Remember, tomorrow is election day. Okay, so this isn't a presidential or a major statewide election year, but local races are important. Aside from the important decisions these candidates will make as local officials, many of the men and women appearing on the ballot this week will probably run for higher office down the road, which is why we need to select good leaders now. Here are two great resources for voters:

• Publius.org: Find out where you're supposed to vote
• MI Votes: Answers any and all questions about voting

Now, onto the links...



Rapid Growth: New public art symbolizes revitalization of Grand Rapids' Southtown neighborhood

Nine mobile murals symbolizing the past, present, and future of Grand Rapids' Southtown neighborhood were unveiled Tuesday, October 30 at a press conference followed by a walking tour of the new art installments. Lighthouse Communities commissioned the murals through the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts to get young people involved in the revitalization of the neighborhood.

"We've been working to re-brand the neighborhood as Southtown," says Dave Allen, executive director of Lighthouse Communities. "With the renewed energy and development we thought what a cool opportunity to bring some kids in."

The "past" murals feature white birds flying out of the pictures, representing white flight. The "present" murals have birds of prey, representing predatory lenders that prey on Southtown. The "future" murals show brightly colored birds coming back, a beacon of hope, and a variety of skin colors depicting the area's multiculturalism.

The murals hang in groups of three. Throughout the coming months, Lighthouse will move the murals to places of revitalization within the neighborhood. Currently, the murals are on display at 1401, 1408, and 1414 Madison SE.

Wow, talk about a great revitalization project! This sounds like something other communities could pull off pretty easily. Kudos to Dave Allen with Lighthouse Communities for making it happen.

Rapid Growth: Streetcar investment could accelerate Grand Rapids' revival

For about the same money it cost to build the Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids could develop a streetcar system that would return billions of dollars to the local economy, just like the streetcar system in places like Portland, OR has brought some $3 billion to that city in less than a decade. A feasibility study is underway and the results should be ready by summer 2008.

$3 billion in less than a decade? Sure sounds like a great way to attract business development. If we want to compete with big cities like Chicago and New york for young, talented workers, offering some form of mass transit could be the ticket.

PR Newswire: Detroit Renaissance Releases First Road to Renaissance Progress Report

It is time to change the narrative about our assets in Southeast Michigan. This report shows that we are on target to meet our objectives and substantial work has been done to achieve our goal of transforming the economy of Southeast Michigan."

The "Road to Renaissance" initiative focuses on helping the region achieve the following six objectives: 1) become the center for global mobility; 2) develop an aerotropolis; 3) grow Metro Detroit's creative community; 4) expand the region's entrepreneurial capacity; 5) secure a strong future talent base; and, 6) promote globally while communicating locally.

According to Rothwell, this has been an unprecedented civic effort combining the talents and input of diverse constituencies into a plan that addresses our economic growth by building upon the region's assets.

Sounds like they're making great progress so far. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on future releases from Road to Renaissance Initiative.