With such negatives as a challenging economic environment, high percentages of unemployment, an inadequate public school system, and a steady reduction in city population as just some of the challenges that the City of Detroit faced in the early 2000s, this panel will address the importance of the transformation of the Detroit riverfront, the contribution that such an investment could provide the City as well as the broad based community, and the necessary common vision required in connection with this effort. The panel discussion will also include the varying perspectives (including politics, challenges, trepidation) held by the business community, the foundation community, the public sector and the Media associated with this project.

Facilitator:
John Gallagher, Business Reporter, Detroit Free Press; Author, Reimagining Detroit, Opportunities for Redefining an American City

Panel
Matt Cullen, Rock Ventures LLC, Principal, Chief Executive Officer
Laura Trudeau, former Managing Director, The Kresge Foundation Detroit Program
Malik Goodwin, former Vice President, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)