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How might we restore vibrancy in cities and regions facing economic decline? Read the challenge brief

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Collaboration, detroit, talent

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15x15: A Talent Strategy for Detroit

The 15x15 Initiative is a strategy launched by a network of like-minded organizations to attract 15,000 talented, college-educated professionals under the age of 35 to midtown Detroit by the year 2015.
How does a struggling city attract talented, college-educated young professionals to its midtown area to restore vibrancy? The Hudson-Webber Foundation, whose mission is "to improve the vitality and quality of life in Detroit" has an answer: 15x15.

The 15x15 Initiative was launched in 2008 by The Hudson-Webber Foundation in collaboration with Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System and the Detroit Medical Center, Together, these organizations began to invest in the development of their respective areas of Midtown, keeping in mind the needs and priorities of its target market: the young, educated professional. By providing affordable housing, exciting employment opportunities, mass transportation, and a vibrant retail sector, 15x15 hopes to retain its college-educated young professionals who were previously fleeing the city for the suburbs. 

Part talent strategy, and part economic development, the 15x15 Initiative is a powerful example of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits to revitalize the city of Detroit. 

Midtown residents: ar-308239973.jpgmaxw290
Midtown residents: midtown-resident.jpgmaxw290
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Ken Endo

Ken's profile photo delete comment
December 04, 2011, 02:56PM
I like this kind of approach, though I always worry about how we can save not-enough-talented but passionated people. also it's important to make them sustainable.
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John Reuter

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December 02, 2011, 12:52AM
I like how this approach focuses on drawing talent through creating infrastructure that it seems like would have value to everyone. The exciting thing in my mind is the potential for a next phase where these young professionals start giving back and forming the core of a civic-minded community.
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