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If it's hard for corporations to find a formula for growth in a tough economic environment, it's even harder for big cities. So what does it take for downtowns to thrive? It takes leaders who are able to think beyond their own borders by taking a much broader approach to urban planning, according to Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer. He says cities need to think of economic development as a regional effort, not a local pork barrel. "I really believe the time spent in building bridges to the suburbs has paid off," Archer says. Since taking office in 1994, he has brought $17.6 billion worth of new investment to Detroit, including two sports stadiums, three casinos, $7.1 billion in manufacturing and office space, and $1.1 billion in new housing. Archer is a tireless ambassador to the suburbs ringing Detroit, pressing the case for regional cooperation and working to repair frayed relations at town meetings, at Rotary Clubs, and through a coalition of nearly 50 regional CEOs. In the end, Archer says, a successful city ensures a successful region: "You have to have a complete city that has a strong, vibrant, safe reputation--and you need a downtown to attract people."
By Jeff Green in Detroit
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