Week Three (3) Blog – Observations in REO and Detroit

I’m learning a lot on the job and by visiting Detroit for seminars and group meetings. My organization, the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO), also works very closely with Metro Matters. I’ve noticed that everyone here is collaborative and supportive. Each week the team affords the opportunity to have an “All-Hands,” so that a staff member in need can get some extra help with their individual project. My co-workers’ willingness to help makes me feel welcome enough to ask plenty of questions.

I’ve also noticed that while these All-Hands meetings are not always utilized, my office has multiple projects going on simultaneously. Despite this, everyone keeps their cool under pressure. (I hope I can learn from them and do the same!) My co-workers maintain a fantastic sense of humor despite any stress or project roadblocks. I really admire their strength.

Further still, I’ve observed that my organization is fairly well known around southeast Michigan. All the calls I make broach the subject, which is usually met with recognition. I’ve been surprised by the reception my organization has received thus far – when I meet with community members (Highland Park Fire Chief Hillman, for example) – they are usually very excited and glad to be involved in our solar hot water project. It makes me proud to live in an area (southeast Michigan) that is so open to renewable energy, with people that are willing to help.

I’m also learning a lot in Detroit, especially last week during the group meeting (scavenger hunt). The city was so lovely and lively on a Thursday night! It seems like there’s always tons of events going on/always something to do. While there were lots of people out walking around, there weren’t too many cars (it seemed like they were mostly just passing through, but I would have to be around more often to gauge that). Strolling around, I got the sense that Detroit was a hub of activity, an ideal place to meet new people and discover unrealized interests.

Something else struck me – the streets were crowded with construction. I wondered if people were building things or if they were just repairing the roads, etc. (Side-note – the roads are truly insane, especially the freeway entrances. I have gotten a little better at avoiding potholes). If the city is constructing things, I wonder what the purpose of that might be considering some of the empty space. The spots available afford an opportunity to make something beneficial and beautiful. I’ve learned that what we do with those empty spots is highly contested.

I was shocked by the fanciness of some streets. One (unfortunately, I can’t totally remember which) could have been straight out of Birmingham or Rochester Hills (from my narrow-minded perspective/drawing from the little I’ve seen, many parts of these cities are fairly upscale). The stores looked fashionable and wildly expensive. Next, you might turn a corner to find an abandoned, boarded-up building or sort of small, rundown convenience store. Detroit contains some gorgeous, thought-provoking juxtaposition. I wonder how residents feel about these newer developments. All in all Detroit is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I love the exciting, adventurous vibe and enjoy how people greet each other while walking around. I feel like Detroit is adapting and evolving. I hope it always retains its artistic, inspirational atmosphere.