News & Events
June 2006
An Island Unto Ourselves?
The Detroit Regional Chamber's annual gathering of southeast Michigan leaders always draws a big crowd, and this year was no different. Typically, the economy dominates the discussion. However, this year, the R-word was in full effect. Regionalism. Before a packed room in the Grand Hotel at Mackinac last week, Neil Pierce, chairman of the Citistates Group, cranked out example after case study after model touting the effects of a strong region on sustaining both the economic and social integrity of its constituent communities. And he was backed up not only by leaders around the country, but by some of southeast Michigan's most solid citizens as well.
Perhaps the most encouraging note from the conference was sounded when the "Big Four" announced the selection of political heavyweight John Hertel to head the Regional Transit Coordinating Council. As the response to SuperBowl XL pointed out, the region's lack of a comprehensive transit system is a barrier to economic development and a blot on our reputation. That our leadership is ready to take that critique and turn it into positive action is a definite sign of a change in the wind. It might just be time to connect our own little island to the rest of the world.
Metropolitan Detroit is at a crossroads in history. We have the option to proceed as we have for fifty years, fragmenting our governments, segregating our people and succumbing to the economic decline that is the inevitable consequence of our disconnectedness. Or we can transform our region into a beacon of prosperity by abandoning social prejudices, breaking down barriers between our communities and fostering interdependence and unity.
And translating our ideals into actions.
We must not underestimate the significant and substantial role that Michigan's suburbs play in crafting an effective region. We represent fully a third of the population of southeast Michigan and need a seat at the table. To earn that, however, we have to be willing as governments, business leaders and community advocates to commit to regional change.
But what do we agree on so wholeheartedly that all of our communities can play a substantive advocacy role? Transit has been rife with conflict. We duck our heads and mumble at the mention of race relations. Water? Uh, oh. One decidedly bright spot, however, is the increasing prevalence of intergovernmental collaboration on service delivery. Fire, police, public works...each of them represents a first step on the path to regionalism. But we need to do more.
At the Suburbs Alliance Annual Meeting last month we began to prioritize the state-level policy changes and regional actions that our coalition will focus on over the coming year, or longer. It's time to add your voice to that discussion. I hope you'll let me know what the most important issues facing this region are and what you think we should be doing as a coalition to impact them. Drop me a line at conan@suburbsalliance.org.
