http://www.forbes.com/special-report/2011/migration.html?preload=22071&year=2009

http://www.freep.com/article/20111113/NEWS01/110131031/Living-murder-Interactive-map-breakdown-lives-lost-violence-Detroit-since-03

http://berkley.commlive.net/life-play/new-beginnings-animal-rescue-celebrates-1st-birthday/

http://www.freep.com/article/20111102/BUSINESS06/111102038/Marathon-offers-buy-out-Detroit-homeowners-near-refinery?odyssey=tab|topnews|img|FRONTPAGE

http://www.freep.com/article/20111101/NEWS01/111010375/Detroit-loses-out-9-2M-help-poor-people?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

http://www.mlive.com/jobs/index.ssf/2011/10/detroit_region_leads_private_sector_wage.html

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/detroit/index.ssf/2011/10/what_the_detroit_news_editoria.html

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2011/10/ranking-cities-tricky-business/236/

http://michiganmessenger.com/53186/data-driven-detroit-produces-detroit-foreclosure-map

http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2011/10/wanna-buy-a-foreclosed-house-in-wayne-county-this-can-help/#.TpgvCpfjfqA.gmail

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20111009/FREE/310099958/bing-banks-in-city-get-citys-biz#

http://blog.thedetroithub.com/2011/10/06/apples-to-apples-detroit-ranks-17th-not-first-in-crime/

http://bridgemi.com/2011/10/how-far-will-midtowns-momentum-go/

http://www.kintera.org/cms.asp?id=2639684&campaign_id=116731&msource=summit2011&tr=y&enString=ffSCQxRrJlIIKVMEIfKEJSPyGaIuFBSiOQRGN1PwFeKPJ1PCIhLVE&auid=9609222

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/us/unrelenting-downturn-is-redrawing-americas-economic-map.html?_r=2&hp

http://www.kintera.org/cms.asp?id=2630189&campaign_id=116731&msource=summit2011&tr=y&enString=jtSKQJVHMpLQJ7OUIjKML4POLeKCKNSyPURONdOMLiJOIZMNIqL8G&auid=9576652

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/09/27/us/cities-with-the-highest-poverty-rates-in-2010.html?ref=us

Detroit Works Project: Neighborhood Analysis & Short-term Action Strategy An Evidence-Based Strategy for Detroit Neighborhoods

http://detroitworksproject.com/presentations/

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/making-the-case-for-detroits-future/

http://www.huduser.org/portal/pdredge/pdr_edge_frm_asst_sec_092311.html

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=5c8jo9cab&v=001IgkAmL3YG5ur9bxfsGeTH6fge3kkuDViQaUjJr9a0DOhMC_1qsL_6hLBJfDTGRD6FN4s1wqql2q2us6yz42f-impvPfpFgG62GMIS3koc6bOu3rHHZh6AYOVbOllSM2LBFJ_hLA0uHo44Bh9LxboPw%3D%3D

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/us-poverty-rate-hits-52-year-high-at-151-percent/2011/09/13/gIQApnMePK_story.html

Michigan Suburbs Alliance
2011 Annual Meeting

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5e6fe33d8f458545534edd556&id=6103260952&e=cab0e0d791

http://www.kintera.org/cms.asp?id=2566388&campaign_id=116731&msource=obamajobs&tr=y&enString=ffRCTxTrKkIOKXNzHjLMJTMzFlIBLBRiNQQGM1MvFgKPJVOzElIZE&auid=9465154

President Obama last night laid out a bold and powerful jobs plan that deserves immediate, bipartisan support.

Today in the Huffington Post, PolicyLink CEO Angela Glover Blackwell wrote that the president's plan rightly targets the communities hit first and worst by the recession (Read the entire Huffington Post piece here):

http://www.freep.com/article/20110908/COL04/109080484/Brian-Dickerson-poor-They-re-leaving-Michigan-too?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cp

http://detnews.com/article/20110902/SPECIAL01/110901003

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110828/MIVIEW/108280335/1467/opinion01/Detroit--Murder-by-numbers

http://www.kintera.org/cms.asp?id=2506603&campaign_id=116731&msource=america&tr=y&enString=llQOTPXPOqL0LfNXIpKYJbNXIrINKTRGQWTSMjPTLgJVKgOSLeJ6E&auid=9377001

Nationally, 80 percent of seniors are white and only in a few counties are most seniors people of color. But the younger population looks vastly different: the majority of babies born in the last two years were nonwhite, and across the country—from our largest cities to suburbs, small towns, and rural areas—young Americans are increasingly people of color.

Where is a cop when you need one in Detroit? Probably not on the streets.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110821/COL33/108210446/Stephen-Henderson-Thin-blue-line-Get-Detroit-cops-streets

Be sure to check out Kurt's newest blog post stating marriage extends people's lives. Very interesting read with informative data to back it up. After reading this post, what is your current take on marriage?

According to the 2010 census report, there are 560,000 registered voters in Detroit and only 523,000 of these voters are over the age of 18 which is a problem for the city.

Living in a loft has become very popular in Detroit as well as other metro areas as young professionals move into the city are attracted to what lofts have to offer.

Michigan has made a remarkable turnaround on personal income, according to the latest federal figures, says demographer Kurt Metzger in his Metzger's Musings.

http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/good-news-everybody-on-michigan-income/

Be sure to check out Kurt's latest blog on the housing market and how this "market bottom" has created a generation of renters. However, he goes on to say that with such low prices it's almost obvious that people get homes in the Detroit metro area while the prices are good.

Family living in Michigan is vastly changing as you see more grandparents taking care of grandchildren, more children taking care or older parents and more students living with thier college roommates.

Hispanics, along with Asains, have seen a rise in home ownership while their black and white counterparts have seen either stagnet or relative decline.

Same-sex households are rising according to the 2010 census showing the growing number of acceptance of homosexuals in todays society. Since the census shows a growing number of same-sex led households some feel that in order to revive the state, it should implement more "gay friendly" policies but others oppose. How do you feel about the subject?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been selling homes at incredibly low prices in the Detroit metro area, which they say is benefiting communities but others are saying it's further hurting the city.

The state has launched a web site that will allow parents and students with important information about schools across the metro Detroit area. The goal of the data is to provide parents with the opportunity to gage a child's learning and be more involved if that's the case. But will this data truly benefit local parents and students? Or is this all old information put on a computer screen?

Personal income rose in Michigan during 2010 right after its drastic decline in 2009. Michigan is not the only state to see this rise in income, more than 366 metropolitan areas across the U.S. have seen an increase in personal income.

Mayor Dave Bing promises that he will make improvements to all neighborhoods in Detroit and he states that he has not abandoned his Detroit Works Project but in fact he will continue to push this project forward as he aims to revamp the city.

New Orleans may be ahead of the game when it comes to housing low-income residents in safe neighborhoods but how can this housing hurt the community and what can Detroit learn from this?

In this blog, Kurt discusses diversity in our community, comparing it to that of Elk Grove, Calif. whose population of whites have become the minority. Although Kurt states this is not the case in Detroit, it still serves as an eye-opener since urban areas from all around are becoming more diverse. He also states the need to recognize our region's strength is by initiating the "Southeast Michigan Diversity Pledge."

An interesting blog post in which Kurt states the decline of healthy eating in America and states that in order to have a healthy America, we must teach our children how to eat healthy stating that many adults have "food phobias" which they inevitably pass down to their kids. He also lists top 10 healthy foods Americans despise. Which one do you hate and which one are you going to glorify to your children?

Check out Kurt's blog on "Somerset CityLoft," a shop, based in Troy, that has opened a store in downtown Detroit which is expected to bring more retail to the city.

D3's Newsletter​: The Common Denominato​r - Inaugural Edition!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/D3-s-Newsletter--The-Common-Denominator---Inaugural-Edition-.html?soid=1102546529374&aid=xVHMdWiXsEQ

Harvey Hollins, Wayne State University’s vice president for government and community affairs, will be moving to a job with the state of Michigan on Sept. 1.

Gov. Rick Snyder appointed him today to head up the newly created Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives.

"Just having a southeast Michigan office is not good enough," Snyder said.

Whole Foods is set to open its store in Midtown in 2013, although some are rather excited about the upcoming store, others are skeptical because of the strore's reputation for having high prices. What do you think, will this truly benefit Detroiters?

Benton, Ark. based Wal-Mart provides grants to Detroit youth, cultivating them by providing healthy food, jobs and education during the summer.

This is an interesting article on community involvement and the rebuilding of Detroit. Do you think citizens have been actively involved in revitalizing the city?

"Live Downtown" project will offer incentives to employees working at five of Detroit's major businesses. This project seeks to add more density to Detroit and offer employees a chance to have a home close to where they work.

Can Detroit become a bicyclists utopia? Read this article and determine for yourself.

Be sure to read Kurt Metzger's blog post that he wrote for The Center for Michigan.

This is must read blog post from Kurt Metzger highlighting Data Driven Detroit and everything it is doing or plans on doing in the city of Detroit.

Kurt Metzger has an interesting blog post here, providing statistics about birth rates and pregnancies in Michigan.

Check out Kurt Metzger's latest blog post on the importance of "older workers" and why companies send to seek them out and retain them.

Check out Kurt Metzger's latest blog post about how moving to Detroit helped guide his career decisions and how he feels after hearing the place that rejuvenated him will be closed down.

Magic Johnson to invest millions into Detroit in order to rebuild the city.

Ever wondered how out-of-town visitors view Detroit? Read this article and see what Oregon's Ron Dzwonkowski had to say.

Interesting article on private businesses and the role they play in rebuilding the city. Special highlight on Richard Rapson of the Kresge Foundation and how he is percieved by Detroit city officials.

Labor Department offers $70,000 to software developers that can make an application that can get information about jobs, hotels or any other business to potential customers or those that are unemployed.

Interesting article about the declining population of children in the U.S.

Southwest Detroit youths take it to the street as the survey surrounding businesses to inquire about where they can volunteer, intern or work during their free time .

Michigan may have seen a rise in vacant homes in the past decade, even still, people are beginning to inhabit these residencies slowly but surely.

Detroit is set to recieve assistance from the federal government with rebuilding the city and allocating city funds.

FHA and MHA requirements have been extended, alllowing unemployed homeowners 12-month forebearance so they can find a job and save their homes.

Mayor Dave Bing and Kresge Foundation's, Rip Ranson, clash over how to rebuild the city of Detroit.

This article gives an insightful look at what Mayor Bing's administration and private foundations are doing in order to rejuvente the city.

More Hispanics are marking "American Indian" on the national census.

This is an interesting article about BenjiGates Estates, a company that has capitalized on the foreclosure crisis and has been buying foreclosed homes from government auctions for as little as $500 and selling them to desperate homeowners for land contracts or a $1500 down payment. Do you agree with what they're doing or do you oppose? Be sure to check out the video attached to the article.

Proposal 2 has been dropped by the federal courts, allowing public Michigan universities to implement affirmative action again.

This is an amazing article on what it takes to reshape and rejuvenate the Detroit Public School system.

This is an excellent article about the decline of black children in inner-cities.

After much compromise, the final light rail route has finally been announced.

Michigan high school's ACT and MME scores are up 1% from last year.

The Whitney will be renovated and made into a boutique hotel, something hotel analysts say will attract more people to the city.

This is some interesting census information that shows the countries demographics are quickly changing.

This article helps prove why it is imperative to have government jobs in a city in order to boost the local economy.

Quicken Loans chairman and founder, Dan Gilbert, will be offering cash incentives for employees to live in downtown Detroit.

Detroit prepares to recieve assistance from Washington.

Check out this blog post questioning the 47% illiteracy rates of Detroit adults.

Quicken Loans founder and chairman Dan Gilbert hopes to bring more people and jobs to Detroit by switching the city into a tech savvy "Detroit 2.0" through transforming the Madison Theatre building into a hub for high tech entrepreneurial activity.

Mayor Bing accepts the resignition of his former chief of staff, Shannon Holmes and communications chief, Karen Dumas. Dumas claims there are no hard feelings in her resignition and that the mayor's administration needs stability.

Detroit and Wayne County show a loss of influence according to the new redistricting map made by the Michigan Senate, set to be released today.

Roy Roberts and Evans Solutions save Catherine Ferguson Academy, a school for pregnant teens and high school mothers, from being closed.

Detroit foreclosures are up 12.5% while the national average of troubled homeowners dropped by 2%.

Case sudy on how Detroiters are trying to make their city become more sustainable, highlights "go green" effort and the idea of urban gardens and how these gardens could provide jobs to city residents.

This article gives a different perspective on urban gardening and urban land use.

Efforts to revitalize teh city of Detroit have been delayed again but city officials say "short-term" solutions will be provided in weeks.

State House Republicans plan to release redistricting plans, the first hint of insight into Detroit's redistricting process.

Recent D3 study shows increase in poverty and calls to attention the vulnerability of these impoverished families and the problems they face daily.

Check out this video of Kurt Metzger as he addresses the issues facing Macomb County and shows how the use of data can lead to positive change in communities.

http://www.macombcountymi.gov/macomb_gov/KurtMetzgerData.htm

Despite Detroit's overall population loss, there are still some strong vibrant neighborhoods in the city that offer hope for the future.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110502/CENSUS/105020335/Some-city-neighborhoods-gain-despite-Detroit%E2%80%99s-population-pain

What will Detroit's population look like going forward? Kurt Metzger predicts the city's population will decline in the next 3 to 5 years at 650,000 to 675,000 and rebound to 850,000 to 900,000 within the next 10 to 15 years.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9MVGRFO2.htm

Check out Kurt Metzger's 1st blog post of his blog series "Metzger's Musings" at The Center for Michigan's website. Metzger shares his knowledge of Michigan's 2010 Census data.

http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/the-2010-census-says-part-1/

Despite Michigan's struggling economy, 67% of Business Leaders for Michigan think the state's economy will improve.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110421/FREE/110429971/business-leaders-for-michigan-survey-finds-execs-a-bit-more-upbeat

Because of Detroit's population loss, the city is overstaffed compared to other cities. Metzger says a thorough study must be done to determine the necessity of each worker.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110425/METRO01/104250352/Detroit-overstaffed-compared-to-other-cities

The total population of Detroit's Midtown decreased 13.8% from 2000 to 2010, according to a census analysis by Data Driven Detroit.

http://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2011/04/19/despite-massive-investments-detroit%E2%80%99s-midtown-neighborhood-lost-population/

2010 Census figures show that the Asian-American population in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties grew 37 percent.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110419/METRO/104190316/1409/Asian-Americans-settle-in-Metro-Detroit-enclaves

Here's the latest on the Woodward light-rail project.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110411/FREE/110419992/detroit-city-council-approves-bond-sale-to-build-woodward-rail-line

Read what Detroit's 2010 census numbers mean for the city.

http://metrotimes.com/columns/countdown-for-detroit-1.1131613

Business leaders across Michigan are collaborating on an urban renewal project to better the state.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110408/FREE/110409911/business-leaders-for-michigan-unveils-urban-strategies-project

Take a look at how Detroit’s Palmer Woods neighborhood has been affected by the city’s problems.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/04/the-other-detroit/8403/

Should Detroit seek a census recount or should the city accept the numbers and move on? What do you think?

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/04/experts_say_detroits_census_re.html

Community development corporations in Detroit are working together to rebuild neighborhoods. D3 is working with the Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) to develop indicators of neighborhood conditions. Take a look!

http://www.shelterforce.org/article/2180/where_do_we_fit_in_cdcs_and_the_emerging_shrinking_city_movement/

http://datadrivendetroit.org/projects/cdad-strategic-framework/

Detroit urban planners are coming together to "rightsize" the city. Check out the city's plan and how it may impact Detroit residents.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/us/06detroit.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

Detroit's downtown area gained 2,000 young and educated residents since 2000, according to census data.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-04-01-1Ayoungrestless01_ST_N.htm

What is the first step to fixing Detroit's vacancy problem? Kurt Metzger says it's knowing how many vacancies there are and who owns the properties.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110403/NEWS01/104030562/1133/Sports21/Shrinking-Detroit-can-map-out-its-future-census-data?odyssey=nav|head

Watch Kurt Metzger's interview with WXYZ Detroit 2020 as he discusses Metro Detroit Census figures!

http://detroit2020.com/2011/03/30/inside-the-census-numbers/

Former Detroiter emphasizes a need for education programs for young mothers.

Hope you all tuned in yesterday to the Detroit Free Press' web chat with Kurt Metzger as he analyzed the 2010 Census data. If you missed it, here it is!

http://www.freep.com/article/20110329/OPINION05/110329054/0/ENT07/Tuesday-Talk-replay-Interpreting-Census-2010?odyssey=nav|head

Here's some good news from Metro Detroit's census data findings. Metro Detroit is no longer the most racially segregated region in the country.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110329/METRO/103290372/Metro-Detroit-no-longer-most-segregated

Kurt Metzger predicts Detroit's population will continue to fall, but there is still hope for the citys future. Take a look!

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/03/blank_slate_or_building_on_his.html

Join D3's Kurt Metzger tomorrow, March 29, for a Web chat with the Detroit Free Press as he breaks down the 2010 Census numbers. It starts at 12 p.m. Don't miss it!

http://www.freep.com/article/20110327/OPINION05/110325065/0/SPORTS03/Tuesday-Talk-Web-chat-Tuesday-noon-interpreting-Census-2010?odyssey=mod_sectionstories

Read what Kurt Metzger had to say about racial population shifts and school of choice in Detroit's suburbs.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110324/METRO/103240393/Black-influx-impacts-school-choice-in-Detroit-suburbs

How will population changes in Detroit affect the region's business community? D3's Kurt Metzger talks it over with Crain's.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110323/FREE/110329945#

Detroit's vacancy continues to be a topic of discussion. Read about what Detroiters are doing to fight the problem.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/us/26detroit.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1

Kurt Metzger shares his reaction to Detroit's population loss with WDIV detroit.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/27284636/detail.html

D3's Kurt Metzger talks with the New York Times about Detroit's Census count.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/us/23detroit.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Want to know about the racial poulation shifts based on Census data? Read this article as Kurt Metzger offers some explanations for these demographic changes!

http://www.freep.com/article/20110323/NEWS06/103230440/Census-race-Detroit-s-Inner-ring-suburbs-gain-diversity

D3's Erica Raleigh finds some good news in Michigan's Census numbers. Take a look!

http://ferndale.patch.com/articles/ferndales-population-loss-third-largest-in-county-at-10

Detroit's population dropped to its lowest numbers since 1910. Read Kurt Metzger's comments on the Census results.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2011-03-22-michigan-census_N.htm

Detroit's population decreased 25% in the last 10 years, Census data show. Read Kurt Metzger's reaction to the decline.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/white-detroit-homesteaders-lead-first-influx-into-inner-city-in-a-century.html

Census data revealed Michigan's west side population grew faster than its central and northeastern parts of the state. Read Kurt Metzger's explanation for these findings. 

http://www.freep.com/article/20110323/NEWS06/103230337/West-side-Michigan-grew-faster-than-central-NE-portions

Read what Kurt Metzger had to say about Detroit's population loss in The Wall Street Journal!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704461304576216850733151470.html

D3 supports the Lower Eastside Action Plan (LEAP), a project to revitalize vacant land and abandoned property in Detroit. Check out the project's feature in Crain's !

Michigan's population, where they are going and where they are coming from.

D3's Kurt Metzger talks demographics, M-1 Rail project and Detroit's film industry with WDIV Local 4. Check it out!

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/27163065/detail.html

Kurt Metzger discusses Macomb County population estimates with the Macomb Daily. Take a look!

http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2011/03/11/news/doc4d7995503a31d294876332.txt

Kurt Metzger discusses population loss in Michigan and Oakland County with The Oakland Press. Take a look!

http:// http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/03/07/news/doc4d757b998e084074694239.txt?viewmode=fullstory

After 13 years, chef Keith Pierce closed Angel's Café in Ferndale last summer and got out of the restaurant business. His full-timers had been let go...

http://www.freep.com/article/20110302/ENT08/103020433/Metro-Detroit-restaurants-closing-under-pressure-new-report-shows?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

D3 is partnered with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. in their release of the 2009 DrillDown report. DrillDown offers an alternative data source to traditional market research and shows the market possibilities in Detroit. Read John Gallagher's summary of the report!

In the few years that Data Driven Detroit has been in existence, its work has objectively presented the region's standing...

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110222/STAFFBLOG09/110229970/data-driven-detroit-seeks-ongoing-funding-to-keep-telling-detroits

Michigan is implementing tougher test standards on the MEAP in hopes of enhancing student academic achievement. Do you think students will rise to these new standards?

In order to compile a list of top private land owners in Detroit, The Detroit News used data from D3's Detroit Residential Parcel Survey. Take a look at how top private land owners may effect the reshaping of Detroit.

How will Detroit solve its vacant land problem? Looking at Philadelphia's plans to solve theirs may give us some ideas.

Kurt Metzger, Director of Data Driven Detroit, joins host Jack Lessenberry to analyze the latest U.S. Census numbers.

Data Driven Detroit (D3) provides accessible high-quality information and analysis to drive informed decision-making to strengthen communities in Southeast Michigan.

Metzger provides insight into what the Census results mean for Southeast Michigan, as well as Northwest Ohio, including the loss of Congressional seats in both states.

A crash test study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that drivers with "good" rated sideway impact protection are 70% less likely to die in a crash than vehicles rated "poor."

A new poll suggests Michiganders are more optimistic about the state's future.

Michigan is no longer leading the country in population loss. New Jersey has taken its place, according to United Van Lines' migration study.

A preliminary study listed in the Pediatrics journal found that children born less than two years after their siblings were at higher risk for autism.

When:   
Where: 

Immigration and diversity were among the topics discussed at the Immigration and Michigan’s Economic Future conference July 18 at Wayne State University.

Steve Tobocman, the key driver of the Global Detroit Initiative through NEI (see the detailed study at: http://neweconomyinitiative.cfsem.org/resources/research-library/global-detroit-study), was the prime organizer of the event. Global Detroit, through its initial work, has identified four strategic goals for the southeast Michigan region. They are:

* Make the region welcoming to the international community and immigrants.

* Attract international investment and businesses that create jobs.

* Strengthen, grow and revitalize neighborhoods in the city of Detroit and in the region’s core communities.

* Attract and retain international talent in the region.

The morning featured remarks, via video, from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, along with representatives from Detroit’s public, private and nonprofit sectors – Ken Cockrel (City Council), Dan Varner (Kellogg Foundation) and Peter Karmanos (Compuware).

Bloomberg caused a stir earlier this year when he said immigrants could save Detroit’s severe population loss on NBC-TV’s “Meet the Press.” He stressed the advantages of small businesses: “They provide flexible hours and are needed for large families, and they don’t feel the effects of automation in reducing the size of the work force the extent that bigger companies do.”

Varner said that immigrants can help Detroiters with the new education systems being implemented in the city. Cockrel said having an immigration master plan is a great idea for Detroit, but the city needs to concentrate the majority of its efforts on its current citizens. Karmanos, along with the other panelists, agreed society must shed the beliefs that immigrants lower wage averages and take jobs from Americans. “Clearly, without question from anybody… there is an incredibly strong correlation between high immigrant populations and economic wellbeing,” Varner said.

Gov. Rick Snyder took the podium in the afternoon and promoted the new Global Michigan initiative. This initiative has a number of components as committees are working to address the attraction of needed talent by Michigan companies, the retention of university graduates, improved pathways for small business investment, encourage more welcoming communities for all, licensing and credentialing highly skilled immigrants, connection between immigrant business investors with local economic development and export strategies, entrepreneurship, maximization of the EB-5 investor visa program, advocacy of the H1-B worker visa program and effective information communication strategies.

Immigrants have started many major, global companies and managed to stay successful, speakers said. Gov. Rick Snyder talked about how immigrants started companies such as Meijer, Masco and Google. “Immigrants bring cultural diversity and jobs; they are job creators,” said Snyder.

Data Driven Detroit (D3) is a strong proponent of an immigrant welcoming strategy, at both the state and local levels, as one component of economic and community redevelopment. An analysis of recent immigration trends

Figure 1: Persons Obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status in the United States, 2001-10

shows us the major immigrant streams which are already transforming our landscape.

Figure 1 shows the number of immigrants who have received permanent legal status over the last 10 years and have chosen Michigan as their home.

In both 2002 and 2005 (the high point numerically), Michigan accounted for 2.1 percent of the nation’s immigrants – its highest shares. While 2003’s total was lowest in recent years, the nation’s number was low as well and Michigan accounted for 1.9 percent of the total. Michigan’s lowest share – 1.6 percent – came in 2008. By 2010, the share was back up to 1.8 percent.

The only Michigan region reported on by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the Detroit-Warren-Livonia metropolitan area. Figure 2 shows its immigration trend over the decade. The region’s share of state immigration has ranged from a low of 65.7 percent in 2002 to a high of 68.8 percent in 2007. Its most recent share was 68.3 percent in 2010.

Figure 2: Persons Obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status in Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSA, 2001-10

Our final analysis looks at the major countries from which our immigrants have emigrated over the last three calendar years – 2008-2010. DHS does not report every country of origin, thus incorporating an ‘Unknown’ category. An analysis of the data finds that this represents less than one-half of one percent for both the state and region.

The following charts provide the top 13 countries of origin for immigrants entering the United States, Michigan and the Detroit metropolitan area. The top 13 countries of origin represent 63 percent of all Michigan immigrants and 56 percent of U.S immigrants.

Figure 3 summarizes the top countries of origin for the nation. Mexico is far and away the dominant contributor of new legal immigrants, outdistancing China by a margin of 2.3 to 1. Other countries contributing to the increasing Latino population of the nation are the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Colombia and El Salvador. Asian immigrants are represented in country rankings 2, 3 and 4, with India, China and the Phillipines. Vietnam, Korea and Pakistan also make the list.

Figure 3: Persons Obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status in the United States, 2008-10

An analysis of state trends also finds India, Mexico and China in the top 5 countries of origin, but India ranks second and Mexico a relatively distant third. At the top of the heap, and well ahead of second place India, is Iraq (23rd nationally). The No. 1 distinction is primarily the result of the large Chaldean community in metropolitan Detroit, which has been responsible for establishing a number of agencies providing services to Iraqi refugees, primarily Chaldean, who have been fleeing the country due to religious persecution.

Metro Detroit accounts for 94 percent of new Iraqi residents in Michigan. The Middle East is also represented by Lebanon and Yemen (ranked 5th and 8th), neither of which comes in high nationally. In fact, Lebanon ranks 53rd and Yemen 63rd. While Michigan’s Asian connection includes the national leaders of the Phillipines, Pakistan, Korea and Vietnam, Bangladesh comes in a strong sixth, while ranking 17th nationally. The Bangladeshi population has found a principal home in Hamtramck and is beginning to redevelop neighboring blocks in the city of Detroit.

Mexico is the only Latino country to break into the top 13, with Canada contributed just over half its total. Finally, we must recognize the strong presence of Albania in the Michigan flows. While ranking 46th nationally, Albania ranks seventh in Michigan. As with Iraqis, 94 percent of Albania immigrants choose to live in the Detroit metropolitan area. In fact, an analysis of 2000 Census ancestry responses showed that Macomb County has the largest Albanian population of any county in the country.

Figure 4: Persons Obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status in Michigan, 2008-10

A comparison of the top 13 countries for Michigan and the Detroit metropolitan area (Figure 5) shows a match on the first 11, though the order is mixed. Korea (14th in Detroit) and Vietnam (22nd in Detroit) are replaced by Romania (16th in Michigan) and the Ukraine (15th in Michigan). A thriving Eastern European community in metropolitan Detroit is often lost in the Latino/Asian/Arab/Chaldean discussions.

While the top 11 countries are the same for Michigan and the Detroit MSA, it is not just the order that varies. There is a wide variation in the share of immigrants who choose the Detroit metropolitan area as their home, as opposed to any of the other 77 counties in the state. Figure 6 shows that Iraq, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Albania and Yemen all have shares of 94 percent or more, while Mexico and China show a wide Michigan spread, as only 48 and 52 percent, respectively, of their emigrants come to the Detroit

Figure 5: Persons Obtaining Legal Permanent Resident Status in the Detroit MSA, 2008-10

area.

As Michigan and communities across the state begin to increase their efforts to attract immigrants, it is important that we recognize and reach out to those groups who have already discovered the attractions of Michigan. These are our ambassadors and represent some of the largest and most prosperous economies in the world. We need not reinvent the wheel. Rather, let us embrace the important role that immigrants have played in the past and continue to play in the present.

A coordinated strategy that recognizes and celebrates our current residents, while looking to attract new residents from other areas of the country and internationally, will be a winner for Michigan. In the end we

Figure 6: Percent of Michigan Immigrants Selecting the Detroit MSA by Country

must work toward building an inclusive set of programs and policies that serves to benefit all residents of our state.

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Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kurt moved permanently to the Detroit area in 1975 when he began full-time employment with the Census Bureau.  Kurt spent 15 years with the U.S. Census Bureau in the Detroit Regional Office.  During his last 10 years, he organized and directed the data services program in the 3-state region of Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

In 1990, he joined Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies as a Senior Research Analyst with the Michigan Metropolitan Information Center (MIMIC) program.  He became director of MIMIC in 1993, and then Center Research Director in 2000. 

In 2005, he went on to become Research Director for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM).  In this capacity, he developed and conducted the primary and secondary research required to transition UWSEM to a community impact-driven United Way.  Beginning in 2008, UWSEM redirected its funding emphasis to the areas of educational preparedness, financial stability, and basic needs.

After speaking for 30 years about the need for coordinated data collection and delivery in Southeast Michigan, in 2008 Kurt was selected by the Skillman and Kresge foundations to develop and direct a new foundation-funded regional data indicators system, Data Driven Detroit (D3).  In this capacity, he plans to reach out to data developers in the government, nonprofit and private sectors and explain to them the importance of making their data publicly available and to offer them a system that will facilitate the process.  In addition, the vision for D3 is to serve as a regional information resource – a one-stop hub where information from any and all sources around the region are housed, coordinated, and made publicly available.

Kurt’s demographic research interests dovetail well with the essence of D3′s charge – namely, developing a “centralized” data repository that will facilitate a variety of research, education and service programs designed to improve the understanding of population and housing patterns in metropolitan Detroit and urban America.  

Kurt brings his demographic expertise to a number of state and local organizations, including the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council, the Governor’s Lead Task Force, Michigan’s Children, Michigan Kids Count, the Michigan Early Childhood Investment Council (ECIC), OneD, the New Economy Initiative, SEMCOG, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, and many more.  He also serves on the boards of Create Detroit, the Greening of Detroit, and the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit. In addition, he is regularly sought out by local media and is asked by a variety of organizations throughout the region, state and country to speak on demographic trends.

Congratulations to Data Driven Detroit for moving significantly up in the ranking of Metro Detroit websites!

Keep up the hard work promoting yourselves and Detroit.  We hope to see more growth as you continue to utilize social media (especially Peoplemovers!). 

You're making a difference in this community.

Kurt and Bill,

Thanks, for your leadership in our Connect the D campaign!    Your opening invite helped connect many leaders and organizations in our region!

Keith Zendler

CEO - Peoplemovers.com