Auto communities focus of DC Summit

Washington DC was the site of a summit focusing on the future of auto communities and their transition to the next economy. Sponsored by the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers, United States Department of Labor, Brookings Institution and the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, attendees heard from federal, sdtate and local government officials as well as representativs from the private and non-profit sectors on next steps being developed.

Ed Montgomery, Executive Director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities formally announced the creation of an environmental trust to provide $800 million in resources for remediating and reconditioning 90 General Motors sites in 14 states, many in Michigan.  This will go a long way toward getting those sites ready for redevelopment in communities across Michigan and the country.

Luis Ubinas, President of the Ford Foundation announced the establishment of a $200 million fund over 5 years for a mutli-disciplinary metro initiative involving both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.  Other speakers, such as Rip Rapson of the Kresge Foundation spoke about their own efforts in cities such as Detroit, where collaboration between civic leaders, philanthropy, business, higher education and others is paving the way for revitalization.

And collaboration was the main message of the meeting.  Speaker after speaker spoke about the need for increased cooperation and collaboration between public, private, and non-profit sectors. That no one can simply "go it alone" and expect to move forward.  For local communities in general this means moving beyond city, suburb and exurb labels and realizing that communities are part of a broader regional economy, sharing common assets with the need to tackle problems in a comprehensive manner. 

And for those who doubt the continued power of America's manufacturing sector, consider this... manufacturing accounts for 70% of the research and development and 90% of the patents.  Manufacturing is and must continue to remain a strong element of our nation's overall economic development strategy.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.