Features

"Detroit and the Innovative City" is a report on how to make Detroit a more innovative city that includes a deep dive into latest thinking on innovation in general, defines the three principles of an innovative city, and provides cross-sectoral recommendations for creating an innovation eco-system in Detroit. Here co-author Chad Rochkind shares some insights into the report and key takeaways on how to make Detroit the social innovation capital of the world.

How can cities better connect all residents to economic opportunity? It's the million-dollar question -- the question we hope our civic leaders, policymakers and philanthropists wake up every morning to answer. It is also a question we ought to be asking ourselves, within our own businesses and organizations: How can each of us help create greater opportunity for all?

Our eternally youthful Detroit correspondent revisits his skinny, 25-year-old self, and name checks Dennis Archer and Spike Lee to help sort out what's next for the city. Take it away, Sir James Boyle.

Meeting of the Minds is one of the premier annual leadership summits focused on urban sustainability, innovation and connected technology. The organization will hold its annual conference in Detroit this year September 30 through October 2. Here Managing Director Jessie Feller introduces Detroiters to the concept.

Instruction at Michigan State's Detroit Community Music School is done by working musicians and educators who are giving back some of the same elite training they received as students. Gather round as Veronica Grandison tunes into the scene.

Francis Grunow's presentation at last month's Idealab in Ann Arbor was so good we thought it should reach a wider audience in UIX, and we're also turning it into a three-part think series on Detroit neighborhoods. 

Khalilah Burt Gaston is the new Executive Director of Vanguard Community Development Corporation, and is collaborating with residents, businesses, and institutions along the Grand + Woodward Corridor to implement a cohesive plan for community development as part of the Grand + Woodward Building Sustainable Communities Initiative. 

The Detroit Achievement Academy, James and Grace Lee Boggs School and the Y Detroit Leadership Academy High School are opening this fall in the city. Amy Kuras shows us what we can expect.