What would you do with Detroit?

This is the million dollar question isn't it? Should we just leave it to go to ruin? Should we look into developing a new industry using the talent that's there (Pittsburgh)? Should we demolish it and turn it into pasture?

One of the best proposals I've heard was to give tax incentives to alternative energy and electric car companies to setup shop in Detroit, thus following the Pittsburgh model. It already has essentially a decent infrastructure that could be renovated, it's close to good shipping lanes, and property is literally dirt cheap.

Giant paint ball war field.

Burning Man/Devils Night mashup festival.

Darpa autonomous vehicle testing ground.

Joking aside, I think it's doomed. Most cities transitioned from a single industry over generations. You can't force that now. It's too late and too expensive. Plus it's cold. I used to live in Boston, lovely city, but it's so much cheaper in the south without heating costs.

I've always thought we should move the nation's capital every 25 years or so. Just think of how it would help Detroit if the capital were moved there. You can just feel the giant wave of lobbying and consulting companies moving into Detroit and Southern Ontario.

Just a thought :)