Guiding Principles

Michigan's Cool Cities initiative is committed to the growth, revitalization and momentum of our communities. We have identified the following guiding principles as the framework to improve our communities. The principles are based on the best practices being used by the most competitive communities in the United States and around the world. We are employing these principles through initiatives that strengthen our communities so they will attract jobs and people, especially young people with the skills businesses are looking to recruit. 

PRINCIPLES:

1. Support innovation. We need our communities to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that produces the new businesses, new products and innovations that force us to see our world differently and create jobs. This innovation needs to be supported in all sectors and involve people of all ages. 

2. Grow our talent. Michigan wants to support initiatives that provide opportunities to graduates and entrepreneurs in our communities. These initiatives encourage them to stay in our cities and allow us to grow the talent, innovation and creativity these individuals bring. Michigan produces many of the best minds in the world as a result of our schools, corporations and organizations. We need to retain this talent and attract others to continue the remarkable contributions we provide to our communities and the world.

3. Embrace diversity. Michigan is committed to supporting initiatives that provide new ways for people of different backgrounds, races, ages, sexual orientation and religions to easily connect and feel they can bring their talent and innovation to communities that welcome their diverse perspectives.

4. Invest in and build on quality of place. Michigan wants to support initiatives that make communities more unique, attractive, exciting and welcoming so people will choose to stay in or move to our unique cities.

5. Think regionally and act locally. Michigan is stronger and more competitive when we bring together our unique cities and our dynamic regions. It is difficult for any single city to match the wealth of opportunities and amenities that regions provide. We recognize that regional cooperation strengthens local initiatives. 

6. Making new connections. Cool Cities is the catalyst for new connections. It brings people together and facilitates conversations between groups that may not have talked in the past for the benefit of our cities and state. These connections will provide the collaboration, synergy and momentum needed to bring ideas to fruition.