A Michigan Renaissance by Andrew Goddeeris

Michigan is a state of resources, diversity, and opportunities, all of which promise a better future. The worldʼs largest freshwater lakes adorn the upper and lower peninsulas, national forests blanket Michigan ʼs geography, and precious metals and minerals fortify the land. Michigan is home to a vast array of different people, from the Native Americans of the northern expanses of territory to the Polish immigrants of Hamtramck , who all offer unique cultures and ideas. Most importantly of all, though, Michigan is home to endless possibilities for the future. With untapped resources, both natural and human, and cutting edge ideas flowing from minds of the stateʼs great thinkers, Michigan stands to advance into the future as a magnet for people wanting to be a part of something big, and as a catalyst for progress on not only a national, but global scale.

Sunsets on Lake Michigan, the great dunes of Sleeping Bear, and the rugged landscape of the Upper Peninsula are just a few of the many important natural attractions our state possesses that are enjoyed and cherished by Michiganders year-round. An important step forward for Michigan will be recognizing that these resources are assets to be envied, and to work hard to promote these natural areas as eco-tourism destinations for travelers all around the world. Perhaps more important to Michigan ʼs future are the human resources the state is home to. World-renowned institutions like the University of Michigan and MichiganState University provide limitless ideas and supply the state with a steady stream of intellectuals primed to create progress and revitalize Michigan .

The diversity of the residents of the state of Michigan serves as a huge asset for growth in the future, and is something to value and cherish. With a variety of people and cultures comes a variety of ideas, skills, and assets for Michigan ʼs future. While Michigan possesses a diverse population, diversity in economic activity will continue to become extremely important to the stateʼs growth. As the auto-industry continues to struggle and industry proceeds to spiral downwards, Michigan is moving towards developing a more life sciences and biotechnologically fuelled economy. While such a change is necessary, the state must come up with ways to distinguish its life sciences and biotechnology from those of other states taking similar approaches to bolstering their economies. Michigan must take advantage of the natural resources it has, and seek to focus on the development of solar, geothermal, and tidal-based energy alternatives that will distinguish its economy from the many states focusing on biofuels, which remain a temporary solution to an energy problem better solved by renewable, long-term solutions that Michigan is poised to develop.

In order for Michigan to truly progress into the future, aggressive actions need to be taken to not only retain the stateʼs young people, but to draw in young thinkers from outside the state. Michigan must continue to work to build urban centers that will attract people in the same way that Chicago , New York , and Los Angeles attract the young, educated portions of our population. The revitalization of DetroitAnn Arbor and Lansing so that Detroit can grow into the metropolis it has the potential to be. The development of Detroit is crucial for Michigan ʼs survival, and the entire state needs to be part of the effort to bring infrastructure to the Motor City . remains a major step towards progress, and the positive economic growth in the cityʼs downtown area must be diffused outward to bolster the entire city and make it a place people want to live. The development of a mass transportation system is critical to the cityʼs development, and should link not only parts of the city, but the suburbs, and outlying areas like

The opportunities that can be realized by embracing Michigan ʼs natural and human diversity and resources make a life-long Michigander truly excited to be a part of the revitalization of this great state. The politicians and media will have you believe Michigan is a dying state, but I see Michigan much more optimistically as a state poised for a renaissance, fueled by resources, ideas, and people, that will put the state at the forefront of not only the nation, but the world.