Bagley Housing Association This organization has single-handedly begun the turn-around of the Hubbard-Richard neighborhood that surrounds Ste. Anne's Church near the Ambassador Bridge. Through new construction and rehabilitation in the Bagley Housing Association's service area, the organization's efforts are stemming the slow decline that had been taking place for nearly 40 years while transforming this community.

Belle Isle Botanical Society Formed to assist in the maintenance of Belle Isle's Ann Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, this all-volunteer organization helps to maintain the gardens surrounding the conservatory and the conservatory itself.

Children's Museum This museum, an arm of the Detroit Public Schools, is housed in a newly renovated building on Second Blvd. south of Detroit's New Center. They are open to the public and loan materials to Detroit's Public Schools.

Community Development Advocates of Detroit This group is a trade association of community development organizations operating in the City of Detroit.

Corktown Citizens' District Council This city-funded organization supports the redevelopment of Detroit's Corktown neighborhood while ensuring public participation in the city's redevelopment efforts of the community.

Detroit Area Art Deco Society This organization advocates for the preservation of Detroit's large collection of art deco buildings and decoration. The group also spreads information about art deco design and its history to a broader audience.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation This quasi-governmental organization provides staff to Detroit's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and to the Detroit Economic Development Corporation. These two development groups work on various redevelopment projects in Detroit and have special funding mechanisms.

Detroit Historic Churches Association This group of seventeen historic churches located near downtown Detroit host periodic organized tours of their sites. Each year, the churches are paired together and visited by bus.

Detroit Historic Designation Advisory Board This body is responsible for the designation of new local historic districts in the City of Detroit. Over 70 local historic districts have been designated thus far.

Detroit Historic District Commission The Commission monitors all work on properties that are located in Detroit's designated Local Historic Districts. Property owners must apply for applications to the commission to do any significant exterior work on their properties.

Detroit Historic Neighborhood Coalition A coalition of over 20 historic neighborhoods in Detroit, they advocate for quality of life issues while also hosting tours and special events.

Detroit Historical Museums and Society The museum has four sites (the Detroit Historical Museum, Fort Wayne, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Moross House) under its control. In addition, the historical society also leads several special tours each year.

Detroit Renaissance Founded in 1970 to assist in rebuilding Detroit, this non-profit is comprised of Detroit's civic leadership that is focused on redeveloping the City and the region. They have a variety of programs to reach towards this effort.

Detroit Riverfront Conversancy This newly created organization has been formed to implement development of a public pathway along the Detroit River from Belle Isle's MacArthur Bridge to the Ambassador Bridge.

Detroit Science Center Recently expanded, this science center is great for children and adults to explore and learn about science.

Detroit Theatre Organ Society Located at the restored the Senate Theatre on Michigan Ave., the DTOS has monthly organ concerts there. The group restored the theatre to house the original mighty Wurlitzer Organ from Detroit's Fisher Theatre.

Detroit Yes One of the most dynamic Web sites on Detroit, it includes a picture gallery and comment sections for discussion. Started as the Fabulous Ruins of Detroit website by a local artist, Lowell Boileau.

Detroit Zoological Society This membership organization assists the Detroit Zoological Department in funding and running the main zoo in Royal Oak and the Belle Isle Aquarium.

Downtown Detroit Partnership The "DDP" is a partnership of corporate and civic leaders undertaking initiatives in strategic and physical planning, public space maintenance, research, marketing and - most significantly for 2006 - support for the business community in its campaign to establish a Business Improvement District in downtown Detroit.

Economic Club of Detroit One of the Nation's premier speaking clubs, this group has world-renowned speakers addressing a variety of topics from September to June.

Focus Hope This organization grew out of an effort to reduce prejudice and racial misunderstanding. To accomplish this task, the organization has directed its energies at developing technical training for Detroit's residents. A knowledgeable and skilled workforce can combat and erase racial misconceptions.

Friends of Belle Isle This all-volunteer organization advocates for the improved maintenance of Detroit's premier park. They also raise funds for specific projects on the island.

Friends of Detroit Rowing This organization continues the tradition of rowing on the Detroit River that dates back to 1839 and the founding of the Detroit Boat Club (America's oldest river rowing club). The Friends continues to offer youth and adult rowing programs out of the old DBC on Belle Isle.

Friends of the Book-Cadillac This group successfully fought City Hall to preserve the former Book-Cadillac Hotel, and they have now turned their eye towards other threatened downtown Detroit buildings.

Greater Corktown Development Corporation This organization works to redevelop the neighborhood that surrounds the old Tiger Stadium. New housing, sponsored by the corporation, is being constructed north of I-75 in the North Corktown community.

The Greening of Detroit This organization is focused on replanting trees in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. Detroit was once known as the "Paris of the Midwest" because of the large number of elms that lined most of the City's streets. Over the 35 years, the dutch elm disease killed many of these street trees. This organization works with the young to build an appreciation for the urban forest and help Detroit to once again become the "Paris of the Midwest."

Heidelberg Project A unique renowned outdoor art installation that is physically located on Detroit's McDougall Hunt eastside neighborhood. The art installation was conceived of by Tyree Guyton.

Institute for Detroit Studies, Marygrove College The institute promotes interdisciplinary study of Detroit at Marygrove College. Not only can people take a variety of classes relating to Detroit, but there is a speaker series and a Detroit bibliography and a literary map online.

Jefferson East Business Association This business association is focused the redevelopment of and improvement to Jefferson Ave. between Dickerson Ave. and the Detroit border with Grosse Pointe Park. The organization has several different programs designed to help improve the business climate of the area and support local businesses.

Metropolitan Detroit Preservation League This organization is for Detroit's hands-on preservationists. Many members share preservation lessons and successes amongst one another.

Mexicantown Community Development Corporation This group works on the redevelopment of the commercial strip along Bagley Ave. between 16th and 24th Streets and support small community development projects, including a summer weekly mercado. They are also the primary driver in developing a Michigan Welcome Center near the Ambassador Bridge.

Michigan Suburbs Alliance A consortium of inner-ring suburbs that are concerned that sprawl and the state money spent on it is affecting their communities.

Motor City Theatre Organ Society This organization renovated the Old Redford Theatre in Detroit, and they have monthly organ concerts and often show movies too.

Nailah Local real estate entreprenuer Julio Bateau has for many years been restoring beautiful, old, historic houses north of the DIA into apartments and condos and has recently started building historically sensative infill housing in the area.

New Center Council Inc. Focused on Detroit's New Center district, this organization conducts community development activities in their service area, and they also produce the Michigan Tastefest that takes place every 4th of July weekend in New Center.

Planning and Development Department This city department is responsible for planning and development activities in the City of Detroit. They have several programs for housing rehabilitation, and the Department's Historic District Commission oversees all work in Detroit's historic districts.

Preservation Wayne Detroit's longest standing preservation organization advocates for historic preservation in and around Detroit and has a very dynamic seasonal tour program.

REAL (Riverfront East ALliance) This organization formed to fight the Archer administration's proposal to place casino's in Detroit's Rivertown district. The group continues to monitor development taking place on Detroit's near eastside.

SEMCOG The Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments is the region's council of governments that is mandated by the Federal government. Their main responsibility is to ensure that federal investments in the region are coordinated.

Southwest Detroit Business Association The SDBA works on a variety of community development efforts focused primarily along Vernon Highway in southwest Detroit.

The Parade Company This organization puts on the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade down Woodward Ave. They are also opening their workshop to year round visitors. They are always looking for volunteers.

The Scarab Club This club's mission is to encourage fellowship between artists and those interested in art, and they provide a place for those to create and exhibit art. They also have drawing classes available.

1000 Friends of Metropolitan Detroit This local chapter of the 1000 Friends national organization seeks to halt urban sprawl and promote policies that encourage livable communities in Metro Detroit.

Transportation Riders United This group advocates for good regional mass transit in and around Detroit.

University Cultural Center Association Comprised of all of the organizations in Detroit's Cultural Center, this organization stages two major annual events in the cultural center (Detroit Festival of the Arts and Noel Night). It also carries out community development activities in the area.

MICHIGAN PLANNING AND PRESERVATION WEB SITES:

Community Economic Development Association of Michigan This group is a voluntary association spread across Michigan that includes community development corporations (CDCs), individuals, and other organizations interested in promoting and expanding community-based housing and commercial development across Michigan.

Michigan Environmental Council This organization, through its member organizations, provides a collective voice for Michigan's environment. They focus on: saving the environment, stopping urban blight and suburban sprawl, creating sustainable economy, protecting Michigan's water resources, and promoting cleaner energy.

Michigan Land Use Institute This policy organization has been charged by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to review the state's policies on land use and provide recommendations on how to change Michigan's land use laws to lessen sprawl's negative impacts.

Michigan Historic Preservation Network The statewide preservation organization for Michigan advocates for historic preservation state-wide and networking among the state's preservationist. The group was responsible for the passage of the Michigan's state tax credit for historic preservation.

Michigan State Fair The Nation's oldest state fair takes place on property that J.L. Hudson donated to the people of Michigan. The State Fair helps to bring Michigan's rural and urban dwellers together every year.

Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) The state office that is responsible for the review of applications for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the state historic marker program, the federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the Section 106 Historic Review program, and other historic preservation issues.

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSDHA) This department of the State of Michigan is focused on developing and rehabilitating housing for low and moderate-income residents of the state of Michigan. Grants, loans, and tax credits are used to create these units.

MotorCities - Automobile National Heritage Area MotorCities-ANHA is dedicated to preserving and promoting Southeastern and Central Michigan's nationally significant auto heritage story. It is one of 24 National Heritage Areas in the US that are affiliated with the National Park Service.

NATIONAL PLANNING AND PRESERVATION WEB SITES:

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is the federal agency that advises the U.S. Congress and the President on historic preservation issues. It provides advice and comment on federally funded projects that may affect historic sites through Section 106 historic review process as laid out in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Alliance of National Heritage Areas The association of the 24 Nationally designated National Heritage Area in the United States. Each heritage area has been mandated by the U.S. Congress to preserve and tell a story that is of national import.

American Cultural Resources Association This association serves the needs of the cultural resources industry, including individuals working in the fields of history, historic preservation, archeology, architectural history, historical architecture, and landscape architecture.

American Institute of Architects The national professional organization for architects has many separate policy and work groups focused on physical design issues, like urban design, economic development, etc.

American Planning Association The national professional organization for urban planners has many separate policy and work groups focused on a variety of urban issues, like urban redevelopment, sprawl, new urbanism, etc.

Association for Preservation Technology This organization is an international association of preservation professionals who are engaged in hands-on conservation activities.

Government Printing Office This is the place to go when you need anything that is printed by the federal government including the government's Federal Register (the government's legal newspaper).

Habitat for Humanity This Christian-based international organization's goal is to ensure that all people have access to decent, affordable, safe housing. They have a local chapter in Detroit. Many chapters in the U.S. have annual blitz builds where volunteers and the home's future residents work together to build a new home in a few days.

HABS/HAER/HALS The National Park Service's Historic American Building Survey (founded in 1933), Historic American Engineering Record (founded in 1969), and the Historic American Landscape Survey (founded in 2002) records are found on this site at the Library of Congress, under the American Memories section. Each of these three programs was created to permanently document significant American sites before they are lost. Documentation includes annotated measured drawings, detailed history, and large format archival photographs.

Library of Congress Library of Congress is the world's largest library and the site also contains current U.S Congressional bills and reports.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation LISC supports community redevelopment projects across the United States out of local offices. They match locally raised money with money from national donors. Their Detroit office supports the efforts of many local community development corporations.

Municipal Arts Society Though not national in scope, this New York City organization is the nation's most successful organization at advocating for great architecture, urban design, urban planning, and historic preservation. They have been in existence since the late 1800s and have great programming and a dynamic website.

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions The organization of local preservation commissions contains information for preservation commissioners and the general public.

National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Tribal preservation officers are federal employees who work to preserve historic sites on Native American tribal lands.

National Building Museum This Washington DC museum highlights and celebrates the tremendous achievements of architects and builders in the United States.

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training The National Park Service's arm that works to disseminate information about proper preservation technologies and new preservation technological breakthroughs to preservation professionals.

NCSHPO The National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers helps the state's historic preservation officers and their staffs to network and share information.

National Conference of State Legislatures Data Base The website to check out when you are looking for legislative examples from states around the country.

National Mainstreet Center The National Mainstreet program is an effort of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to encourage reinvestment in our nation's main streets and downtowns. The Center provides technical assistance to groups engaged in these activities.

National Register of Historic Places This listing is maintained by the National Park Service, which includes a listing of designated historic sites and districts in the United States. Listing on the National Register allows for property owners of income producing properties (rental commercial and residential) to qualify for Federal Historic Tax Credits (up to 20% of the cost of rehabilitating a qualified building). The National Register also includes the National Historic Landmarks, which are buildings and sites of the highest significance to the nation.

National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse This site provides information about the Federal highway legislation and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century Program (TEA-21), and it also maintains information on individual states and how they are spending TEA-21 funds.

National Trust for Historic Preservation The nation's preservation organization, chartered by Congress in 1949, encourages public participation in the preservation of sites, buildings, and objects that are significant in American history and culture. The National Trust has a variety of programs and outreach efforts including several successful grants program. Regional offices also provide technical assistance to local and state-wide preservation organizations.

National Park Service Cultural Programs In the 1930s, the National Park Service, often thought of only preserving the Nation's open space, had the responsibilities to preserve or Nation's culture and heritage added to its federal mandate. The Cultural Resources sector oversees the HABS/HAER/HALS programs, Certified Local Government program, the National Register of Historic Places, technical preservation assistance, and many other cultural preservation efforts.

Partners for Sacred Spaces This organization works with historic churches on preservation and maintenance issues that face many inner city churches. PfSS also advocates that these churches, while many are in financial trouble, are invaluable resources to their communities.

Planetizen Planetizen is a public-interest information exchange for the urban planning and development community.

Preservation Action Preservation Action is the national political action committee that advocates for preservation with the U.S. Congress.

The Preservation Directory Preservationdirectory.com is a tremendous tool for preservationists. It includes many listings of organizations and resources located across the United States.

Rails to Trails Conservancy This organization works to assist local groups in acquiring abandoned railroad beds for greenway paths, and it is involved in the greater greenways movement.

Regional Plan Association This organization has been advocating for quality planning in New York City's tri-state area for over 70 years. They are the one organization that works to coordinate planning efforts for over 20 million residents in greater New York City.

Scenic America This organization works to preserve America's scenic beauty, and it advocates against roadside advertising along our nation's highways.

Sierra Club This organization is focused on preserving the environment and the reduction of pollution. In the last few years, they have become active in pollution found in urban areas and the environmental problems facing poorer urban residents.

Smart Growth America This organization advocates for smart growth efforts while containing urban sprawl.

Society for American Archaeology This society shares information among professional archeologists in the U.S.

Society of Architectural Historians This group is a professional organization of historians who specialize in documenting and researching our nation's buildings and built environment.

Society for Commercial Archeology Commercial archeologists look to preserve America's roadside archeology that includes historic signs and buildings that have developed over the last 80 years. These objects and sites are associated with our Nation's commercial activity.

Society for Industrial Archeology This organization and its members shares information about our nation's threatened industrial buildings. They raise awareness in the general public that our significant industrial structures, buildings, and sites are an important part of our Nation's heritage.

Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse This website works to disseminate information about how to control urban sprawl.

Surface Transportation Policy Project This organization looks at the affects of the federal transportation policies on our communities, especially as it relates to the transportation enhancement programs of the last three federal highway bills. Each highway bill has mandated that a certain percentage of Federal money passed to the states for highway construction be used for transportation enhancements like pathways, roadside improvements, historic preservation, and highway pollution mitigation.

Trust for Public Land Trust for Public Land assists local and state governments and local groups in acquiring properties that are threatened with development. The group often acquires the properties from willing sellers and then holds onto them until a government unit or local group can raise the funds necessary to purchase the threatened parcel.

Urban Land Institute This trade association is funded by urban and suburban developers.

INTERNATIONAL PLANNING AND PRESERVATION SITES:

International Centre for the Study of Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) This international organization provides technical assistance for preservation and restoration of the world's cultural properties.

International Congress for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage This international group advocates for the preservation of the world's significant industrial properties.

International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) This very successful and large international organization advocates for the preservation of world's significant cultural areas.

International Downtown Association This organization is comprised of local community development corporations that are focused on redeveloping their individual downtowns.

UNESCO This United Nations branch, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is focused on preserving the world's cultures and heritage through collaboration among nations.

World Monuments Fund This organization is focused on raising awareness concerning threatened cultural sites, and it provides grants to assist in their preservation.