Investing in Detroit: Centering Place

During biennial symposia, the High Line Network convenes 250+ leaders from the infrastructure reuse field to connect with and learn from each other. In October 2024, this symposium, Rooted, focused on ways public spaces can be authentically rooted in the needs, culture, and aspirations of their communities, and offered sessions led by High Line staff on putting into action the Community First Toolkit, a High Line-developed best-practices resource for creating public spaces and adapting urban infrastructure. Hosted in Detroit, Michigan, with support from local partner projects from the Network—the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership and Detroit Riverfront Conservancy—the symposium explored and drew inspiration from powerful community-driven public placemaking examples of the Motor City itself. About this video: The opening keynote sets the stage with a city leader, followed by a panel exploring the role of public space in Detroit’s revitalization. Hear insights from leaders in government, philanthropy, and public space management on how strategic investments in public space are transforming the city. Welcome Remarks: LaTrice McClendon, Director of Detroit Programs, Knight Foundation Josh Sirefman, CEO, Michigan Central Innovation District Asima Jansveld, Chief Program and Engagement Officer, High Line Keynote: Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer, City of Detroit Prelude: JJ Velez, Director of Public Space, Gilbert Foundation Moderator: Orlando Bailey, Executive Director, Outlier Media Panelists: Matthew Cullen, Chairperson, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer, City of Detroit Leona Medley, Executive Director, Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Mariam Noland, Retired President, Community Foundation for SE Michigan