#1 – Educate, Train, Inspire a Local Workforce to be involved in Revitalization

Project

Develop, attract and train a local resident-based workforce who are hired to carry out the jobs needed to achieve revitalization objectives in their own community. Establish a local workforce training course that gives skills to residents that prepares them to be hired for available revitalization jobs and an entrepreneurial institute that inspires some residents to establish and run the small businesses that hire the trained workforce in emerging commercial, retail, manufacturing and other employment opportunities needed in Brightmoor.

Plans

Recruit and train Brightmoor residents in carrying out the job functions related to demolition of dangerous structures, the clean up of vacant lots and streets, the trimming of trees, maintenance of public parks, keeping inventory of land use and street conditions, recording community complaints, dispute resolution, making referrals etc. Obtain the City contracts to provide those services through the trained local workforce.

Recruit and train entrepreneur leaders who are interested in developing small businesses that meet the needs of Brightmoor residents and utilizes the locally trained workforce as employees.

Partnerships

Northwest Detroit Neighborhood Development (NDND) has partnered with the public and private sectors, Universities and the Brightmoor Alliance to develop plans to educate and increase the job skills of local residents and recognize the need to attract commercial, retail, manufacturing and job related entrepreneurs to the Brightmoor community. Additional potential partners include Work Force Development agencies including Goodwill, ACCESS and others

Investment Opportunity

The investment in educating and involving people in the revitalization of their own community is essential to the stabilization of the area. A workforce skills training course and an Entrepreneurial Institute could be funded through multiple sources. The key is the availability of job contracts during and after training to establish ongoing employment. Investors and employers have a great opportunity to meet community needs without much competition.