With an estimated 40 square miles of vacant parcels, Detroit offers many sites where, in theory, a big farm operation might work."

"Land assemblage remains a key question. Hantz owns several parcels in the city, but the vast majority of the acreage he needs for his project is still either owned by private parties or is tax-foreclosed land owned by the city, county and state. "

Michigan exodus article

Interesting article in today's News about the mass exodus of people from Michigan. We are getting fewer, poorer, and less educated.

Here is a map from the article that shows where Michiganians end up:


Here is the link: http://detnews.com/article/20090402/METRO/904020403/Leaving+Michigan+Behind++Eight-year+population+exodus+staggers+state

I've also pasted the highlights below:

"People are leaving Michigan at a staggering rate. About 109,000 more people left Michigan last year than moved in. It is one of the worst rates in the nation, quadruple the loss of just eight years ago. The state loses a family every 12 minutes, and the families who are leaving -- young, well-educated high-income earners -- are the people the state desperately needs to rebuild."

"But a Detroit News analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and Internal Revenue Service data reveals that every day, Michigan gets less populated, less educated, and poorer because of outmigration."

"Since 2001, migration has cost Michigan 465,000 people, the equivalent of the combined populations of Grand Rapids, Warren and Sterling Heights -- the state's second-, third- and fourth-largest cities."


"Those leaving Michigan are the people the state most needs to keep -- young and college-educated. The state suffered a net loss to migration of 18,000 adults with a bachelor's degree or higher in 2007 alone."

"In simplest terms, those with the skills to leave Michigan are doing so; high-skilled people from other states who once might have moved to Michigan are choosing to go elsewhere."


"As Michigan loses population and other states gain, the state is likely to lose more congressional seats, resulting in less clout in Congress. Electoral votes -- based on congressional seats -- probably will decline, giving Michigan less influence in presidential elections when votes are reallocated in 2010."

"The pattern used to be that people would move away from Michigan and then move back," Metzger said. "Now, people are moving and then drawing the rest of their (extended) family with them."

"When you lose people in their 20s, in five years, you won't have their kids entering school; in 20 years, you won't have their kids entering the work force," Grimes said. "It puts you in a downward spiral."

How do you see yourself fixing Detroit?

Critical to this dialogue on fixing Detroit is defining both the role of each individual player and of the group. To that end, the purpose of this post is very simple: to get responses from everyone in the "comments" section on three core questions:

I) What approach do you think this group should take (faith-based, secular, narrow, broad, etc.)?
A.
B.

II) What are your personal objectives in Detroit (build communities, solve hunger, etc.)?
A.
B.

III) What are you willing to do and get involved in?
A.
B.
C.

Detroit Architecture

I stumbled upon this while on Slate.com today and was amazed at a few of the buildings. This really has nothing to do with fixing Detroit ... just helps visualize the problem.

http://www.slate.com/id/2213696/