_edited.png)
A Blueprint for the Future
- Troy Rienstra
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 15
The Third and Final Chapter in the Pontiac Peace Treaty Series
Pontiac, Michigan, is at a turning point. For decades, we have witnessed economic decline, rising crime, and a lack of strategic leadership. Now, as we enter a new election year, our city has an opportunity to redefine its future.
The Pontiac Peace Treaty Series has explored the issues holding Pontiac back—gun violence, homelessness, economic stagnation, and failed leadership. Now, we look ahead. What does a successful Pontiac look like in five, ten, or twenty years? What policies, investments, and leadership will take us there?
This post presents a bold, research-backed plan for Pontiac’s future, based on national urban development strategies, economic data, and proven methods from cities that have successfully rebuilt themselves.
We are not just reimagining Pontiac. We are rebuilding it.
Choosing Leadership That Delivers
Pontiac’s failures are not random—they are the result of leadership that has lacked vision, urgency, and accountability. This year, we must demand that every candidate outline a clear, measurable plan for economic growth, public safety, and city-wide revitalization.
📌 The cost of ineffective leadership is measurable:
A Harvard University study on municipal governance found that cities with strong leadership see up to 30% higher economic growth rates than those with weak or inconsistent governance.
The Brookings Institution reports that cities prioritizing economic development through local entrepreneurship see job creation increase by 20-25% over a decade.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pontiac’s population has declined by nearly 20% over the last two decades, a sign that residents do not see a long-term future in the city.
1. Create a Long-Term Economic Development Strategy
Cities like Pittsburgh and Detroit successfully transitioned from economic decline to business hubs by focusing on tech, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Pontiac must create a strategic investment plan that aligns with national economic trends while prioritizing local business development.
Case Study:🔹 Pittsburgh, once a struggling steel town, reinvented itself by attracting technology and healthcare companies, leading to a 22% increase in job opportunities over 10 years (University of Pennsylvania, 2023). Pontiac must learn from this success by identifying its unique economic strengths and investing in them.
2. Invest in Infrastructure to Support Growth
According to the Wharton School of Business, cities that modernize their public transit, roads, and pedestrian pathways see a 40% increase in business retention over a decade. Pontiac’s aging roads and lack of accessible transportation discourage investment and development.
Key Priorities:
Fix city roads and upgrade public transit to make Pontiac more accessible.
Improve street lighting, signage, and pedestrian zones to encourage foot traffic.
Create public-private partnerships to fund major infrastructure projects.
3. Promote a Business-Friendly Environment
A Small Business Administration (SBA) study found that cities that reduce permitting obstacles and provide small business grants experience 15-20% local economic growth in five years. Pontiac’s bureaucratic delays and lack of small business incentives are a major barrier to entrepreneurship.
Actionable Steps:
Reduce the average business permit approval time from 6+ months to 30-60 days.
Provide grants and low-interest loans to Pontiac-based businesses.
Offer tax incentives for businesses that hire locally.
🔴 Pontiac must shift from a city that discourages business investment to one that actively attracts and supports it.
Reviving Downtown Pontiac
A thriving downtown is the foundation of a strong city. National studies from Harvard Business School and the Urban Land Institute show that walkable, vibrant downtowns increase economic activity, property values, and quality of life indicators.
📌 Key Statistics:
Retail vacancies in downtown Pontiac exceed 40%, compared to the national urban vacancy average of 11% (National Association of Realtors, 2024).
A study from MIT’s Department of Urban Planning found that cities with walkable downtown areas see a 30% increase in consumer spending.
Cities that integrate arts and entertainment into their economic development plans see a 25-50% increase in tourism revenue (Yale University, 2024).
1. Zoning & Incentives for Small Businesses
The City of Ann Arbor implemented zoning incentives and small business grants, leading to a 60% increase in small business openings in five years. Pontiac must adopt a similar strategy to ensure locally owned businesses can flourish.
2. Establish a Cultural & Entertainment District
New Orleans, Nashville, and even Grand Rapids have shown that a city’s arts and music scene can drive economic growth. Pontiac, with its rich history in music, arts, and automotive culture, is underutilizing its cultural assets.
Proposed Actions:
Develop an Arts & Music District to host live music, festivals, and public art installations.
Offer tax credits to businesses investing in arts and cultural spaces.
Work with developers to turn vacant downtown buildings into creative spaces for artists and entrepreneurs.
3. Improve Walkability & Transit Access
A University of California, Berkeley study found that urban districts with improved pedestrian infrastructure see retail revenue increase by 12-30%.
🔹 In 2018, Cleveland invested $37M in improving walkability in its downtown district—retail sales surged by 28% in three years. Pontiac must make investments to attract more foot traffic and businesses downtown.
🔴Rebranding and marketing is a huge advantage to increasing foot traffic in the downtown district. Creating a new, fresh image of Pontiac for people to hold visually will go a long way.
The Role of Oakland County in Pontiac’s Future
As the county seat of Oakland County, Pontiac should be one of the premier urban centers of Southeast Michigan. However, other cities continue to receive more direct investment, leaving Pontiac underfunded.
📌 Redirect More County Investment to Pontiac
Allocate county-funded small business grants to Pontiac entrepreneurs instead of prioritizing suburban developments.
📌 Expand Regional Transit & Connectivity
Fund public transit solutions that better connect Pontiac to economic hubs like Southfield, Birmingham, and Auburn Hills.
📌 Support Housing & Urban Development Projects
Push for county-backed incentives for mixed-use housing and business developments to rebuild Pontiac’s tax base.
🔴 Pontiac cannot rebuild alone—county leaders must step up and provide equitable funding.
📌 A Clear Vision for Pontiac’s Future:
✔️ Gun violence reduced by 50% through community-led intervention programs.
✔️ Downtown Pontiac revitalized into a thriving economic and cultural hub.
✔️ Small businesses booming, supported by grants and local hiring incentives.
✔️ Oakland County investing in Pontiac, bringing in regional funding
I would like to state that while this is one option it isn't the only option. The point is we have to commit and start moving important issues. The time for action is upon us and we deserve a healthy, thriving community. The question now is: Are you willing to step up and help bring it to life?
📢 This election year, demand real leadership. Invest in Pontiac’s future. Be part of the movement.
Stay committed and keep growing,
-Troy Rienstra
Comments