Model D Speaker Series: Transportation and business development

We never tire of talking about transportation here at Model D. We also never tire of talking about Detroit's economic vitality. So we decided to take a deeper dive to explore how the two intersect. How has the possibility of light rail driven development along the Woodward Corridor? How have new bike lanes helped small businesses attract customers? How can transit-oriented development attract and retain workers and residents to Detroit?

We'll hear from representatives of the small business community, local anchor institutions, economic development experts, and transit advocates about the ways in which a well-connected, multi-modal transit system can benefit the local economy.

Panelists will include: moderator Achille Bianchi, community manager, writer, and photographer for Mode Shift; Sue Mosey, President, Midtown Detroit Inc.; Bob Riney, President and COO, Henry Ford Health System; Leslie Smith, President and CEO TechTown; Benjamin S. Kennedy, Program Officer at the Kresge Foundation; Malik Goodwin, Vice President of Project Management at DEGC; and Jim Geary, Owner,Woodbridge Pub.

Bike, bus, walk, or if you must, drive over to Great Lakes Coffee at 3965 Woodward Ave. in Detroit this Thursday, Sept. 27. Have yourself an amazing pour over coffee or grab a pint of Michigan beer and settle in at this new business that's ready for bike lanes and trains to come its way. The event begins at 6 p.m. Please register here.