To most Metro Detroiters the difference between Farmington and Farmington Hills is non-existent. Unless, of course, you live in one or the other. Could the merger of these two communities be a model for municipal cooperation, prompting the rest of the region to rethink its inefficient and redundant ways?
Southeast Michigan is replete with literary talent, drawing from the corridors of its hallowed halls of higher learning, the working class experiences on the shop floors, and the rough edges of its gritty inner city.
Metromode continues its conversation with Richard Weddle, president and CEO of North Carolina's Research Triangle Park.
North Carolina's Research Triangle Park is the largest R&D center in the world. It is seen as a model for how universities, government and private industry can work together to fuel a state's economic success. Rick Weddle, president and CEO of RTP has a frank discussion with metromode about what Michigan needs to do to emulate some of those successes.
Could Metro Detroit have its own version of Sand Hill or Research Triangle Park? Local business and political leaders along with Detroit Renaissance certainly think so. They see Woodward Avenue, with its cultural and educational institutions and string of developing downtowns as ground zero for a new economy sector dubbed The Creative Corridor.
If you view mass transit as merely a means of getting from Point A to Point B or as a social service for those who can't afford to buy a car, think again. Mass transit attracts investment. Big investment. Community changing investment. The kind of investment that could revitalize not only Detroit but most of southeast Michigan.
Some say the same top-down mentality that has stymied Michigan's ability to expand and diversify its economy is also preventing local governments from initiating bold new policies, putting the breaks on everything from smoke-free spaces to cable access to green building incentives. How does Michigan encourage its cities to think outside the box if the capital keeps a firm hand on the lid?
To touch the sky or keep things human size? SE Michigan's revitalized downtowns are struggling with the size of their buildings as young professionals look for a more urban experience, leaders see density as a way to combat sprawl and long time residents worry their community's unique character is compromised.
Everyone knows that success requires a bit of inspiration and a whole lot of perspiration. But there's a third part of the equation Michigan can't afford to ignore if it hopes to transform its economy: Investment. Jon Zemke takes a look at the current state of our venture capital.
Since early childhood we're taught the value of sharing with others. So, why is it so hard for southeast Michigan to pool its resources and embrace regionalism? Do communities like Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield really need separate fire departments? Fiscal reality may answer the question sooner than you think.
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