Monday, January 10, 2011

Detroit One Step Closer to Moving from Autocity to Aerocity

To American ears the city of Detroit is synonymous with one thing: automobiles. Many, however, would like to see an addition to that list of synonyms--aerotropolis. With the signing into law of the Next Michigan Development Act (NMDA) by departing Governor Jennifer Granholm this hope is one step closer to reality. The NMDA provides for the creation of up to five agencies, each of which is constituted by a group of linked communities with an interest in providing amiable conditions for the growth of businesses centered around transport hubs. One such agency, the Aerotropolis Development Corporation, will now be imbued with the power to dispense tax incentives to new businesses within the 60,000-acre economic zone located along the I-94 corridor between Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and Willow Run Airport (YIP). The NMDA aims to foster an area dominated by high-tech, professional, and shipping businesses similar to those seen around Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) or Memphis International Airport (MEM). The cooperation of the Michigan government and the communities surrounding DTW and YIP point to the success of this endeavor.

Most impressive about the efforts surrounding the Detroit aerotropolis project is the level of cohesion with which the communities, state, and developers are acting in an effort to grow the proper conditions for a major economic hub. It is certain that with a major passenger airport like DTW, a Delta/Northwest hub, and YIP, a major center of air cargo, an aerotropolis of some sort will develop--the major unknown is what shape that entity will take. Without significant, cross-jurisdictional planning an aerotropolis will not live up to its economic potential. Yet, the agreements in place among the communities surrounding these two airports show a willingness to plan in ways to better leverage overall aerotropolis productivity, aesthetics, and sustainability. I look forward to watching the growth of the Detroit Aerotropolis and think it a propitious opportunity to provide a solid economic foundation for a region hard-hit by the recent economic cycle. Congratulations to all those involved in the project.
For more about the Detroit Aerotropolis Corporation click here.
For more about the signing of the Next Michigan Development Act click here and here.

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