A blueprint for our future: with our future at stake, the Detroit Regional Chamber is spearheading an initiative to chart a new course for Southeast Michigan.If you don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. where you're going, you're not going to get there. This is the situation we face in Southeast Michigan Southeast Michigan, also called Southeastern Michigan, is a region in the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan that is home to a majority of the state's businesses and industries, and is home to slightly over half the state's population. today. As a region, we're up against some truly staggering challenges, yet we don't have a roadmap to guide us through the rough terrain. That's why the Detroit Regional Chamber is spearheading an unprecedented initiative called "Design Regional Detroit." It's a collaborative process that will provide Southeast Michigan with a blueprint for the next generation and beyond. Edsel B. Ford II is serving as the lead "champion" on this project (see page 15), and the Chamber is selecting a steering group of champions from among the best minds in the region representing a broad and inclusive cross-section of stakeholders Stakeholders All parties that have an interest, financial or otherwise, in a firm-stockholders, creditors, bondholders, employees, customers, management, the community, and the government. . We will also benchmark our region against four other metropolitan areas--Atlanta, Boston, Houston and Philadelphia. Unlike other studies and projects that have come and gone with little or no impact, Design Regional Detroit stands apart because it will set measurable, long-range goals to be achieved by a specific timetable (see time line, page 15). Design Regional Detroit is an important first step in a long process. Once we have a regional blueprint in 2007, we will then turn to the even more difficult task of implementing the recommendations and measuring our progress through annual reports. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "This is an unparalleled undertaking, and it's long overdue because our future is at stake," said Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE CCE Cornell Cooperative Extension CCE Corporate and Continuing Education CCE Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. CCE Commission de Coopération Environnementale CCE Centre for Continuing Education CCE College of Continuing Education CCE Certified Computer Examiner , president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Detroit Regional Chamber. "We can either sit back and see how it all unfolds--or we can seize the opportunity to shape our destiny. It's clear that we don't have the luxury of waiting to 'let it happen.'" This is not a go-it-alone project for the Detroit Regional Chamber, Blouse adds. The Chamber also will work cooperatively with organizations like United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Renaissance and the Governor's 21st Century Job Fund, among others, as the process continues to unfold unfold - inline . SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN A BORDERLESS REGION BY EDSEL B. FORD II When I was asked to serve as the lead "champion" for Design Regional Detroit, I didn't hesitate because the request came from the likes of Dick Blouse, Cindy Pasky and Dennis Archer
Dennis Wayne Archer (born January 1, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former president of the American Bar Association and former Mayor of Detroit. . These are leaders with a vision for our region and a passion for results. But more to the point, I saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance the concept of regionalism re·gion·al·ism n. 1. a. Political division of an area into partially autonomous regions. b. Advocacy of such a political system. 2. Loyalty to the interests of a particular region. 3. in Southeast Michigan. So what exactly does regionalism mean? To me, it means a region without borders A number of NGOs have adopted the "Without Borders" tag, inspired by Doctors without Borders.
I recognize that we will face skeptics as we embark on this long-term initiative. This is understandable. As a region, we've struggled for decades with problems that seem so entrenched en·trench also in·trench v. en·trenched, en·trench·ing, en·trench·es v.tr. 1. To provide with a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying or defending. 2. as to defy de·fy tr.v. de·fied, de·fy·ing, de·fies 1. a. To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance: defied the blockade by sailing straight through it. b. any workable solution. But that doesn't mean we give up and call it hopeless. We need to tear down to demolish violently; to pull or pluck down. - Shak. See also: Tear those boundaries that hold us back and work collaboratively to develop a regional blueprint for the next generation and beyond. In a recent op-ed column in the Detroit Free Press The Detroit Free Press is the largest daily newspaper in Detroit, Michigan, USA. It is sometimes informally referred to as the "Freep". Some still refer to it locally as "The Friendly" -- a slogan from an ad campaign in the '70s. , Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford in Dearborn, states that "the critical need to radically rethink re·think tr. & intr.v. re·thought , re·think·ing, re·thinks To reconsider (something) or to involve oneself in reconsideration. re " the future of our state and region will require all of us "to promote innovation, empathy empathy Ability to imagine oneself in another's place and understand the other's feelings, desires, ideas, and actions. The empathic actor or singer is one who genuinely feels the part he or she is performing. and regionalism." I was deeply impressed by Patricia's call to action and her conclusion that "we cannot afford to close the doors on that future." I couldn't agree more, and that's why I am proud to serve as the lead champion for Design Regional Detroit. I challenge you to join us in keeping those doors wide open. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN TREND WATCH OUR STRUGGLING ECONOMY MICHIGAN--This year will mark the sixth straight year of job losses in Michigan--a string unprecedented since World War II. Over the past five years, Michigan's economy has lost a total of 308,900 jobs and will lose another 9,600 jobs in 2006. The state's manufacturing workforce has declined by about 25 percent during this time and will lose another 28,600 jobs in the next two years. DETROIT REGION--Between June 2004 and June 2005, manufacturing sector employment in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia metropolitan area declined by approximately 6,800 workers. Manufacturing is forecast to sustain significant job losses over the next two years (2006 and 2007). POPULATION SHIFTS Southeast Michigan's population grew 1.7 percent from 2000 to 2005, which is less than one-third of the nation's growth rate. Meanwhile, a population shift away from the region's older core to the newer suburban rings leaves many older communities struggling to meet budget demands. Our region will be home to nearly 307,000 more people over age 65 in 2020 than there were in the 2000 census. The number of people in that age group is projected to grow from 567,212 in 2000 to 873,887 in 2020, a 54 percent increase. These figures portend por·tend tr.v. por·tend·ed, por·tend·ing, por·tends 1. To serve as an omen or a warning of; presage: black clouds that portend a storm. 2. serious implications for our workforce and for our health-care system. THE RACIAL DIVIDE The Detroit Region consistently ranks as the most-segregated metropolitan area in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . The price of neglect in this area is staggering. Detroit's crime rate makes it second only to Camden, N.J., as America's most dangerous city (and Flint is fourth). Detroit has an adult functional illiteracy functional illiteracy Social medicine The inability to read and write enough to effectively function in an office or business. Cf Complete illiteracy. rate of 47 percent. Sources: Detroit Regional Chamber Research & Information Center; Michigan Department of Career Development; Southeast Michigan Council of Governments; The University of Michigan (body, education) University of Michigan - A large cosmopolitan university in the Midwest USA. Over 50000 students are enrolled at the University of Michigan's three campuses. The students come from 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. . GETTING RESULTS OTHER REGIONAL PLANS CHARLOTTE, N.C.--A group of business and civic leaders concerned over job losses and other issues developed Advantage Carolina, a strategic plan centered around business growth, education, urban development, regional planning regional planning: see city planning. and transportation. Work on the plan is done through collaborative action teams made up of business leaders, public-sector officials and leaders from nonprofit organizations Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. . Today the Charlotte area is a magnet for businesses and widely regarded as one of the most vibrant communities in the country. INDIANAPOLIS--This city was a pioneer in regional planning. 35 years ago a group of business people and civic leaders founded the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, a forum that brings together representatives from all sectors of the community to solve problems. Over the years the efforts of this group have resulted in bringing a number of tangible projects to fruition fru·i·tion n. 1. Realization of something desired or worked for; accomplishment: labor finally coming to fruition. 2. Enjoyment derived from use or possession. 3. , including the Indiana Convention Center The Indiana Convention Center is a convention center located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It contains over 400,000 square feet (0 m) of open exhibit space and almost . LOUISVILLE, KY.--The Community Foundation of Louisville initiated the Greater Louisville Project The Louisville Project is a project by the University of Louisville's policy debate team (the University of Louisville Debate Society or UDLS) to increase meaningful minority participation in debate, which started in 2000. , which set a civic agenda focusing on fixing the basics, building on assets, creating quality neighborhoods, investing in working families and influencing metropolitan co-operation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AT A GLANCE ... WHAT IS DESIGN REGIONAL DETROIT? * Design Regional Detroit is a collaborative process that will provide Southeast Michigan with a blueprint for the next generation and beyond. * The two-year process shown in the time line on page 15 is only the beginning. It will set the stage for the implementation phase, which will begin once priorities are identified and action plans are developed. * Although it was initiated by the Detroit Regional Chamber, Design Regional Detroit will tap into the resources of other leading organizations in our region. * Design Regional Detroit is an inclusive process that will ultimately be owned by the community. * Our region encompasses 10 Michigan counties: the metropolitan core of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties plus Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHY DO WE NEED DESIGN REGIONAL DETROIT? * Regional thinking and creative design are essential to long-term development through an inclusive input process. * Leaders need to work as a team on economic and community development, workforce development, business attraction, and the quality-of-life issues that ensure progress. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT DOES A WORLD-CLASS REGION LOOK LIKE? * A shared vision by the entire community of what the region should be. * An education system that prepares young people for the 21st century workforce. * A seamless public transportation system. * A spirit of regionalism that transcends old notions of barriers and boundaries. * Recognition that race and class barriers must be addressed and overcome. * A vibrant central city that is the pride of the entire region. * A diversified and stable economy. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DESIGN REGIONAL DETROIT, VISIT WWW WWW or W3: see World Wide Web. (World Wide Web) The common host name for a Web server. The "www-dot" prefix on Web addresses is widely used to provide a recognizable way of identifying a Web site. .DESIGNREGIONALDETROIT.COM (1) (Computer Output Microfilm) Creating microfilm or microfiche from the computer. A COM machine receives print-image output from the computer either online or via tape or disk and creates a film image of each page. . RELATED ARTICLE: TIMELINE PHASE 1 Through May, we are inviting hundreds of key stakeholders--through interviews, Web surveys and community conversations--to identify key regional opportunities, priorities and early strategies. A report that captures the regional consensus for regional action will be previewed at our Mackinac Policy Conference, May 31-June 2. PHASE 2 In September, a summit of regional leaders will be convened to review final priorities prior to moving into the action-plan phase. Work on this blueprint will continue through 2006 and into 2007. At the Mackinac Policy Conference in 2007, the blueprint will be presented, with benchmarks and actions centered around key priority issues. PHASES 1 AND 2 of Design Regional Detroit are important first steps in a long process. Once we have our regional blueprint in 2007, we will then turn to the even more difficult task of IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS and measuring our progress. Implementation teams will monitor progress, and annual reports will be issued. RELATED ARTICLE: REGIONALISM IN ACTION Detroit Regional Economic Partnership * THE DETROIT REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP, since it was formed in 1997 as the economic-development arm of the Detroit Regional Chamber has brought more than $1 billion in investments and nearly 7,000 jobs to the Detroit Region. * THE DETROIT AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (DARTA) is the result of an unprecedented degree of regional cooperation between the top political leadership of Southeast Michigan. This agreement broke a decades-old logjam log·jam n. 1. An immovable mass of floating logs crowded together. 2. A deadlock, as in negotiations; an impasse. Noun 1. . [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * NBEST OR THE NORTHERN BORDERS FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY AND TRADE marshaled leaders from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border for border-crossing improvements in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * DURING SUPER BOWL XL, this region pulled out all the stops to create a memorable experience for hundreds of thousands of visitors who went away with a new and favorable fa·vor·a·ble adj. 1. Advantageous; helpful: favorable winds. 2. Encouraging; propitious: a favorable diagnosis. 3. impression of our city. Efforts are now under way to keep the momentum going long after the game itself is just a memory. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RELATED ARTICLE: ACCENT ON COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION Design Regional Detroit emphasizes inclusion. This means embracing all leaders and communities across the region engaged in bringing about the essential cultural change needed to transform Southeast Michigan. In so doing, Design Regional Detroit will reach out to the broadest possible constituency, probe barriers and opportunities with the greatest number of stakeholders, and build the army of people who are invested in our future. United Way of Southeastern Michigan has a planning process under way for human services needs and opportunities. Detroit Renaissance is carrying out an intensive, focused analysis of high-potential economic clusters. Local economic development agencies all have plans and strategies to grow their local economics. The state is pursuing implementation of the Governor's 21st Century Jobs Fund. Design Regional Detroit will collaborate with these and other initiatives and programs with similar goals. |
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