Michigan’s Cities of Promise: A Brief History
Michigan’s signature cities were once the centers of regional economic and social activity. Once vibrant and inspiring economic engines, these metropolitan areas put America on wheels, built machines that won wars, and provided opportunities for all Americans. During the past few decades, but especially in the past several years, continual automotive and manufacturing job losses, along with suburban flight and racial strife, have led to the decline of many of Michigan’s signature cities.
A New Collaborative Vision

In 2006, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, during her State of the State address, stated the crucial importance of Michigan’s cities in turning around Michigan’s economy. To help create a revitalization plan, she charged the leadership of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Department of Human Services with developing a far-reaching initiative to help cities with the highest rates of poverty and unemployment to reimagine and transform themselves. These plans included partnership teams of community-level decision makers and local officials as well as focused and cooperative programs between state agencies. Together, these groups are working to set their cities on a new course.

First Steps, First Results

In each of the eight Cities of Promise, local groups helped select a signature project to focus and dramatize their work. Each state agency provides a unique and engaged set of talent, resources, and expertise to help advance the vision of redevelopment. New state and local partners, nonprofits, and foundations were brought to the table. New resources were identified and shared. New ideas were born. Each of these cities faces a long and challenging road to recovery. But already, in many ways, each city has found resources, people, and ideas that can help create the path to get there.