Transportation is the most important placemaking public investment
We finish our new report, “A path to good-paying careers for all Michiganders: Creating places across Michigan where people want to live and work,” and this blog series, with a deep dive into transportation. Transportation is at the epicenter of most of the themes of this report. It is Exhibit A––along with Flint water––of the […]
Michigan needs to invest in world-class 21st century infrastructure
As the tragedy of Flint reminded us all, up to date infrastructure is an essential ingredient to livable communities. Transportation, water, energy and digital communications systems need to be world class for Michigan communities to compete for talent. Our new report, “Creating places across Michigan where people want to live and work” goes into detail […]
We need state regulation that allows regional and local control and enables high-density development
Just as talent––the asset that matters most to future economic growth––comes in all human varieties, talented people are looking for a wide variety of quality of place features in where they want to live and work. Probably most importantly, some are attracted to low-density car-oriented neighborhoods and communities and others––particularly a growing portion of young […]
Why being “welcoming to all” is a key part of placemaking
The state must do its part to ensure that no talented workers are turned off and turned away by Michigan’s communities. That means a legal framework that prohibits all forms of discrimination, and access to the resources necessary for social and economic mobility. Being welcoming, in particular toward racial and ethnic minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, […]
Why placemaking is critical for Michigan’s prosperity
Over two decades of research has taught us one fundamental lesson: Talent = economic growth. The key to retaining and attracting talent is creating places where people want to live, work and play. Then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg got it right when he wrote in a Financial Times column: “The most creative individuals want […]