Cool Cities Initiative

The Cool Cities Initiative was started in 2003 by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to help boost and revitalize urban development across Michigan. The goal was to reform cities that have lost a lot of young college graduates that have been leaving the state.

History

In her State of the State address in February 2003, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm outlined her economic vision for the State. In response to large1 numbers of college graduates who have been leaving the State, the Governor determined that, as a part of her strategy to revitalize Michigan's downtowns, build community spirit, and boost the state economy, a plan to attract a knowledgeable and creative workforce would succeed in reaching those goals. During the 2003 Mackinac conference, Governor Granholm announced the time is now for “Cool Cities”.... and Michigan responded. The Governor invited cities across Michigan to participate in the state’s “Cool Cities Initiative” (CCI) with an overwhelming response from almost 80 cities. As the Cool City Movement continues, we anticipate additional cities requesting participation. Each participant city was instructed to form a “Local Cool Cities Advisory Group” (LCCAG) reflective of the rich diversity and talent within their respective areas of the state. They were asked to provide details regarding their initiatives so they can be incorporated into this report and shared with others. On November 20, 2003, the first meeting of the Cool Cities State Advisory Group was held. Cities from around the state attended, along with Governor Granholm and state officials, including representatives from History Arts and Libraries and the newly formed Department of Labor & Economic Growth, that encompasses both the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. An overview of the themes extracted from the survey instrument sent to cities was discussed. The information was a summation of this report and reflected responses from nearly 60 percent of the cities participating. At the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs’ 9th Annual Conference, titled “Creating Cool”, more than 1,300 participants heard Dr. Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class, articulate the merits of an economic development strategy that puts “creative” people first, acknowledging the link between economic prosperity and the “Creative Class”.

The Cool Cities Initiative is a key component of the Governor's plan. The theory behind the Cool Cities Initiative, as an Economic Development Model, is that businesses want to locate where they can find an abundance of highly-educated and highly-skilled workers. The young, college educated professionals that businesses are looking for want to live someplace “cool.” They want to live in communities that fit their lifestyles. So, in order to attract the workers and the businesses, Michigan must focus on creating vibrant, livable communities.

Target Demographic

The Cool Cities Initiative is directed at young, creative, urban professionals. This group is made up of physically active, social people whose lifestyle does not conform to a traditional 9 to 5 work schedule, and often are active at all hours of the day. They gravitate to urban areas where amenities to fit this lifestyle are readily available, such as a variety of indoor and outdoor active recreation areas, a wide assortment of “third places,” and a 24-hour commercial and entertainment district. Part of the plan is to look at cities that have groups of people with Trends in purchasing, Occupations and mobility, and Preference for lifestyle. Looking at these demographics as well as analyzing what a city has to offer including a downtown area, nightlife, restaurants, movie theaters, and outdoor dining are some attractions that influence a city.

References

• Public Policy Division, Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm (2003). Michigan's Cool Cities Initiative: A Reinvestment Strategy. Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)

• Cool Cities
• Michigan Cool Cities Survey