It was sad to watch key legislators fight over a smoking ban in casinos while the state burns. Much better focus and problem-solving is critical, right now, Center President Phil Power writes.

Likewise, trite talk about film incentives and biofuel landfills also takes attention away from critical government reforms, writes Michigan’s Defining Moment Public Engagement Campaign Co-Chair Doug Rothwell.

John noted that while the Detroit Chamber brought in young professionals, they did it in a paternalistic and somewhat patronizing way (having their program while many attendees were already headed home). He did close with a bit of sunshine when he looked at the blog of one millenial and recent UM grad, Ashley Aidenbaum:

Membership to this generation leads my coworkers and collaborators to constantly ask: “You are a millennial, what do you want? What do you think?”

Cities must compete for our minds and money; we expect an accommodating, personalized experience whether we are shopping, surfing the web, or searching for a home.

I won’t speak for my generation in the remainder of my blog. Still, I do feel that my observations and perspective are consistent with a broader population of urban-inclined young adults who have failed to find convenience or quality of life in the suburban spaces in which they were raised.

Well, Michigan, are you listening to the voice of your future?