I read this article recently, a very grounded and intelligent look at global warming and what we need to be doing now in order to preserve a reasonable environmental future for ourselves and those around us. It got me thinking though. In many ways, Detroit could be model city numero uno to take on reasonable policies and/or community action that supports a lot of this stuff. As a city, we are turning more and more to policy groups like Declare Detroit, and it seems plausible that they could start rallying around simple steps that anyone can take to make a difference (like the article lays out) and diffusing the message that way. A three step plan (with manageable steps) is something anyone can handle. In the article, the author talks about three steps, the last of which could find a snug home in Detroit– this idea of just creating momentum behind the topic and rallying, something that many could argue we are sort of good at here in Detroit to begin with. So it sure does seems plausible that while we try to re-invent a town with the biggest rally the country has seen in 70+ years, we could also start to embrace some environmental policies that would make the rest of the country and Washington realize that baby steps aren’t THAT difficult. In fact, it’s not that we aren’t capable of making these transitions to a more greener mentality with the environment, it’s that deep within our socio-cultural fabric, we just don’t fall back on conservation– YET. But, as Detroit continues to grow and transform, it seems reasonable that some of the things Bill McKibben is saying in this article are practices and policies that we could employ on our way to the top.

The big day! Mayor Dave Bing’s ‘State of the City’ is happening on March 23. In anticipation of Bing’s plan, there’s talk all over town about consolidation of the city limits, bulldozing houses and concentrated investment in particular neighborhoods. In anticipation of all the big news, the Model D Speaker Series and Declare Detroit initiative are teaming up to hold a public forum on the evening of the 23rd to listen to Bing’s speech and discuss the results afterward. The event and address takes place on Tuesday, March 23 at 5:30pm. RSVP for the Speaker Series here.

Shorpy strikes again wih another cool Detroit photo, this one from around 1902 of the old post office.

The film got a basic writeup in local publication MLive, see it here.

And finally, a group of business leaders and community-minded people have been meeting for a while now to produce the DETROIT DECLARATION. It’s a pledge that we can make to adhere to 12 different principles that will keep our city on the right track. See the site and go ahead and declare Detroit for yourself. Tell your friends.