Stories We're Telling

Power to the people: New series to spotlight urban innovators

Claire Nelson & Jessie F. Hahn Tuesday, July 07, 2015

What do you think of when you hear the words "urban innovation"? Do you think of smart technology and clean energy? Or open data and civic tech? Maybe you think of entrepreneurship or creative placemaking or the future of mobility? It's easy to forget, but all of these have one thing in common: people.

Detroiters buying local at Great Lakes Coffee

So you want to be a localist? Three ways to up your game

Jessica Meyer Monday, June 29, 2015

Do you believe in the power of small business to restore community? If so, you might be a localist. Here are three simple suggestions for how to contribute to the localist movement in a meaningful, holistic way.

Can urban hostels turn a profit by striking a balance?

Jamie Siebrase Monday, June 22, 2015

Lessons from Denver for creating a thriving hostel scene that balances style and amenities with affordability.

Development, Preservation

Confluence - Denver

Three ways to keep housing affordable for artists

Camille LeFevre Wednesday, May 13, 2015

First, help policy makers understand the role of the artist in urban vitality.

Arts and Culture, Community, Real Estate Residential, Rehab/Renovation

The Line - Minneapolis/St. Paul, High Ground - Memphis

5 ways to support artists in your community

Laura Zabel & Carl Atiya Swanson Friday, March 20, 2015

You may have read that the rise of the creative entrepreneur is leading to the death of the artist. That’s not our experience. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with people in communities all across the United States, and there are artists everywhere.

Postcards from the edge: The enterprising pioneers of Denver's legalized pot industry

Eric Peterson Thursday, February 19, 2015

As the first city in the world to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana, Denver is facing a rush of entrepreneurialism, gentrification, and -- in some sectors -- controversy. An in-depth look into how the budding pot industry is affecting the city's economic and social landscape.

What smart cities can learn from Minneapolis, capital of 'The North'

brian martucci Thursday, February 19, 2015

Downtown Minneapolis is booming with new residents, and growth is spilling into outlying neighborhoods. Now plans are in the works to ensure that existing residents and artists have a seat at the table.

Why Minneapolis is the new capital of �The North�

brian martucci Sunday, January 11, 2015

City leaders believe that Minneapolis should be the first non-coastal city that knowledge workers and business leaders think of after Chicago. Here's a look at why.

Philly residents and police working together

Police-community partnerships offer way to improve neighborhood safety

brandon alcorn Monday, December 08, 2014

Dozens of communities across the U.S. have formed effective, ongoing partnerships with the police that have improved safety and trust.

the art of ordinary life: why storytelling nights are suddenly everywhere

Lee Chilcote Saturday, November 01, 2014

In our hyperconnected, digital age, people hunger for real stories. In Cleveland and across the country, storytelling nights are growing thanks to the popularity of The Moth, This American Life and other programs that elevate life into art.

VIDEO: Hundreds find new ideas for their cities at inaugural Urban Innovation Exchange

Iron Coast Monday, October 13, 2014

In September, innovators from around the country convened in Detroit to exchange their ideas for building better cities and stronger communities. For three days, Detroit was transformed into a marketplace for ideas for cities.

Want to get people back to work? Fill the basic skills gap

Lee Chilcote Friday, October 10, 2014

Low-income workers like Tawnee McCluskey often lack the basic skills needed to find a good job. To bridge the gap, experts says it's essential to invest in training. Yet despite millions of people out of work, programs are hard to find.

How public art builds safer, stronger neighborhoods

Anna Clark Monday, October 06, 2014

Forget your ideas about giant abstract sculptures on museum lawns. In Detroit, public art is an essential part of community life.

arts & culture

Model D - Detroit

13 ideas for your city from the first-ever Urban Innovation Exchange

Walter Wasacz Saturday, October 04, 2014

Last week, a group of innovators behind small scale, place-based projects around the country convened in Detroit and talked about what works in their cities, sharing stories of success, failure, hard work and creativity.

Pop City - Pittsburgh, Fresh Water - Cleveland, Soapbox - Cincinnati, Model D - Detroit, Yonge Street - Toronto Area, 83 Degrees - Tampa Bay Area, Rapid Growth - Grand Rapids Area, Concentrate - Ann Arbor Area, Second Wave - Mid Michigan, Elevation - Washington, DC, Capital Gains - Lansing Area, Keystone Edge - State of Pennsylvania, Confluence - Denver, The Line - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Second Wave - UP Michigan, Second Wave - SW Michigan, Metromode - Metro Detroit, Flying Kite - Philadelphia Area, Second Wave - NW Michigan

Can small ideas add up to big change for cities? 13 projects that prove they can (VIDEO)

Claire Nelson & John Notarianni Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Urban revitalization is not built on stadiums and skyscrapers alone. Vibrant cities begin with passionate people working on the ground, doing the creative heavy lifting to make their communities better. Leading up to Urban Innovation Exchange Sept. 24-26 in Detroit, we take a look at 13 small projects with big potential.

Arts and Culture, Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Preservation, Rehab/Renovation, Sustainability