Annual address to business
YOUNG PEOPLE TO REVIVE DETROIT
Bing sees fresh ideas, energy coming with them
Attracting young professionals to Detroit is a key piece to revitalizing the city and improving the economy, Mayor Dave Bing said Friday during his annual address to the business community. Even as the city continues to lose residents, Bing said, young people are moving in and bringing creative ideas, fresh energy and investments with them. That’s why Bing said he plans to make Midtown, a popular spot for young professionals and artists, an important component of his ambitious plan to reshape the city by creating denser neighborhoods with better services. “Midtown is going to be the hot spot,” Bing said at the Westin Book Cadillac hotel. “We’ll see a lot of activity there.” The idea of attracting young people has been tried before on the state level. Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm created so-called “cool cities” in an attempt to improve the state’s economy. But Midtown has something most areas don’t — colleges, art galleries, bike paths, theaters, condos, boutiques and an eclectic assortment of bars and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. Home to Wayne State University and Detroit Medical Center, Bing said the Midtown area is safe and stable and has room to grow. “Detroit is the place to be,” said Casey Jones, a 31-year-old welding artist who recently moved from Auburn Hills to a flat in Midtown. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.” As Bing continues to fill empty buildings with business and encourage growth in the health care sector, young professionals will play an important role, he said. “There are a lot of young people moving to Detroit because they see a tremendous opportunity and future,” Bing said. “I think we’re going to see a boom in young talent in the next two to five years.” Bing also hopes to attract another group — foreign investors who are creating jobs in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. “With all of this cheap land, we can cut some deals,” Bing said. The mayor plans to meet next week with Chinese business leaders who are scouting the area for potential expansions. To reverse the half-century population and economic decline, Bing assured those in attendance that the city is business-friendly. “Traditionally, Detroit has been looked upon as a city not friendly for business,” Bing said. “What I think has been missing in the past is good leadership. You can trust this administration.” Business leaders welcomed Bing’s words. “There is a new feeling of optimism” in the business community, said Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, which hosted the event. “We now see the makings of a great city and state.” • CONTACT STEVE NEAVLING: 586-826-7255 OR SNEAVLING@FREEPRESS.COM 
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