“Locally we had the perfect storm of people—not only had we all worked together in some capacity before, but we all had such different skills. My studio, Akoaki, specializes in architecture, cultural programming and urban design. Rootoftwo are known for their innovative work work with technology, public art and public policy. Harley Etienne is a leader in planning. Agence Ter, our partners from France, are recognized for their international landscape and urban design projects.”

Keeping with the University of Michigan’s commitment to integrate and strengthen engagement efforts in the city of Detroit, the university recently established the Detroit Advisory Group and named a new special adviser on Detroit engagement.

Feodis Shipp III was named director of the University of Michigan Detroit Center in 2018 after serving as associate director since 2010. He hopes to develop a strong working relationship with the community. Born and raised in Detroit, Shipp is excited by the city’s rebirth and believes the university can be a significant contributor to that experience. He earned his B.A. in history from U-M and his M.A. in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

Three decades ago, an artist named Tyree Guyton turned two abandoned blocks around his grandfather’s house on Detroit’s east side into a landmark incorporating his signature polka dots along with found objects such as clocks, records and stuffed animals.

Experts from eight units across the university and a group of 15 students teamed up to create the Community Engagement: Collaborating for Change massive open online course (MOOC).

Faculty, staff, community members and students gathered in Rackham’s Assembly Hall to attend The Edward Ginsberg Center’s Dewey Lecture Series and learn more about community engagement projects, including those involving U-M.

University of Michigan researchers studied three Detroit neighborhoods — Grandmont Rosedale, East English Village and MorningSide. They found that those under the leadership of a community development corporation, along with volunteer efforts, weathered the city’s housing crisis better than the rest.

The Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is dedicated to establishing and promoting socially just communities, and deploys its interventions to support Detroit residents and stakeholders as they work to strengthen and improve their neighborhoods.

For more than a decade, the Edward Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning at the University of Michigan has been hosting a variety of programs and services for students and assisting faculty in the development of engaged learning in their courses and programs.