Govern Downtown by a Council of Cities
Here's a new idea:
Let's create a regional council to govern downtown Detroit.
Now let me tell you why.
I start with two key assumptions:
1. Regions are the competitors in the global economy, not cities. Metro Detroit is one player and needs to act that way.
2. Urban centers are attractive to the new generation of young worker, who we want to attract to our region.
So, why not create a council of cities to govern downtown Detroit. We all need a strong downtown. Not every city needs to create its own downtown (nor can they realistically or with the scale and history of downtown Detroit). City leaders in Detroit are often criticized for focusing on downtown - this would let them focus on the neighborhoods (though Detroit, of course, would sit on the council). Suburbs would then have a greater stake in improving downtown and we could get more done as a region. Cobo Hall would get fixed really quickly, I bet, for example.
What do you think?
David
Let's create a regional council to govern downtown Detroit.
Now let me tell you why.
I start with two key assumptions:
1. Regions are the competitors in the global economy, not cities. Metro Detroit is one player and needs to act that way.
2. Urban centers are attractive to the new generation of young worker, who we want to attract to our region.
So, why not create a council of cities to govern downtown Detroit. We all need a strong downtown. Not every city needs to create its own downtown (nor can they realistically or with the scale and history of downtown Detroit). City leaders in Detroit are often criticized for focusing on downtown - this would let them focus on the neighborhoods (though Detroit, of course, would sit on the council). Suburbs would then have a greater stake in improving downtown and we could get more done as a region. Cobo Hall would get fixed really quickly, I bet, for example.
What do you think?
David
Views: 0
Comment
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Comment by David Cherry on March 7, 2009 at 7:26pm -
Yes, very true.
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Comment by Sean R. Dunlop on March 7, 2009 at 1:08pm -
Good to hear these two particular buildings have been renovated. However, the number of abandoned and run down establishments is high. Especially, large places like Central Station.
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Comment by David Cherry on March 6, 2009 at 10:46pm
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Luckily, both buildings pictured have received some love in recent years.
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Comment by Sean R. Dunlop on March 6, 2009 at 6:31pm
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David, I think that your idea has significant merit. It really is all about Metro-Detroit transforming itself into a leading Region. Metro-Detroiters should strive in their local activities and municipal policies to effectively demonstrate to other regions throughout the United States that Metro-Detroit is a unified and dedicated community willing to pick up the pieces and rebuild. The City of Detroit needs fundamental direction and substantial resources from the surrounding municipalities to provide a true Renaissance of Metro-Detroit.
Our streets should not look like this.
Our hotels should not look like this.
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