Optimism is beginning to percolate across much of the city, as a can-do mayor attempts to make good on bold promises. Hard numbers are more difficult to come by.
Benchmark Detroit: Six months later
Posted inUrban Affairs
Benchmark: Jobs
In Detroit, there are stirrings of job growth in the usual places, but data is still scant on improving prospects for most city residents.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Benchmark: City services
Mayor Duggan promised progress on lights, blight and buses and, by his office’s own count at least, there is progress.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Benchmark: Livability
A city’s quality of life can be hard to define, but a few steps forward could give Detroit residents a warm feeling about the future.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Even with limited powers, Duggan in control
Six months in, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is focused intently on improving city services, selling himself to residents and consolidating power within the bankrupt city. Can the honeymoon last?
Posted inPhil's Column
What Michigan voters (really) want
Polls are a snapshot of public attitudes, but the state’s 2014 political candidates need the “Michigan Speaks” report to grasp what’s driving voters this election year.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Stacking rocks or dollars? A run around Mackinac stirs thoughts of both
Ask people why they run and you’ll get a lot of answers. On this particular day, it was those beach cairns on Mackinac Island.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Three cheers for the red, white and blue – or maybe just the hometown
It’s patriotism season. A few thoughts on how this seemingly simple emotion is far more complex than we might think.
Posted inTalent & Education
F is for frustrated – disorganization at Detroit EAA schools leaves students scrambling to graduate
Seniors graduating this month from high schools in the state reform school district complain of missing or inaccurate transcripts. Some are being told days before commencement they don’t have the required classes to graduate.
Posted inMichigan Government
Political reformers, with hardly a friend across the aisle, press on in Michigan
Redistricting reform, election reform and finance reform all have their supporters in Michigan, but most have Ds after their name.