CityNerd X TRU in Review

Update: Watch Ray’s Video OUT NOW

What a night! We were so honored to host Ray Delahanty (aka CityNerd) in Detroit for a wonderful panel on Urbanism in Detroit. Joining him on the stage we had:

  • Megan Owens, TRU’s Executive Director
  • Assad Turfe, Deputy Executive for Wayne County
  • Melanie Piana, Program Director for the RTA & Former Mayor of Ferndale
  • Scott Benson, Councilman for Detroit representing District 3 (Northeast)

The event started off with a chance for fans to meet Ray one on one. It was lovely to see so many fans from across the region meet Ray! Everyone seemed so excited for the night.

After the meet & greet, everyone settled in for a 1:1 interview between Megan and Ray. Ray spent a few days earlier in the week touring Detroit (coming here on popular demand by his fans). He rode the People Mover right before it closed for repairs, loved his time at Campus Martius and the Jazz Festival, and appreciated how friendly everyone was!

Much discussion was dedicated to our stadiums. Detroit is incredibly unique in how our stadiums are all located downtown – making access incredibly easy! They talked about the new ballpark at the old site of Tigers Stadium and Comerica Park, and how nice it is that all four teams play downtown since the Pistons moved from the Palace in Auburn Hills.

Ray and Megan talked about what its like to be a planner, how he began making videos, and even his opinions on issues like land value tax.

Once the interview was over, our panelists joined Ray to talk about urbanism in the Detroit region & what has been happening. Some highlights include:

  • Wayne County’s upgrade to a AA credit score (the second highest rank!),
  • Progress on Reforming the RTA via a Ballot Initiative,
  • The “Bikes for Essential Workers” Program (A City of Detroit Program to provide bikes to essential workers that live within 5 miles of their work during the Pandemic) being a finalist for a $1.2 million grant & expanding it’s scope,
  • USDOT supporting the RTA’s re-application for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act funding for BRT on Woodward, Gratiot, Michigan, & Washtenaw.

One question stood out in how every speaker answered the same. Someone asked “what can we do to improve our planning”, and all speakers said: Let your local officials know what you want! Especially with the election soon, leaders are listening to us and what we want. Make sure to ask your candidates about transit and projects in your area. You can find some sample questions & contact info for legislative candidates here. But also ask your county and city leaders too! Every step counts.

And if you are able, we challenge you: Can you go a Week Without Driving? This national effort aims to raise awareness about transportation inequality & towards those who cannot own a car. We hope that by going a week, or even a day, without driving, more drivers can be aware of the issues that face nondrivers. If you can, great! And if not, reflect on what it would be like to go a week without driving, and encourage people around you to join as well.

Thank you for such a wonderful evening! Special thanks to not just Ray and the speakers, but to everyone who could come out!