PLAN POINTS WAY TO BETTER CITY; * DETROIT RENAISSANCE MAPS OUT HOPEFUL AND REALISTIC STRATEGIES THAT AREA LEADERS' SUPPORT

The Road to Renaissance, a new 3-year economic plan for metro Detroit, is a must read for policy makers looking for sound and hopeful economic strategies.

Though grand ideas to revive Detroit seem to come around every day, this one, crafted by Detroit Renaissance, is a cut above the rest.

For starters, it's a bona fide plan with 11 specific steps to spur growth and much needed regional cooperation. The fact that the plan is actually in print, not subject to months of additional brainstorming sessions, gives local, state and federal policy makers added reason to treat it with urgency.

Right now, their buy-in is the only noticeable missing link. Implementation costs are expected to range from $70 million to $80 million, along with up to $10 million annually for administration.

One of the strongest ideas would pour $50 million of the upfront costs into six high-tech entrepreneurial centers for new small businesses. These companies are the future, and this investment would be another strong signal of Michigan's commitment to luring them.

Under this proposal, the bulk of the money would open new centers in Macomb and Western Wayne Counties. The balance would be split among the region's four existing incubators: Next Energy and TechTown in Detroit, Ann Arbor SPARK, and Automation Alley in Oakland County.

Other high points of the Road to Renaissance call for boosting internships and apprenticeships, along with the creation of an "aerotropolis" near Metro and Willow Run airports, a site that would ideally attract logistics companies. Similarly, a creative corridor along Woodward Avenue would be built to attract and support artists.

None of these ideas is a cure-all. They shouldn't have to be for Michigan political and philanthropic leaders to see the value of working together to move them forward.

Renaissance, as the state and region's current economic plights prove, rarely comes to those who wait.

You can learn more about the Road to Renaissance at www.detroitrenaissance.com

MEMO: IN OUR OPINION.

DISCLAIMER: THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE PRINTED ARTICLE