WSU conference will examine role universities can play in a creative economy

Wayne State University, in conjunction with the Urban Land Institute, is hosting a conference on October 7 that will focus on the university’s part to play in urban development as well as in the transformation of Southeast Michigan’s economy.Francine Wunder, a spokesperson for the university, says that the event is all about looking at past development’s impact and how that can segue into a future role in a new, information-based economy.Speakers include John Austin of the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and the Brookings Institution, George Jackson of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., and Susan Mosey of University Cultural Center Association.There are optional afternoon tours of Midtown and TechTown. Attendees are expected to be developers, architects, community development specialists and city planning officials.For more information or to register, please visit the WSU New Economy site.Source: Francine Wunder, WSUWriter: Kelli B. KavanaughPhoto by Marvin Shaouni