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Detroit Regional Chamber > Detroit Policy Conference > Grassroots Efforts Reflect Power of Neighborhoods in Revitalization

Grassroots Efforts Reflect Power of Neighborhoods in Revitalization

March 2, 2015
As Detroit’s comeback continues, community and neighborhood inclusion will be key to its sustainability, as well as attracting new businesses and retaining current residents. That was one of the themes of the “Modeling Communities: The Neighborhood’s Role in Detroit’s Revitalization” panel at the Detroit Policy Conference. The panel was sponsored by Charter One.

The discussion highlighted several strategies for the city to better engage local leaders and block clubs, as well as grow small businesses in commercial corridors outside of greater downtown. Panelists explored how neighborhoods can organize themselves to better support businesses in their community and advocate effectively for them. The session also provided perspective on how these grassroots efforts can address key issues like blight with innovations such as creative land use that positively impact the quality of life.

Detroit Land Bank Authority Director of Public Affairs Craig Fahle moderated the discussion, which included panelists: Kenneth Cockrel Jr., executive director of Detroit Future City’s Implementation Office; Bonnie Fahoome, SWOT City portfolio manager at TechTown Detroit; Victoria Kovari, general manager of the Department of Neighborhoods for the city of Detroit; and Tahirih Ziegler, executive director of the Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corp.