Location: Philadelphia, Baltimore and Detroit
Website:
The BMe Leadership Awards - BMe stands for "black male engagement" - are given to men who are working to make their communities stronger, the foundation said. Trabian Shorters, founder of BMe, said that "there are thousands of black men who are assets to their communities - and if the rest of us got behind people like these, the city would have more to celebrate."
BMe is a network of black men in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Baltimore, that includes professionals, academics, and organizers working on an assortment of community projects. There is no cavalry coming to save the day in communities across America. The visionary leaders that many are waiting for are already here," said Shawn Dove of Open Society Foundations, which also funds BMe.
Chris Rabb, an adjunct faculty member at Temple University, was awarded $20,000 to develop workshops to teach social entrepreneurship to low-wealth individuals. Rabb, author of Invisible Capital: How Unseen Forces Shape Entrepreneurial Opportunity, said he shows people how to "build commonwealth enterprises" that produce benefits for the community. For example, he described starting a barbershop that was geared toward offering living-wage jobs for ex-offenders who cut hair. What if you could turn something like that into a chain of shops? he asked. Rabb said he expected to hold the workshops this summer.
Michael Gross and Bryheem Charity were awarded $10,000 to promote their efforts to "make science cool" in urban schools. They created S.T.E.A.M. Rising to stir "real interest, a passion, a focus, on science as a career," said Gross, a Drexel University graduate. S.T.E.A.M. represents science, technology, engineering, and math, known in educational circles as "STEM," with the arts included to add the "A," Gross said.
Christopher Norris of South Philadelphia was awarded $5,000 to bolster Techbook Online, a local news outlet for people and stories that are "routinely marginalized and left out of the headlines" of the mainstream media, he said. Norris said the money would help pay for equipment upgrades and for expanding the marketing reach of Techbook Online, which he started with Arthur L. Griffin Jr.
Showing posts with label Detroit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit. Show all posts
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Afrotopia
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: afrotopiaisnow.com
IDEA
Creating imaginative and effective solutions to address social challenges. By fusing elements of science fiction, magical realism, ancient history, and non-western cosmologies, AFROTOPIA serves as an invitation to actively create tomorrow and consciously control destiny.
PLACE
AFROTOPIA, the place, is constantly being created, altered, and augmented. At its core, AFROTOPIA is the physical manifestation of time and space dancing together, blurring the lines between the familiar and the imagined.
AFROTOPIA, the project, focuses on the city of Detroit and includes exhibitions, workshops for youth and adults, and events that imagine the future of Detroit using the Black American cultural legacy of experimental creative practices as inspiration.
Website: afrotopiaisnow.com
IDEA
Creating imaginative and effective solutions to address social challenges. By fusing elements of science fiction, magical realism, ancient history, and non-western cosmologies, AFROTOPIA serves as an invitation to actively create tomorrow and consciously control destiny.
PLACE
AFROTOPIA, the place, is constantly being created, altered, and augmented. At its core, AFROTOPIA is the physical manifestation of time and space dancing together, blurring the lines between the familiar and the imagined.
AFROTOPIA, the project, focuses on the city of Detroit and includes exhibitions, workshops for youth and adults, and events that imagine the future of Detroit using the Black American cultural legacy of experimental creative practices as inspiration.
Monday, February 17, 2014
planET
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Website: www.planeastten.org
PlanET is an ambitious plan to imagine our future and then to chart a path to reach a shared vision. A planning effort of this scale is new to the East Tennessee Region so if you have questions about this plan, you can find your answers here.
Plan East Tennessee (PlanET) is a regional partnership of communities building a shared direction for our future. We seek ideas about protecting our valuable resources and addressing our challenges regarding jobs, housing, transportation, a clean environment, and community health.
Our goal is to create long-term solutions for investments in our region and to define the next chapter in our rich history, leaving a legacy of optimism and opportunity for future generations. Find out about the plan, the process for developing it and review the project schedule.
Mayors from the municipalities and counties throughout the PlanET region of Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Union Counties are guiding a Community Leadership Team responsible for executing the creation of a regional Plan.
Five counties, sixteen cities, four towns, and community of regional partners are committed to making PlanET a reality. Explore this diverse partnership and learn about their commitment to the process.
The PlanET process is an ambitious project that requires a great deal of expertise in a variety of areas. Local staff offer a great deal of technical expertise; however, to ensure its success, PlanET has assembled a team of consultants that represent some of the leading firms from across the country whose expertise will ensure PlanET’s success in meeting and exceeding its goals moving forward.
Website: www.planeastten.org
PlanET is an ambitious plan to imagine our future and then to chart a path to reach a shared vision. A planning effort of this scale is new to the East Tennessee Region so if you have questions about this plan, you can find your answers here.
Plan East Tennessee (PlanET) is a regional partnership of communities building a shared direction for our future. We seek ideas about protecting our valuable resources and addressing our challenges regarding jobs, housing, transportation, a clean environment, and community health.
Our goal is to create long-term solutions for investments in our region and to define the next chapter in our rich history, leaving a legacy of optimism and opportunity for future generations. Find out about the plan, the process for developing it and review the project schedule.
Mayors from the municipalities and counties throughout the PlanET region of Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, and Union Counties are guiding a Community Leadership Team responsible for executing the creation of a regional Plan.
Five counties, sixteen cities, four towns, and community of regional partners are committed to making PlanET a reality. Explore this diverse partnership and learn about their commitment to the process.
The PlanET process is an ambitious project that requires a great deal of expertise in a variety of areas. Local staff offer a great deal of technical expertise; however, to ensure its success, PlanET has assembled a team of consultants that represent some of the leading firms from across the country whose expertise will ensure PlanET’s success in meeting and exceeding its goals moving forward.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Data Driven Detroit
Location: Detroit,
Website: www.datadrivendetroit.org
From the Michigan Metropolitan Information Center at Wayne State University, to the Southeast Michigan Information Center at United Way, there have been many initiatives to collect and democratize data about Detroit and its neighborhoods.
In 2008, The Skillman Foundation and The Kresge Foundation awarded City Connect Detroit a $1.85 million grant to incubate Data Driven Detroit (originally named the Detroit-Area Community Information System).
Within its first year, D3 was selected by the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). NNIP is a select group of organizations that have built advanced and continuously updated data systems to track neighborhood conditions in their cities.
In December 2012, after an extensive period of review, discussion and due diligence, Data Driven Detroit became an affiliated program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association.
This move has strengthened D3′s operations and increased our exposure to a statewide network of member nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. Data Driven Detroit provides accessible, high-quality information and analysis to drive informed decision-making.
D3 believes that direct and practical use of data by grassroots leaders and public officials promotes thoughtful community building and effective policymaking.
As a “one-stop-shop” for data about the city of Detroit and the metro area, D3 provides unprecedented opportunity for collaboration and capacity building in Southeast Michigan.
D3 incorporates features of “neighborhood data systems” that have been created in a variety of cities across the country. Such systems have been recognized and championed by the Urban Institute, which created the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership in 1995. NNIP partner communities incorporate a number of different models of data access and analysis.
While their structures, staff, and delivery mechanisms may differ, they share a set of principles that D3 supports:
- Design indicator systems for the explicit purpose of changing things – not just to monitor trends.
- Develop a single integrated system that can support one-stop shopping.
- Develop indicators at the neighborhood level – not just for the city as a whole.
- Build a data “warehouse” from which indicator reports can be derived – not just a set of files on indicators.
- Serve multiple users but emphasize using information to build capacity in poor communities.
- Democratize information – help stakeholders use information directly themselves.
- Help stakeholders use data to tackle local issues, but do so in a way that leads toward more comprehensive strategies.
- Use information as a bridge to promote collaboration.
- Use available indicators but recognize their inadequacies – particularly the lack of sufficient data on community assets.
- Assure integrity in the data and the institution that provides them.
Website: www.datadrivendetroit.org
From the Michigan Metropolitan Information Center at Wayne State University, to the Southeast Michigan Information Center at United Way, there have been many initiatives to collect and democratize data about Detroit and its neighborhoods.
In 2008, The Skillman Foundation and The Kresge Foundation awarded City Connect Detroit a $1.85 million grant to incubate Data Driven Detroit (originally named the Detroit-Area Community Information System).
Within its first year, D3 was selected by the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). NNIP is a select group of organizations that have built advanced and continuously updated data systems to track neighborhood conditions in their cities.
In December 2012, after an extensive period of review, discussion and due diligence, Data Driven Detroit became an affiliated program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association.
This move has strengthened D3′s operations and increased our exposure to a statewide network of member nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. Data Driven Detroit provides accessible, high-quality information and analysis to drive informed decision-making.
D3 believes that direct and practical use of data by grassroots leaders and public officials promotes thoughtful community building and effective policymaking.
As a “one-stop-shop” for data about the city of Detroit and the metro area, D3 provides unprecedented opportunity for collaboration and capacity building in Southeast Michigan.
D3 incorporates features of “neighborhood data systems” that have been created in a variety of cities across the country. Such systems have been recognized and championed by the Urban Institute, which created the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership in 1995. NNIP partner communities incorporate a number of different models of data access and analysis.
While their structures, staff, and delivery mechanisms may differ, they share a set of principles that D3 supports:
- Design indicator systems for the explicit purpose of changing things – not just to monitor trends.
- Develop a single integrated system that can support one-stop shopping.
- Develop indicators at the neighborhood level – not just for the city as a whole.
- Build a data “warehouse” from which indicator reports can be derived – not just a set of files on indicators.
- Serve multiple users but emphasize using information to build capacity in poor communities.
- Democratize information – help stakeholders use information directly themselves.
- Help stakeholders use data to tackle local issues, but do so in a way that leads toward more comprehensive strategies.
- Use information as a bridge to promote collaboration.
- Use available indicators but recognize their inadequacies – particularly the lack of sufficient data on community assets.
- Assure integrity in the data and the institution that provides them.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Data Driven Detroit
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.datadrivendetroit.org
Data Driven Detroit (D3) is a statewide organization with a focus on the city of Detroit. D3 houses a comprehensive data system that includes current and historic demographic, socioeconomic, educational, environmental, and other indicators. This data system allows analysts to illustrate complex relationships by combining different datasets to reveal the true stores of our regions, cities and blocks. D3 is committed to serving all communities by adapting data into different formats for different audiences.
Data Driven Detroit (D3), an affiliate of the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), provides accessible, high-quality information and analysis to drive informed decision-making. Our vision is that essential and unbiased information is used by all.
From the Michigan Metropolitan Information Center at Wayne State University, to the Southeast Michigan Information Center at United Way, there have been many initiatives to collect and democratize data about Detroit and its neighborhoods.
The Skillman Foundation and The Kresge Foundation awarded City Connect Detroit a $1.85 million grant to incubate Data Driven Detroit(originally named the Detroit-Area Community Information System).
,br> National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). NNIP is a select group of organizations that have built advanced and continuously updated data systems to track neighborhood conditions in their cities.
In December 2012, after an extensive period of review, discussion and due diligence, Data Driven Detroit became an affiliated program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. This move has strengthened D3′s operations and increased our exposure to a statewide network of member nonprofits and philanthropic organizations.
Website: www.datadrivendetroit.org
Data Driven Detroit (D3) is a statewide organization with a focus on the city of Detroit. D3 houses a comprehensive data system that includes current and historic demographic, socioeconomic, educational, environmental, and other indicators. This data system allows analysts to illustrate complex relationships by combining different datasets to reveal the true stores of our regions, cities and blocks. D3 is committed to serving all communities by adapting data into different formats for different audiences.
Data Driven Detroit (D3), an affiliate of the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), provides accessible, high-quality information and analysis to drive informed decision-making. Our vision is that essential and unbiased information is used by all.
From the Michigan Metropolitan Information Center at Wayne State University, to the Southeast Michigan Information Center at United Way, there have been many initiatives to collect and democratize data about Detroit and its neighborhoods.
The Skillman Foundation and The Kresge Foundation awarded City Connect Detroit a $1.85 million grant to incubate Data Driven Detroit(originally named the Detroit-Area Community Information System).
,br> National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). NNIP is a select group of organizations that have built advanced and continuously updated data systems to track neighborhood conditions in their cities.
In December 2012, after an extensive period of review, discussion and due diligence, Data Driven Detroit became an affiliated program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. This move has strengthened D3′s operations and increased our exposure to a statewide network of member nonprofits and philanthropic organizations.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Opportunity Detroit
Location: Detroit,MI
Website: www.opportunitydetroit.com
In November 2007, Quicken Loans announced it would relocate its headquarters to a newly constructed building in downtown Detroit, with options to develop several sites. Under the timeline for that plan, construction of a new headquarters building would have been completed by 2012. But the nationwide economic downturn has made it virtually impossible to obtain financing for the construction of new office buildings.
U The decision to lease space enables the company to establish a strong presence in the city while continuing to pursue plans to develop a new downtown headquarters when commercial construction financing becomes more available across the country.
“We pledge to fulfill our commitment to the city. This is an interim step that allows us to begin transforming Detroit into a high-tech hub of business and ingenuity,” said company founder and chairman Dan Gilbert. “Our goal is to develop a downtown headquarters once construction financing becomes available for large-scale building projects the likes of which we plan to undertake.”
“Our move to the Compuware Building will get our folks working in the city even quicker than if we waited out the construction process as originally planned,” said Matt Cullen, president and COO of Rock Ventures, who is spearheading Quicken Loans’ move downtown. “The 1,700 people we are bringing downtown will have an immediate and profound impact on the city’s economy, in terms of income tax, retail spending and housing.”
“This agreement extends an already great partnership between two of Michigan’s most innovative companies,” said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. “Bringing Quicken Loans and Compuware together at One Campus Martius will make our workplace even more dynamic and collaborative. It’s great for both companies and for our employees.”
“Quicken Loans remains dedicated to being part of the ongoing transformation of the city,” said Gilbert. “As we’ve studied our site options for a new headquarters, we have continued to infuse energy into other business and infrastructure initiatives to enhance the city.”
Gilbert founded the Detroit-based Bizdom U, an entrepreneurial boot camp, in 2007, and is the co-chairman of M-1 Rail, a light rail system on Woodward Avenue that will connect Detroit’s largest cultural, entertainment, educational, medical and employment centers.
Our mission is to showcase Detroit’s exciting present and promising future by creating an urban environment that attracts businesses, residents and visitors.
Website: www.opportunitydetroit.com
In November 2007, Quicken Loans announced it would relocate its headquarters to a newly constructed building in downtown Detroit, with options to develop several sites. Under the timeline for that plan, construction of a new headquarters building would have been completed by 2012. But the nationwide economic downturn has made it virtually impossible to obtain financing for the construction of new office buildings.
U The decision to lease space enables the company to establish a strong presence in the city while continuing to pursue plans to develop a new downtown headquarters when commercial construction financing becomes more available across the country.
“We pledge to fulfill our commitment to the city. This is an interim step that allows us to begin transforming Detroit into a high-tech hub of business and ingenuity,” said company founder and chairman Dan Gilbert. “Our goal is to develop a downtown headquarters once construction financing becomes available for large-scale building projects the likes of which we plan to undertake.”
“Our move to the Compuware Building will get our folks working in the city even quicker than if we waited out the construction process as originally planned,” said Matt Cullen, president and COO of Rock Ventures, who is spearheading Quicken Loans’ move downtown. “The 1,700 people we are bringing downtown will have an immediate and profound impact on the city’s economy, in terms of income tax, retail spending and housing.”
“This agreement extends an already great partnership between two of Michigan’s most innovative companies,” said Compuware Chairman and CEO Peter Karmanos, Jr. “Bringing Quicken Loans and Compuware together at One Campus Martius will make our workplace even more dynamic and collaborative. It’s great for both companies and for our employees.”
“Quicken Loans remains dedicated to being part of the ongoing transformation of the city,” said Gilbert. “As we’ve studied our site options for a new headquarters, we have continued to infuse energy into other business and infrastructure initiatives to enhance the city.”
Gilbert founded the Detroit-based Bizdom U, an entrepreneurial boot camp, in 2007, and is the co-chairman of M-1 Rail, a light rail system on Woodward Avenue that will connect Detroit’s largest cultural, entertainment, educational, medical and employment centers.
Our mission is to showcase Detroit’s exciting present and promising future by creating an urban environment that attracts businesses, residents and visitors.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Midtown Detroit, Inc.
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.midtowndetroitinc.org
Midtown Detroit, Inc. is a vital force in the success of Midtown’s revitalization; helping to promote community property.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to support and enhance community and economic development in the Midtown area through collaboration and partnerships with key stakeholders and supportive funders. MDI is the result of a collaborative merger between the University Cultural Center Association and the New Center Council, whose organizations had a similar mission and a focus on real estate development, economic development, and the preservation of the districts’ history. Both prior organizations have been responsible for a remarkable number of successful community initiatives that have encouraged new housing development, increased visitorship to area attractions, supported new and increased commercial activity, and expedited infrastructure improvements to revitalize the greater Midtown district.
MDI will continue to be a major catalyst in supporting the involvement of core neighborhood and community organizations in addressing the social and economic needs of the Midtown district. Midtown’s revitalization has been successful due to collaboration and committed participation of the area’s arts, culture, academic, medical and service institutions; corporations; government; property and business owners; community and neighborhood organizations; and partnerships with private, philanthropic and public entities. Nearly 150 member organizations and more than 300 representatives from these organizations actively participate in MDI activities through committees that have been responsible for the completion and/or ongoing operation of over 30 programs and projects in the Midtown district.
A vital force in the success of Midtown’s revitalization is MDI’s ongoing community improvement initiatives include maintaining the aesthetic value of local public spaces; providing walkable passage to area attractions and businesses; championing new construction; encouraging reinvestment; preserving our heritage through restoration and renovation of the area’s buildings and homes; and enhancing awareness and appreciation of the area through marketing and special events. These initiatives have successfully positioned the region as a sustainable urban center that is a vibrant, diverse, and desirable destination.
he area is also home to exceptional art, culture, education, and medical establishments. MDI has created appealing walkable access to these venues and area stores, which promotes increased visitorship in addition to providing easy and attractive passage for the community. These walkable greenways provide additional open green spaces and enhanced safety features creating an inviting environment and contributing to the many reasons Midtown has experienced a surge in population growth.
The increased appeal of Midtown and the corresponding rise in residency have generated a need for additional mixed-income and mixed-use residential development. The need has spurred reinvestment, new construction and renovation of existing buildings and homes, and an increase in businesses, services, and entertainment all placed in close proximity to its residents, workforce, and visitors, making the area more desirable, improving the quality of life, revitalizing the community and creating economic stability.
Midtown is home to the largest concentration of cultural, educational and medical institutions in Southeast Michigan. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Public Library, C. H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, Masonic Temple, Wayne State University Research and Technology Park (TechTown) and the Henry Ford Hospital campus are all based in the Midtown district. Midtown establishments host two million visitors annually and the area has a daytime population of fifty thousand. Midtown boasts 2 radio stations, its own symphony, 2 historic inns, 10 theaters, 7 museums, over 30 restaurants, 13 galleries, 2 radio stations, 2 hardware stores, 2 dry cleaners, an organic bakery, fresh markets, a gourmet farmers market and a multitude of other services and shopping destinations in addition to ongoing activities and events - all within 2.8 square miles, making the area one of the best walkable communities in Detroit.
Midtown is one of the fastest developing areas in Detroit with a growing residential base and many opportunities for new construction and rehabilitation as well as restoration within its many historic neighborhoods. Midtown’s largest population is comprised of persons between the ages of 25-44 in addition to a considerable number of seniors, a growing moderate-to middle-income component, and a significant concentration of low-income residents.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit planning and development organization that supports the physical maintenance and revitalization of the Midtown Detroit area, while working to enhance public awareness, appreciation and use of the district.
With the 2011 merger of the University Cultural Center Association and New Center Council, MDI assumed the initiatives and programs of an expanded geographic footprint incorporating both the Midtown Detroit and the New Center areas. Midtown Detroit is bordered by the Edsel Ford Freeway (I-94) to the north, the Fisher Freeway (I-75) to the south, the Lodge freeway (M-10) on the west, and Chrysler Freeway (I-75) on the east. The additional New Center area is just west of the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Grand Boulevard, and is approximately bounded by Virginia Park Historic District on the north, the Ford Freeway (I-94) on the south, John R on the east and the Lodge Freeway (M-10), including the Henry Ford Hospital campus on the west.
The unique character and resources of Midtown Detroit inspired the leaders of Wayne State University, the College for Creative Studies, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Engineering Society of Detroit to form Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MID) affiliate the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA) which was created in 1976.
In 1987, after an internal review of the organization's mission, changes were implemented including Board of Directors restructuring, expanded membership, progressive dues structure, and access to greater resources to initiate new and expanded projects. In 1995, the Board of Directors developed a strategic plan that focused on the area’s growth and associated needs. Priorities that were identified include expanded parking capacity; area maintenance and beautification; area-wide directional signage; and the creation of a forum where members of the police department and public safety collaborated to ensure a safe district.
Since 2000, UCCA, an affiliate of MDI, has played a significant role in the community and economic development of the Midtown district. MDI and its affiliate, UCCA, have raised over $55 million for a variety of initiatives. While all are important, some of the most notable include the restoration and conversion of six historic homes into a boutique hotel; the Midtown Greenway; the Woodward Avenue Streetscape Enhancement project; the creation of the Sugar Hill Arts District; the construction of two community gardens; the renovation of over twenty commercial facades throughout the district, and increased security and safety via a Security Matching Grant program for property and businesses owners. In addition, the organization has also facilitated funding for over 30 residential developments resulting in over 700 new units of housing and has assisted over 20 local businesses with technical assistance and financing.
Most recently, MDI has implemented a number of new anchor institution initiatives such as “Live Midtown” and “Buy Detroit” programs. To date, over 200 employees have been approved for the Live Midtown residential incentive program and anchor institutions have begun to purchase from a number of local businesses in the areas of food, recycling, waste removal, and facilities maintenance.
MDI also developed a successful comprehensive communication and marketing campaign to increase awareness of Midtown’s numerous qualities, stimulate population growth, and attract new business to the area. The campaign advertises housing options; connects people to Midtown museums, theatres, galleries, restaurants, and retail stores; and promotes local cultural events including MDI’s two signature events – Art X Detroit and Noel Night.
In 2010, the City of Detroit was selected to participate in the Living Cities Integration Initiative, with MDI as the lead applicant. Through the Integration Initiative, Detroit is eligible for up to $22 million in grants, commercial loans and Program-Related Investments (PRIs) to support its efforts. The funding will help stabilize the Midtown area, adjacent North End neighborhood, and New Center area, through blight reduction, the productive re-use of land and buildings, and the improvement of key neighborhoods, providing access to improved educational, employment, and small business opportunities.
In early 2011, Midtown Detroit, Inc. was formally approved with the merger of UCCA and New Center Council.
The organization has expanded its staff and geographic footprint, increased its real estate investment activities and is implementing additional programs. This new footprint incorporates TechTown and the New Center area which will allow the organization to work more closely with the Henry Ford Health System, University Preparatory Schools, College for Creative Studies, TechTown, and many other anchors.
Website: www.midtowndetroitinc.org
Midtown Detroit, Inc. is a vital force in the success of Midtown’s revitalization; helping to promote community property.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to support and enhance community and economic development in the Midtown area through collaboration and partnerships with key stakeholders and supportive funders. MDI is the result of a collaborative merger between the University Cultural Center Association and the New Center Council, whose organizations had a similar mission and a focus on real estate development, economic development, and the preservation of the districts’ history. Both prior organizations have been responsible for a remarkable number of successful community initiatives that have encouraged new housing development, increased visitorship to area attractions, supported new and increased commercial activity, and expedited infrastructure improvements to revitalize the greater Midtown district.
MDI will continue to be a major catalyst in supporting the involvement of core neighborhood and community organizations in addressing the social and economic needs of the Midtown district. Midtown’s revitalization has been successful due to collaboration and committed participation of the area’s arts, culture, academic, medical and service institutions; corporations; government; property and business owners; community and neighborhood organizations; and partnerships with private, philanthropic and public entities. Nearly 150 member organizations and more than 300 representatives from these organizations actively participate in MDI activities through committees that have been responsible for the completion and/or ongoing operation of over 30 programs and projects in the Midtown district.
A vital force in the success of Midtown’s revitalization is MDI’s ongoing community improvement initiatives include maintaining the aesthetic value of local public spaces; providing walkable passage to area attractions and businesses; championing new construction; encouraging reinvestment; preserving our heritage through restoration and renovation of the area’s buildings and homes; and enhancing awareness and appreciation of the area through marketing and special events. These initiatives have successfully positioned the region as a sustainable urban center that is a vibrant, diverse, and desirable destination.
he area is also home to exceptional art, culture, education, and medical establishments. MDI has created appealing walkable access to these venues and area stores, which promotes increased visitorship in addition to providing easy and attractive passage for the community. These walkable greenways provide additional open green spaces and enhanced safety features creating an inviting environment and contributing to the many reasons Midtown has experienced a surge in population growth.
The increased appeal of Midtown and the corresponding rise in residency have generated a need for additional mixed-income and mixed-use residential development. The need has spurred reinvestment, new construction and renovation of existing buildings and homes, and an increase in businesses, services, and entertainment all placed in close proximity to its residents, workforce, and visitors, making the area more desirable, improving the quality of life, revitalizing the community and creating economic stability.
Midtown is home to the largest concentration of cultural, educational and medical institutions in Southeast Michigan. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Public Library, C. H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, Masonic Temple, Wayne State University Research and Technology Park (TechTown) and the Henry Ford Hospital campus are all based in the Midtown district. Midtown establishments host two million visitors annually and the area has a daytime population of fifty thousand. Midtown boasts 2 radio stations, its own symphony, 2 historic inns, 10 theaters, 7 museums, over 30 restaurants, 13 galleries, 2 radio stations, 2 hardware stores, 2 dry cleaners, an organic bakery, fresh markets, a gourmet farmers market and a multitude of other services and shopping destinations in addition to ongoing activities and events - all within 2.8 square miles, making the area one of the best walkable communities in Detroit.
Midtown is one of the fastest developing areas in Detroit with a growing residential base and many opportunities for new construction and rehabilitation as well as restoration within its many historic neighborhoods. Midtown’s largest population is comprised of persons between the ages of 25-44 in addition to a considerable number of seniors, a growing moderate-to middle-income component, and a significant concentration of low-income residents.
Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit planning and development organization that supports the physical maintenance and revitalization of the Midtown Detroit area, while working to enhance public awareness, appreciation and use of the district.
With the 2011 merger of the University Cultural Center Association and New Center Council, MDI assumed the initiatives and programs of an expanded geographic footprint incorporating both the Midtown Detroit and the New Center areas. Midtown Detroit is bordered by the Edsel Ford Freeway (I-94) to the north, the Fisher Freeway (I-75) to the south, the Lodge freeway (M-10) on the west, and Chrysler Freeway (I-75) on the east. The additional New Center area is just west of the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Grand Boulevard, and is approximately bounded by Virginia Park Historic District on the north, the Ford Freeway (I-94) on the south, John R on the east and the Lodge Freeway (M-10), including the Henry Ford Hospital campus on the west.
The unique character and resources of Midtown Detroit inspired the leaders of Wayne State University, the College for Creative Studies, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Engineering Society of Detroit to form Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MID) affiliate the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA) which was created in 1976.
In 1987, after an internal review of the organization's mission, changes were implemented including Board of Directors restructuring, expanded membership, progressive dues structure, and access to greater resources to initiate new and expanded projects. In 1995, the Board of Directors developed a strategic plan that focused on the area’s growth and associated needs. Priorities that were identified include expanded parking capacity; area maintenance and beautification; area-wide directional signage; and the creation of a forum where members of the police department and public safety collaborated to ensure a safe district.
Since 2000, UCCA, an affiliate of MDI, has played a significant role in the community and economic development of the Midtown district. MDI and its affiliate, UCCA, have raised over $55 million for a variety of initiatives. While all are important, some of the most notable include the restoration and conversion of six historic homes into a boutique hotel; the Midtown Greenway; the Woodward Avenue Streetscape Enhancement project; the creation of the Sugar Hill Arts District; the construction of two community gardens; the renovation of over twenty commercial facades throughout the district, and increased security and safety via a Security Matching Grant program for property and businesses owners. In addition, the organization has also facilitated funding for over 30 residential developments resulting in over 700 new units of housing and has assisted over 20 local businesses with technical assistance and financing.
Most recently, MDI has implemented a number of new anchor institution initiatives such as “Live Midtown” and “Buy Detroit” programs. To date, over 200 employees have been approved for the Live Midtown residential incentive program and anchor institutions have begun to purchase from a number of local businesses in the areas of food, recycling, waste removal, and facilities maintenance.
MDI also developed a successful comprehensive communication and marketing campaign to increase awareness of Midtown’s numerous qualities, stimulate population growth, and attract new business to the area. The campaign advertises housing options; connects people to Midtown museums, theatres, galleries, restaurants, and retail stores; and promotes local cultural events including MDI’s two signature events – Art X Detroit and Noel Night.
In 2010, the City of Detroit was selected to participate in the Living Cities Integration Initiative, with MDI as the lead applicant. Through the Integration Initiative, Detroit is eligible for up to $22 million in grants, commercial loans and Program-Related Investments (PRIs) to support its efforts. The funding will help stabilize the Midtown area, adjacent North End neighborhood, and New Center area, through blight reduction, the productive re-use of land and buildings, and the improvement of key neighborhoods, providing access to improved educational, employment, and small business opportunities.
In early 2011, Midtown Detroit, Inc. was formally approved with the merger of UCCA and New Center Council.
The organization has expanded its staff and geographic footprint, increased its real estate investment activities and is implementing additional programs. This new footprint incorporates TechTown and the New Center area which will allow the organization to work more closely with the Henry Ford Health System, University Preparatory Schools, College for Creative Studies, TechTown, and many other anchors.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Detroit Urbex
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.detroiturbex.com
Why?
- Because people need to see what is happening to the people and city of Detroit.
What's happening to Detroit?
- This is a good place to start.
What's the point of this site?
- To raise awareness of the social and economic challenges the city of Detroit faces through photography.
What is urban exploration / urbex?
- The exploring or photographing abandoned buildings and places. You can read an introduction on Wikipedia.
Is what you're doing legal?
- No.
Will you show me around X location?
- Email me.
Where is X location?
- With a few exceptions, I don't make any effort to conceal the whereabouts of a location. Most of them are already well-known, and can be found easily enough with a little detective work.
Your photos suck, you hack hipster douchebag.
- Mom, seriously, leave me alone.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Website: www.detroiturbex.com
Why?
- Because people need to see what is happening to the people and city of Detroit.
What's happening to Detroit?
- This is a good place to start.
What's the point of this site?
- To raise awareness of the social and economic challenges the city of Detroit faces through photography.
What is urban exploration / urbex?
- The exploring or photographing abandoned buildings and places. You can read an introduction on Wikipedia.
Is what you're doing legal?
- No.
Will you show me around X location?
- Email me.
Where is X location?
- With a few exceptions, I don't make any effort to conceal the whereabouts of a location. Most of them are already well-known, and can be found easily enough with a little detective work.
Your photos suck, you hack hipster douchebag.
- Mom, seriously, leave me alone.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Challenge Detroit
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.challengedetroit.org
Challenge Detroit is a leadership and professional development program that has invited 30 of tomorrow's leaders to live, work, play, and give in and around the greater Detroit area for one year.
Can retaining and attracting 30 of the best and brightest innovative thinkers really make a difference? Detroit is betting on it. Challenge Detroit fellows have the courage, passion, and drive to make a difference. Combine this with a community-wide effort of highly connected, motivated, creative, innovative thinkers, and the formula will be explosive!
Fellows will receive incentives to live in selected areas of Detroit.
All 30 fellows will work approximately 32 hours per week at their host company for an entire year.
To strengthen the bond between the 30 fellows while demonstrating the positive qualities of the region, Challenge Detroit, along with local organizations, will make monthly social and cultural activities happen.
The 30 will participate in monthly team challenges designed to positively impact the community while keeping the fellows as well as the followers of Challenge Detroit engaged.
During their year in Detroit, each fellow will gain new insights about the city and the greater Detroit region. We expect, through their experiences with Challenge Detroit, these individuals will be intrigued to stay in Detroit, work in Detroit, even start their own business in Detroit. And by doing so, they will have a positive influence on many other people who are looking for a great city to plant their personal flag.
You can be a part of it! Participate, support, or just follow us as our fellows lend their intellectual capital to philanthropic challenges that contribute to the growth and revitalization of the greater Detroit region.
Accept the challenge to be a part of the REVITALIZATION EFFORTS FOR ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CITIES IN THE WORLD!
Website: www.challengedetroit.org
Challenge Detroit is a leadership and professional development program that has invited 30 of tomorrow's leaders to live, work, play, and give in and around the greater Detroit area for one year.
Can retaining and attracting 30 of the best and brightest innovative thinkers really make a difference? Detroit is betting on it. Challenge Detroit fellows have the courage, passion, and drive to make a difference. Combine this with a community-wide effort of highly connected, motivated, creative, innovative thinkers, and the formula will be explosive!
Fellows will receive incentives to live in selected areas of Detroit.
All 30 fellows will work approximately 32 hours per week at their host company for an entire year.
To strengthen the bond between the 30 fellows while demonstrating the positive qualities of the region, Challenge Detroit, along with local organizations, will make monthly social and cultural activities happen.
The 30 will participate in monthly team challenges designed to positively impact the community while keeping the fellows as well as the followers of Challenge Detroit engaged.
During their year in Detroit, each fellow will gain new insights about the city and the greater Detroit region. We expect, through their experiences with Challenge Detroit, these individuals will be intrigued to stay in Detroit, work in Detroit, even start their own business in Detroit. And by doing so, they will have a positive influence on many other people who are looking for a great city to plant their personal flag.
You can be a part of it! Participate, support, or just follow us as our fellows lend their intellectual capital to philanthropic challenges that contribute to the growth and revitalization of the greater Detroit region.
Accept the challenge to be a part of the REVITALIZATION EFFORTS FOR ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CITIES IN THE WORLD!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
WDWOT
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.whydontweownthis.com
Why Don’t We Own This? is a service by LOVELAND Technologies that displays every property in a city and provides meaningful lenses to understand property information including:
- Ownership Information
- Property Tax Status
- Information
- Foreclosure Prevention Resources
- Property Tax Payment Portals
- Real-Time Foreclosure Auction Updates
- Social Channels to comment and connect with others
- Additional tools for those who join our $25 annual membership program
The focus of Why Don’t We Own This? is Detroit, Michigan. We started WDWOT in 2011 to track the Wayne County Foreclosure Auction. Each year our work has grown along with the size and scale of the foreclosure auction and its effect on the City of Detroit, and now we're branching out to provide more year-round property and land use services.
We strive to provide property information in a clean and interactive way that is intuitive to use while increasing the sense of ownership and power a citizen has in their city. Hopefully WDWOT helps prevent the accidental and unnecessary loss of properties to tax foreclosure and auction, and helps connect you with otherwise invisible opportunities for enlightenment, investment, charity, and support.
It's free to look up information and comment on WDWOT, but we encourage you to become an annual member for $25 plus an optional tip of your choosing. Memberships and tips allow us to run and develop the service, and they also give you access to additional site features.
We're constantly developing things and looking for feedback on not only how to improve the site, but how to work with governments, businesses, neighborhood groups, and nonprofits. Our feedback page is at whydontweownthis.com/topics/feedback.
Website: www.whydontweownthis.com
Why Don’t We Own This? is a service by LOVELAND Technologies that displays every property in a city and provides meaningful lenses to understand property information including:
- Ownership Information
- Property Tax Status
- Information
- Foreclosure Prevention Resources
- Property Tax Payment Portals
- Real-Time Foreclosure Auction Updates
- Social Channels to comment and connect with others
- Additional tools for those who join our $25 annual membership program
The focus of Why Don’t We Own This? is Detroit, Michigan. We started WDWOT in 2011 to track the Wayne County Foreclosure Auction. Each year our work has grown along with the size and scale of the foreclosure auction and its effect on the City of Detroit, and now we're branching out to provide more year-round property and land use services.
We strive to provide property information in a clean and interactive way that is intuitive to use while increasing the sense of ownership and power a citizen has in their city. Hopefully WDWOT helps prevent the accidental and unnecessary loss of properties to tax foreclosure and auction, and helps connect you with otherwise invisible opportunities for enlightenment, investment, charity, and support.
It's free to look up information and comment on WDWOT, but we encourage you to become an annual member for $25 plus an optional tip of your choosing. Memberships and tips allow us to run and develop the service, and they also give you access to additional site features.
We're constantly developing things and looking for feedback on not only how to improve the site, but how to work with governments, businesses, neighborhood groups, and nonprofits. Our feedback page is at whydontweownthis.com/topics/feedback.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Downtown Detroit Partnership
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.downtowndetroit.org
Downtown Detroit Partnership is a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders that supports, advocates and develops programs and initiatives designed to create a clean, safe, beautiful, inviting, vibrant and economically viable Downtown Detroit community.
Downtown Detroit is the region’s social, cultural and commerce center and premier destination to live, work, play, visit, invest and conduct business.
We are passionate about transforming Downtown Detroit.
We believe creating meaningful, trusting, respectful relationships is essential to the transformation of Detroit.
We believe in teamwork, deep collaboration and the cross-pollination of all stakeholders.
We believe we must perform with excellence in all that we do.
We believe we must communicate openly, honestly and frequently with all stakeholders.
Website: www.downtowndetroit.org
Downtown Detroit Partnership is a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders that supports, advocates and develops programs and initiatives designed to create a clean, safe, beautiful, inviting, vibrant and economically viable Downtown Detroit community.
Downtown Detroit is the region’s social, cultural and commerce center and premier destination to live, work, play, visit, invest and conduct business.
We are passionate about transforming Downtown Detroit.
We believe creating meaningful, trusting, respectful relationships is essential to the transformation of Detroit.
We believe in teamwork, deep collaboration and the cross-pollination of all stakeholders.
We believe we must perform with excellence in all that we do.
We believe we must communicate openly, honestly and frequently with all stakeholders.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Detroit Unreal Estate Agency
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.detroitunrealestateagency.blogspot.com
Detroit Unreal Estate Agency's members produce, collect and inventory information on the ‘unreal estate’ of Detroit: that is, on the remarkable, distinct, characteristic or subjectively significant sites of urban culture. The agency is aimed at new types of urban practices (architecturally, artistically, institutionally, everyday life, etc) that came into existence, creating a new value system in Detroit.
The project is an initiative by architects Andrew Herscher and Mireille Roddier, curator Femke Lutgerink and Partizan Publik's Christian Ernsten and Joost Janmaat.
In collaboration with the Dutch Art Institute and the University of Michigan, generously funded by the Mondriaan Foundation and Fonds BKVB.
Website: www.detroitunrealestateagency.blogspot.com
Detroit Unreal Estate Agency's members produce, collect and inventory information on the ‘unreal estate’ of Detroit: that is, on the remarkable, distinct, characteristic or subjectively significant sites of urban culture. The agency is aimed at new types of urban practices (architecturally, artistically, institutionally, everyday life, etc) that came into existence, creating a new value system in Detroit.
The project is an initiative by architects Andrew Herscher and Mireille Roddier, curator Femke Lutgerink and Partizan Publik's Christian Ernsten and Joost Janmaat.
In collaboration with the Dutch Art Institute and the University of Michigan, generously funded by the Mondriaan Foundation and Fonds BKVB.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
ARISE Detroit !
Location: Detroit, MI
Website: www.arisedetroit.org
ARISE stands for Activating Resources and Inspiring Service and Empowerment.
Our goal is to promote a greater citizen involvement and community awareness of organizations and services that help a community function better.
We are creating a permanent network of organizations and their volunteers offering programs that support children and families.
Our mission is to inspire a community of active engagement, personal responsibility and hope by connecting people to opportunities and resources to transform the quality of life for all Detroiters.
Vision Detroit will be a city where children are loved and mentored, families are healthy and strong, and everyone is instilled with a spirit of hope and engaged in community service.
Website: www.arisedetroit.org
ARISE stands for Activating Resources and Inspiring Service and Empowerment.
Our goal is to promote a greater citizen involvement and community awareness of organizations and services that help a community function better.
We are creating a permanent network of organizations and their volunteers offering programs that support children and families.
Our mission is to inspire a community of active engagement, personal responsibility and hope by connecting people to opportunities and resources to transform the quality of life for all Detroiters.
Vision Detroit will be a city where children are loved and mentored, families are healthy and strong, and everyone is instilled with a spirit of hope and engaged in community service.
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