In his much anticipated first State of the City address, Mayor Dave Bing revealed his plans to reinvent and revitalize the city of Detroit. With a $300+ million budget deficit, a declining population, a declining tax base, high unemployment, and other factors; Mayor Bing laid out an outline for creating a new viable Detroit in a 30 minute address at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.
To set the tone, Mayor Bing began by stating that his administration inherited a city near bankruptcy financially, ethically, and operationally; A $325 million deficit and the threat of payless paydays by October of last year; unemployment approaching 30% and 50,000 homeowners facing foreclosure; a culture of corruption in city government and a mentality that we should continue doing things the same way simply because that the way we've always done it. As you can see inaction is not an option. It's going to take bold and aggressive moves, along with various changes and adjustments. It's going to take local, regional, state, and federal resources.
Mayor Bing mentioned some of the recent local success stories such as the Cobo Hall deal, the retention of the GM headquarters in the RenCen, the Greektown Casino deal, and the on-going talks with DTE to release approximately $20 million being held in escrow.
As you recall back in January, Mayor Bing attended a Jobs Forum in Washington, he has gotten a commitment for $20 million from President Obama under the Neighborhood Stabilization Strategy funds, and has gotten a commitment from President Obama to come to Detroit to get a first-hand look at Detroit's troubles. Mayor Bing is reaching out, and federal help is on the way.
A highlight of some of the most favorable excerpts were the addressing of blight and the demolition of 3,000 properties this year and 10,000 by the end of Mayor Bing's term, a new Detroit Police Headquarters, two public academies to help prepare students for relevant and flourishing jobs, the end of favoritism for bids( the best bid will be accepted), and Mayor Bing's new ethics policy designed to restore trust, cooperation, transparency, and accountability.
Mayor Bing has a huge task ahead of him. We have to change the status quo. Inaction is not an option. Like President Obama once said, "Our destiny is not written for us, it is made by us". Everybody has to get on board, which includes City Council, unions, city employees, city contractors, etc. It won't be easy and it won't happen over night. Mayor Bing has had and will have some tough and difficult decisions to make, but like former President George W. Bush once said, "You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
To view the State of the City address, please visit www.clickondetroit.com/download/2010/0323/22924611.pdf
Comments
It's seems like things are getting worser in Detroit, Schools are closing. Since Mr. Dave Bing has been in office there has not been any improvement. But I do understand what situation Detroit was in when he took over. I know it will take time but how much time. Detroit needs to see a positive change now. WHO IS BOB?
Mr. Jenkins you have done a execellent job! You have to keep the info coming. Your readers need to hear from you, don't stop writing. Hope to hear from you soon.
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