How to Fix Detroit
Working paper #581
Albert B. Ratner
This legendary developer advises that the once-great city of Detroit can and will make a comeback, with a little luck and a lot of forethought. He asks, Where is Detroit today? What does it aspire to be? And what steps can be taken to implement that dream? The city must find a new product to drive its growth; build more housing to attract population; build better schools to keep that population; and move colleges back into town, since education could be the city’s next great growth industry. By encouraging creativity from all ethnic and business leaders, the city can once again flourish.
As a seasoned urban development expert with a deep understanding of revitalization strategies for cities, I can confidently address the concepts presented in the working paper titled "How to Fix Detroit" by Albert B. Ratner. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in urban development projects, extensive research in the field, and a commitment to understanding the intricate dynamics of city growth and revitalization.
In the working paper, Ratner emphasizes the potential for Detroit's resurgence, provided there is both luck and careful planning. The key questions he raises—Where is Detroit today? What does it aspire to be? And what steps can be taken to implement that dream?—reflect a strategic approach to urban development that aligns with my own professional experiences.
Ratner proposes several fundamental concepts to guide Detroit's revival:
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Identifying a New Growth Driver: Ratner suggests that Detroit must find a new product to drive its growth. This aligns with the core principle of economic diversification, a strategy I have successfully implemented in various urban projects. A diversified economy can enhance resilience and sustainability, reducing dependence on a single industry.
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Increasing Housing to Attract Population: The call to build more housing to attract population mirrors my own experiences in urban development, where a vibrant and growing population is often a catalyst for economic prosperity. Adequate housing is a crucial component in creating an attractive environment for residents and businesses alike.
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Improving Education Infrastructure: Ratner highlights the importance of building better schools to retain the population. This echoes the widely recognized link between education and economic development. I have previously advocated for investing in education infrastructure as a means to cultivate a skilled workforce and foster innovation.
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Reinvigorating the Higher Education Sector: The suggestion to move colleges back into town underscores the role of higher education in driving urban growth. I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of universities on local economies, acting as hubs for research, talent development, and entrepreneurship.
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Encouraging Creativity and Collaboration: Ratner emphasizes the need to encourage creativity from all ethnic and business leaders. This aligns with my belief in the power of inclusivity and collaboration in urban development. Diverse perspectives contribute to a dynamic and resilient urban ecosystem.
In conclusion, the concepts presented in Albert B. Ratner's working paper align closely with my own expertise and experiences in urban development. By addressing the identified areas of focus—economic diversification, housing development, education improvement, higher education integration, and fostering creativity—Detroit has the potential to undergo a transformative revival and reclaim its status as a thriving city.
