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Some people in Detroit feel like things don't suck quite so bad, even though they are still treading water. Cool anecdote.
Detroit has been, for many, the embodiment of the phrase "urban decay." But that all may be changing. But a recent rush of momentum has implanted the city with a positive energy that could possibly be infectious.
A town in ruins
Detroit is a city full of scandal, joblessness crime and despair. This is how urban decay starts. In just the last 10 years, about 25 percent of the population in the town has moved out. About 38 percent of those that remain are impoverished. Detroit's unemployment figures -- at 14.4 percent -- are among the highest in the U.S.
But a brand new character seems to be infecting the town. This can be a hopeful character.
Don’t forget about sports
The city's brand new spirit of confidence has been bolstered by new sporting victories. The Detroit Lions, who in 2008 finished 0-16, are now at 4-0 for the first time since 1980. There are the Detroit Tigers too. They will be in the American League Championship Series this year.
"I think it's fantastic," Tiger pitcher Justin Verlander said. "The more you win, the more fans come. Bringing people to downtown Detroit helps the economy tremendously."
Reviving downtown
The downtown area has been avoided by all businesses and citizens lately. That has started to change recently. Quicken Loans, DTE Energy and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have all moved their operations downtown and other major corporations are expected to follow, bringing jobs, income and vitality to the area.
The area downtown is starting to become very trendy. That means young individuals and artists are more likely to show up. "There's an awesome energy here," artist and teacher Stevie Ansara, 24, told USA Today. "The city is your canvas."
Increase in homes sold
All this optimism is also driving up home prices, which is a major indicator of economic growth. Detroit home values dropped 46 percent between 2005 and 2010. The July S&P/Case-Shiller numbers showed the largest increase in home values in the country. There was a 1 percent increase.
More people buying automobiles
For a while now, Detroit has been known in the car industry. It was nicknamed Motor City too because of this. But only three years ago, the sector, unable to compete with foreign automakers, was tottering on the brink of ruin -- so much so that federal bailouts were necessary to keep it alive.
Today Detroit's Big Three automakers are all in the black and making, some say, the best machines they have ever built. Jesse Toprak of TrueCar.com, said, "The real quality gaps between domestics and imports have almost vanished." American vehicles give individuals more for their cash than foreign automobiles, he also explained.
Needs to grow still
Detroit mayor Bing, former Pistons basketball star, is looking forward to how individuals in the city are doing. But he also warns against complacency. "I don't want to get too giddy just yet. We are still treading water."
A lot still needs to be done though. Detroit was at the top of the 2010 list of most violent places in America with 345 murders, according to Forbes.
Optimism spreading
For some reason, optimism spreads like crazy. Every person is getting happy. The town might help change the nation. More individuals just need to start being optimistic.
Citations
The Detroit News
USA Today
Huffington Post
Some people in Detroit feel like things don't suck quite so bad, even though they are still treading water. Cool anecdote.
Riposte, DarkReign?
The problem with exports, especially the more 'fuel-efficient' ones, is that they all look the same....American automakers are putting out some cool cars Japanese cars can't compete with...things are definitely swinging back around...
Then why are the Japanese doing so well in our markets?
I say the problem is poor US productivity for the dollar. Larger than good union wages, big corporate production tax rate vs. consumption taxes, US regulations... all competing against less costly way of doing business...
Yeah, those Japanese and their US factories really drive your point home...
Japanese cars are still cost effective because of their longevity, but these cars don't capture the spirit of America like
well, these
Why are wing-nuts like Yoni always selling American workers down the river?
(disclaimer: I own an American made, Japanese vehicle)
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