The Michigan Exodus

I grew up in Michigan, and like thousands of other young people from Michigan I now live in Chicago. Everywhere you go in this city you meet Michigan refugees, people who have realized that their future is not in Michigan. I look forward to the formation of an ethnic enclave, like Chinatown, complete with a Coney Island, Big Boys and Vernors available in every restaurant.

For at least half a decade, Michigan has had the worst economy of any state, so its not surprising that thousands of people are choosing to settle elsewhere. I know from my own experience that the bulk of my friends from high school now live elsewhere. However, we'll probably have to wait until the next census results come out to know the full extent of the damage. It's a given that Michigan will lose at least one seat in the house, but could the state be poised to lose two or even three representatives. I wouldn't be surprised.

Obviously, the decline of the US auto industry was going to hit Michigan hard, but the failed urban policies that Detroit embraced in the 60s are as much responsible for the predicament Michigan currently faces. No city embraced the pernicious movement towards suburbanization as wholeheartedly as Detroit. The Detroit Metro is one of the most segregated in America. The city of Detroit is nearly 90% black, while nearly all white people live in more affluent suburbs. The tension between black city and white suburbs has led to a complete failure of regional planning. The state of public transportation in the metro area is pitiful for a region of nearly 5 million people.

Richard Florida's excellent piece in the Atlantic demonstrates the importance of vibrant urban areas to promoting innovation and economic growth. Unfortunately, Detroit offers little to the creative class. No educated young person would choose to settle in Detroit when midwestern cities like Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis have so much more to offer. Let alone the opportunities available in coastal cities like New York, DC or Seattle.

Anyways, these are my thoughts on the sad state of Michigan. I would love to hear from other ex Michiganders.