Population Loss (02:10)

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Approximately 1.3 million people have left Detroit, Michigan in the last 60 years. Other post-industrial cities around the world experience comparative percentage losses, mostly as a result of the declining auto industry.

Rebuilding Communities (05:01)

Detroit has a high crime rate but the core of the city is safer than many suburban neighborhoods across the country; pollution is a problem. Experts discuss reinventing cities devastated by population and job loss, including Midtown Detroit.

The Heidelberg Project (03:13)

Artist Tyree Guyton recalls fighting with the city government to continue his project aimed at revitalizing people. Organization members discuss using art as a catalyst for urban renewal.

Philadelphia, PA (04:36)

The city contains over 3,600 murals. The Mural Arts Program addresses social issues, including criminal and restorative justice. Cesar Viveros discusses children creating art and artistic inspiration.

Liberty Lands Park (03:38)

Janet Finegar discusses revitalizing the once industrial area. Philadelphia has approximately 40,000 vacant parcels; a stabilization program improves land appearance. Spring Gardens Community Garden provides space for 180 neighborhood families.

Youngstown, OH (03:28)

The collapse of the local steel industry results in a 60% population loss and increased poverty. Big Jim London and Ian Beniston work together to improve the community; they target corner stores.

Brightmoor Neighborhood (03:40)

Gwendolyn Shivers discusses revitalizing the neighborhood, creating gardens on vacant lots, and teaching children about healthy eating. Community gardening is a good crime deterrent.

Ruhr Valley Region, Germany (03:59)

The Emscher river conversion restores wastewater conduits and creates new water management systems. By 2018, Germany will phase out all coal production. Renate Spath discusses urban forestry in former industrial areas.

Torino, Italy (05:58)

The city is the icon of car production in Europe until the 1990s; unemployment soars. Experts discuss creating the National Cinema Museum and the Urban Master Plan to address abandoned industrial sites. The city has over 100 bike-sharing stations.

Detroit, MI (04:25)

DTE Energy employees discuss the return of beavers to the Detroit River. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge's cleanup and conservation programs result in significant ecological recovery. Steve Vogel explains daylighting creeks.

Greening of Detroit (04:57)

Tactics include tree planting and soil remediation. Farm owners discuss self-sufficiency, creating common space, social equity, and localized economies. Recovery Park will partner with Eastern Market to expand local food production and distribution.

Urban Reclamation (03:23)

Community members reflect on improving their cities, restoring the land, community involvement, and creativity.

Credits: Lean, Mean, and Green (02:05)

Credits: Lean, Mean, and Green