Many Voices

Hear different
perspectives on
Detroit's future.

city belongs to its people. Detroit, just as
any other city, has a lot of stories. As a
Metro Detroiter, I not only wish to help
craft the future vision, but also to incorpo-
rate the invaluable wisdom of those who
are already making a positive change in the
city. Every one of the 700,000 residents
in the city deserves the opportunity to add
their stories to the Detroit narrative.
As someone who has grown up in the suburbs, I am
excited by the new developments Downtown, like the Ml
Rail and new hockey arena. I know, though, much more is
happening in Detroit than what I read and hear about. I
learned from two local Jewish educators in PeerCorps De-
troit about the concept of elu v'elu, or multiple perspectives.
As Jews we take pride in the equality of views and per-
spectives. So I sought out different perspectives.
Here are the voices of four women, each working
toward an equitable and just vision for the future, and to
capture the resilient hope that is the common theme in
the Detroit narrative.

RAQUEL CASTANEDA LOPEZ

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City Councilmember Raquel Castafieda-LOpez was
newly elected to represent District 6, where she grew
up in Southwest Detroit. Castafieda-LOpez, the first
Latina elected to City Council, really cares for her na-
tive neighborhood and carries with her a strong sense
of justice that she channels into her work helping
everyday Detroiters and caring for
her district.
Castafieda-LOpez raises aware-
ness of the power of the citizens
and hopes to support residents
in creating a Citizen's Advisory
Council for District 6. She has al-
ready developed a resident service
program through her district office.
Castafieda-LOpez wants to make
Raquel Castatieda-L6pez
sure every Detroiter has a voice.

Q: How do you envision Detroit in 50 years?
"My general vision for the city is for each neighborhood
to develop sustainable, walkable communities with
schools and grocery stores within walking distance. Each
neighborhood will have its own unique feel, spreading
services and resources equally throughout the city versus
concentrating solely on Downtown. Basically, all the
needed city services will be available within the neighbor-
hoods.
"Sadly, Southeast Michigan continues to be incred-
ibly segregated, but my hope is that the city continues to
build upon its efforts to grow as a diverse, inclusive global
city. My vision is to see the city support truly integrated
communities, not just in terms of race but class, family
structure, age groups, job opportunities, etc.
"I would also love to see Detroit do a complete 180
and move away from a heavy industrial city to a green,
walkable city. To do so we need to have a comprehen-

48 May 2015

1 in TilltrAD