Michigan: big government working

Michigan and the domestic auto industry – the two are still inextricably linked – are now deservedly receiving national recognition for their comeback from a decade of decline. No longer worse in the nation, now a symbol of hope in what is still a bad national economy. What is not included in most of those […]

Dumb on transit again

It goes from bad to worse when it comes to transit in metro Detroit. First the city and state walking away from the Woodward light rail, now the city of Troy refusing to take federal funds for a transit center. What makes Troy worse is that the vote is only partially about not valuing transit, […]

For economic growth: M1

The news that the city and state have walked away from the Woodward light rail (M1) is not a good way to end the year. Big mistake! M1 – and not a bus rapid transit system which is now the preferred alternative – is the most powerful potential long-term game changer for Detroit. For a […]

Manhattan

Travelled to Manhattan over the Thanksgiving holiday. Wow! I’m always amazed at its vibrancy and prosperity. And then I come back to Michigan and get reengaged in the public conversation about our economy. A greater disconnect is hard to imagine. Here the dominant narrative about the economy is that everything that makes Manhattan a powerful […]

Snyder on talent

Governor Snyder’s special message on talent is quite remarkable. The fact that there was a special message – reserved for only the state’s top priorities – on talent is noteworthy in and of itself. Believe me talent never before has received this kind of high profile attention by a Michigan governor. Highlights of the message […]

Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

Seems like there is something wrong with this picture: State policy makers moving towards requiring all Michigan school children to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each school day and at the same time voting in favor of banning domestic partner benefits and the State Senate turning Michigan into a national model of intolerance with anti-bullying […]

New high school(s) competition

Our Michigan Future Schools (MFS) initiative is taking applications for grants and support services to help launch at least one new high school serving students from the City of Detroit in the fall of 2013. For those interested in applying for a grant you can find the request for proposal here. All applicants must attend […]