2017 Detroit Policy Conference Recap

• Sen. Orrin Hatch: I Am Re-Committing to Civility

  We are inspired and encouraged that restoring civility in American politics was one of the three pillars at this year’s Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. Daily, if not hourly, our airwaves and computer news feeds are filled with cringe-worthy words, images and actions. Insulting commentary is reported and repeated. Hurtful words and deeds are liked, promoted and shared.

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• Power Perspectives Deliver Quick, Tangible Examples and Takeaways of Detroit’s Innovative Spirit

  Through discussions of art, community spirit, innovative design, and intelligent redevelopment, the Power Perspectives delivered at the 2017 Detroit Policy Conference shined a light on how Detroit has become a beacon for creativity and growth. Rita Fields, executive vice president …

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• Philanthropic Leaders: Greater Impact on Detroit’s Revitalization Dependent on Business Partnerships

  The philanthropic community’s contributions – from housing sustainability programs to youth education – was a critical step in Detroit’s post-bankruptcy revitalization. In the discussion, “Detroit’s Resurgence: Philanthropy’s Leading Role,” panelists highlighted how their respective organizations stimulated development throughout the city through projects, initiatives and programs while emphasizing the need for more collaboration with businesses.

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• Food Experts: Maintaining Detroit’s Momentum Begins with Healthy, Sustainable Meals for Communities

  The concurrent session “Farm to Table: Detroit’s Food Economy” brought perspectives from urban farm and food entrepreneurs, restauranteurs and nonprofits supporting community neighborhood development. Panelists discussed Detroit’s food landscape and the opportunities and challenges that the local food economy faces.

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• Social Entrepreneurs: It’s All About the Community

  Social entrepreneurship is a major part of Detroit’s innovative spirit and was on full display at the Conference. In a session centered around the idea of purpose-driven business, three Detroit-based business owners discussed their professional journeys, challenges and how their businesses have made a difference in the community.

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• Urban Mobility Solutions Are Reliant on a Willingness to Share

  Connecting people with efficient transportation options is essential to remaining competitive as a region. As part of the “Urban Mobility Solutions: Innovating Transportation” panel, leading mobility experts shared insight on Detroit’s efforts to transform into a more transportation-friendly city.

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• Workforce Experts: More Talent Needed to Fill Skilled Trades Gap

  In Detroit, there is a disconnect between available jobs and the lack of a skilled workforce to fill these open positions. During the panel, “Skills Wanted: Building Detroit’s Talent,” workforce development experts discussed the importance of providing Detroiters with the skills to fill in-demand jobs.

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• Kym Worthy: Public-Private Partnerships Changing Lives for Sexual Assault Victims

  Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy took the Sound Board stage during a session sponsored by Comcast Business to talk about the 11,341 untested sexual assault kits that were discovered in a Detroit Police Department property storage facility in 2009.

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• James Craig: Detroit’s Crime Trending Downward, but Hard Work Still Left to Do

  Fostering a safe city for residents, businesses and neighborhoods remains a top priority for Detroit Police Chief James Craig. In an intimate conversation with Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley, Craig outlined his vision to reduce crime and strengthen the city’s neighborhoods.

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• Toni Griffin: Detroit Is a Design and Planning Pioneer

  Sharing the power of inclusivity and strategic planning, Toni Griffin, founder of Urban Planning for the American City shared her perspective on Detroit’s progress during her opening keynote at this year’s Conference.

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• Janette Sadik-Khan: Revitalization Begins by Building Cities for People

  Drawing on examples from her crusade to make New York safer, more sustainable and more connected, Janette Sadik-Khan, transportation principal for Bloomberg Associates, challenged leaders to take risk and reimagine new ways to utilize existing infrastructure to move people and grow the region’s economy.

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• Detroit Developers: Thoughtful Inclusion Key to City’s Ongoing Transformation

  In the midst of countless projects underway, developers must continue to make intentional decisions to include all Detroiters in the city’s revitalization.

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