Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, kicks things off by explaining how having improved public transportation will play a key role in revitalizing Michigan. Dan explains why this show is focusing on transportation and public transit.
The importance of public transportation: Journalist Jeff Gerritt, award-winning editorial writer for the Detroit Free Press, is the co-host of this show and talks about the history of public transportation in metro Detroit. Did you know Detroit had the first paved highway in the world? Gerritt, who lives in Detroit, discusses how improving public transit leads to a higher quality of life. Gerritt explains how he lives in Detroit and how many people like him want the urban experience.
Transit attracts young people: Oakland County Businessman Alan Kiriluk, founder and chairman of KIRCO, one of the leading real estate organizations in the Midwest. He talks about the need for public transit to retain our young people and create jobs and he doesn’t rule out raising taxes as a funding option. A little bit of public tax dollars can go along way when it comes to providing public transportation in communities.
Transit and today’s youth: U-M Instructor and Urban Planning expert Peter Allen discusses how young people today rely less on the automobile than did their parents and grandparents. He explains that “trolleys are sexy” to young people and how a commuter rail line from Howell to Ann Arbor to Detroit would be a major boost to Michigan’s economy. People in every community need to look at what they have in their area that makes for a viable community. Allen also explains today’s young people have a different view of public transportation than their parents and grandparents did.
Cooperation is key to success: Don Stypula, executive director of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, talks about efforts to improve public transportation in Kent and Ottawa Counties. He explains that governmental cooperation is key to having a successful public transit system. Cooperation among officials in Kent County plays a big role in the public transportation strides made in west Michigan.
Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, explains that the Prosperity Agenda radio show is about challenging listeners to help make Michigan a better place to live, work and play. Gilmartin said having vibrant and prosperous local communities is a key factor.
Gilmartin is joined by guest co-host Mary Kramer, publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business. They discuss how Michigan is losing nearly half of its college graduates - not because of jobs, but because they are drawn to urban centers with vibrant entertainment and cultural lifestyles. Michigan can create these types of cities.
Peter Kageyama, founder of the Creative Cities Summit, has been all over the nation speaking about effective cities. He gives examples of some U.S. cities that are doing a good job attracting young people and building vibrant communities. Kageyama also explains what our state needs to become great again.
David Egner, executive director of the New Economy Initiative and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation, explains the Foundation's goal to attract 15,000 young and talented Detroiters to live in Greater Downtown Detroit by 2015. It’s called the 15:15 Strategy. Egner said reaching this goal would help all of Michigan, not just Detroit.
Joe Borgstrom (photo top left) of MSHDA, unveils a new statewide contest called Pure Michigan Living where people share their stories about why they choose to live in Michigan. Those who tell their story on the Web site could win a free getaway to one of Michigan's resort destinations. Also, Sean Mann (photo bottom left) of Let’s Save Michigan talks about how his organization is asking people to pledge to make Michigan a better place.
According to the last US Census, 2/3 of college graduates between 24 and 35 chose where they wanted to live before they looked for a job.
Nearly half of Michiganders between the ages of 18-34 say they would visit downtown Detroit more often if there was a better transit system in place.
46% of Michigan's college graduates are leaving the state within a year of graduation.
Ann Arbor offers more than 200 unique dining experiences.
Each year Detroit’s peak-time commuters spend an average of 52 hours sitting in traffic congestion, which wastes 34 gallons of gas per person.
Michigan’s metropolitan areas account for 88% of the state’s gross domestic product and are home to 89% of the jobs.
Traverse City’s walkable downtown boasts more than 150 boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Detroit has the second-largest theater district in North America, after New York City.
Every $1 invested in public transit returns around $6 in local economic activity.
Cheers! Michigan ranks 6th in the nation in the number of brewpubs and microbreweries.
