We have a dream that hopes to play itself out in Detroit in the coming months and years, and it has been very inspiring to see similar grass roots movements work in other places. Have you read up on Braddock Pennsylvania? Check it out here: http://www.15104.cc/.
Braddock was a Pennsylvania Steel town that went into serious decline in the 1970s, losing its income and its inhabitants. The town fell into decay, and the pictures of its "ruins" are quite similar to the pictures you can find by google image searching "detroit foreclosure."
But, in 2005, Mayor John Fetterman beat two other candidates in the mayoral race (one was a two time incumbent), and since that time, the town has worked steadily towards transformation. According to Braddock's website, the emphasis is three-fold: 1) improve the quality of life for young people already in Braddock, 2) attract outside energy from creative, urban, artistic new residents, and 3) subverting the Expressway designed to run through the middle of Braddock. Check out the pictures of their website- we think you'll be inspired. These goals are inspiring mostly because they have been very successful- the recently decrepit town is a thriving, gorgeous artist's community.
Clean Slate Detroit is in its infancy, and because of this, the idea enjoys a sort of flexibility and an adaptive quality. We've had helpful and constructive conversations with enthusiasts, the down-and-out, the successful and thriving, and our fair share of critics. All of these ideas have helped shape what Clean Slate Detroit will become, but it remains committed to dramatically reducing debt for those that are willing to invest blood, sweat, and tears into the landscape and fabric of Detroit. We envision a symbiotic relationship of true investment [new and old residents able to use their hands, skills, and hearts in the transformation of the urban ruin] while taking care of some of Detroit's greatest needs [what reporters and city leaders refer to as the "brain drain"].
We've also talked to people that don't believe. They just flat-out don't believe that transformation, positivity, or beauty can return to Detroit. We welcome these viewpoints because they improve our vision. But we remain hopeful and committed to a healthier, happier Detroit and a more liberated and energized workforce. Spread the word!
For another great article on Braddock, see http://www.monthlyreview.org/081222straub.php
