Daily Detroit

On today's Daily Detroit, we're thinking about green spaces and trails.

J.J. Tighe, who is in charge of parks and trails at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, talks about what they're doing. It's not just about building; it's about connecting people and making it easier to get around.

The trails are meant to help people get to different places and also boost the economy in the areas around them.

We talk about some important projects, like the Downriver Link Greenway. It connects 18 towns south of Detroit to the Joe Louis Greenway in the city.

There's also the Bridge to Bay project, which is trying to connect Port Huron and St. Clair. Another project is the Wixom, Walldale, and Commerce township lake-to-lake trail, with eyes on downtown Pontiac.

We also share an in-depth update on the West Riverfront Park, now known as the Ralph Wilson Centennial Park. The park is set to open in October, and Tighe shares some of the details that make it so special — a park aims to be a landmark that the city can be proud of for years to come.

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On today's show (more show notes to come):

00:00 - Where we've been, talking Mackinac, Movement, Pride, and Grand Prix

07:03 - Former U of Michigan President Santa Ono Gets Rejected For University of Florida Job

10:20 - New NoMad Hotel In Downtown Detroit (Plus a prediction!)

13:36 - Eastern Market Shed Rebuild Plans

16:23 - A Daily Detroit Pollapalooza talking about approval ratings, the mayor's race, schools - and a feeling of lost culture

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Belle Isle State Park is one of my favorite places, and judging from so many listener comments over the years, one of yours, too.

So when I had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Meagan Elliot, the head of the non-profit Belle Isle Conservancy that helps support the island, I knew I had to take it.

We talk all things about the island. From work on the Scott Fountain to the boathouse to the nature areas, to the old zoo, to a super interesting plan to add more walkability to the island's most popular areas — and more.

Recorded at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.

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Today, we go to the Mackinac Policy Conference to talk with members of the Rethink I-375 coalition to understand the nuances of the proposed I-375 redesign project and community concerns as a meeting is coming up this week.

Learn about the controversial redesign of the I-75/I-375 interchange and the complex considerations around land use, the number of highway lanes that echoes wide thoroughfares like Telegraph, community impact, and the project's potential to address historical injustices.

My guests are Olga Stella and Carl Bentley, both in the context of the their community coalition.

Resources:

• Rethink I-375 Website: rethinki375.org

• Rethink I-375 Email: [email protected]

• MDOT project site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/special-construction/i-375-reconnecting-communities-project

• Thursday night event info for the June community meeting: https://375detroit.org/events/june-2025-community-meeting/

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Oakland County's economic growth and inclusive policies take center stage in this Daily Detroit episode that's a conversation with County Executive Dave Coulter.

• We examine the strategies behind Oakland's robust economy and its commitment to diversity as a driver of progress.
• Coulter details the "Oakland 80" initiative, a program focused on increasing educational attainment among adult residents to meet workforce demands.
• The conversation covers the county's efforts to address transportation challenges through expanded mass transit and its novel approaches to tackling systemic issues such as medical and student debt, aiming to financially empower residents.
• We get into the diversity of living options in the county, where you can have just about everything you'd want depending on which corner you decide to live in.
• We also get into Oakland County's innovative affordable housing programs and Coulter's dedication to the revitalization of downtown Pontiac.

Oakland County is 1.4 million people and a quarter of Michigan's GDP - and I learned a lot about how Executive Coulter looks at things and why this corner of Michigan is so successful.

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On today's episode, Annalise Frank from Axios Detroit joins Jer at the Mackinac Policy Conference to talk about Sister Pie pausing retail operations soon — and the possible sign of a wider impact of challenges with small businesses.

Then we preview the Detroit mayoral debate that's going to happen at the Mackinac Policy Conference tomorrrow (Thursday) — what we see voters are looking for, and how candidates may look to stand out.

Follow what Annalise does on Axios: https://www.axios.com/local/detroit

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From the porch of the Grand Hotel at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Jer Staes and Devon O'Reilly talk about a new poll released today by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Glengariff Group about Michigan's races for Governor and U.S. Senate.

And yes, we take a victory lap on a prediction.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

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Jer and Devon are back with a packed episode of Daily Detroit.

Where we'ver been: Let's kick things off with a glowing review of a special Club sandwich at Rocco's Italian Deli; plus talk about Detroit's hot new Aperol Spritz bar.

Then we get into the impact of Mercedes-Benz relocating corporate jobs and the broader shift in Michigan's auto industry.

Finally, we shine a light on the basically abandoned AT&T building in downtown Detroit and brainstorm ways to transform it (and that entire strip of Cass) into what could be a great urban residential neighborhood.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

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Today, Norris and Jer open up the Daily Detroit mailbag and answer your listener questions.

• The status (as we know it) of Fisher Body 21
• Frustrations with there not being enough resources spent on the Middle Class in the city (and some ways supporting affordable housing actually helps the middle class)
• Should we post more news to Instagram? It's been hot lately.
• And yes, it really does seem like there are far more pheasants from last year. We appreciate the thicc bois and discuss our favorites feathered friend.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day!

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Today I share an editorial I wrote about abundance, change, and how Detroit needs a bigger, bolder vision. Plus, three stories to know around town.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/