Author

Claire Nelson

Claire Nelson is the founder of Urban Consulate, a network of parlors for urban exchange. Most days you can find her in Detroit or New Orleans.

Claire Nelson's Latest Articles

Michelle Freeman and Jermaine Jenkins, Witty Gritty
Guests from Chicago and Philadelphia meet on Six Mile for an urban exchange

Detroiters gathered on a recent December evening for an urban exchange to discuss ethical redevelopment, community engagement, and ways to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

We, the people, of the United Cities of America

We urban folk are more alike than we are different, and might benefit from listening and learning more from one another. That's the conversation we look forward to hosting at the Urban Consulate, a new experiment launching this spring in Detroit, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. 

The glorious potential of cities; or, How eight square blocks can change the world

"The city is essential. The potential is glorious. And eight square blocks can change the world," writes Claire Nelson, director of Urban Innovation Exchange.

Publisher’s Notebook: Onward & upward

High-energy Model D publisher is moving on to consolidate her many talents with the Urban Innovation Exchange and other projects. Claire Nelson reflects on two amazing years and looks forward to helping shape the city's future. 

On the Ground: Looking toward the future

In this week's installment of our summer series in Osborn, Claire Nelson talks to Ronisha Bannerman, who graduated with honors and is on her way to Grand Valley State. But in the long term, she wants to help change the perception of her neighborhood.

On the Ground: Model D launches summer media hub in Osborn

Our new summerlong series in Osborn is about people and projects driving neighborhood transformation. We'll meet residents and leaders, educators and students, artists and entrepreneurs, get the big picture by seeing all the little details at work. Claire Nelson prepares us for what's to come.

Joy & the city: A conversation with Candy Chang

Whether you have been following her projects in New Orleans and other cities for years, or just really like the idea of interactive public art, you won't want to miss Candy Chang's Detroit appearance on June 18. Fangirl Claire Nelson asks the questions.

Publisher’s notebook: The Avenue, a love story

With the "Light up Livernois" event coming up May 31-June 1, Claire Nelson takes a tuneful stroll down the Avenue of Fashion, shining a light on one of Detroit's most historic retail districts. Conclusion? Cooperation and collaboration point to an even more vibrant future.  

Urban Exchange: Trading Ideas with Toronto

Model D's Claire Nelson and Hopscotch Detroit social innovator Ajooni Sethi go north to share the power of play as a tool for civic engagement with our Canadian comrades at Yonge St. Sounds like some serious fun was had in the Queen City.

Publisher’s notebook: Pop-up culture and the new wave of walkable retail

Detroit's Village people, envied for their gorgeous homes a stone's skip away from the river, have long wished for their own retail district. Good things are starting to develop this fall, there and in other key neighborhoods, says Claire Nelson.

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