At this point, it’s likely old news when I say that there’s a lot to be excited about in Detroit. There’s high-level excitement about development and large-scale investment, and there is everyday excitement about the organizations, events and resources being developed across neighborhoods.

People tell me that blogs need lists, so I’ll tell you five things (macro and micro) that I’m excited about in the near future in this city.

• The Outdoor Patio Life: Sunshine in Detroit means that it’s time to find a great patio or rooftop to enjoy good drinks, good company, good food, or a good book. Here are some suggestions from Detroit Eater.

• So Much Biking: There are wonderful things happening in the biking world in Detroit, from the Slow Roll Season Opener tomorrow to the launch of the new MoGo bike-share program, to expanded bike-paths like the Inner Circle Greenway.

• Jane’s Walks: I have always loved exploring neighborhoods, and as an urban planning nerd, I’m especially looking forward to a series of Jane’s Walks in my neighborhood and across the city. This is part of a global movement of free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by the legend herself, Jane Jacobs.

• MoPop Music Festival: Coming to West Riverfront Park this summer: Alt-j, Foster the People, Solange, Vance Joy, and so many flower crowns. See the line-up here.
• Midtown Development: It’s an understatement to say that Midtown is changing. In just my 9 months here, I’ve seen four storefronts open within two blocks of my apartment. This work started long before I moved here, and attracting the right kind of development to this neighborhood has been an uphill climb for a lot of community stakeholders. Here are some big projects to look out for.
  • The Q-Line: the much debated and much anticipated light rail system that will run along Woodward Avenue from New Center all the way Downtown (with a stop right by my apartment!). The Grand Opening is on May 12^th!
    

    Preliminary plans for the new development at Mack and Woodward

  • Mack and Woodward: I will maintain my cautious optimism, but a 7-acre plus development project was announced for the southeast corner of Mack and Woodward Avenue (with Target as a rumored tenant)!
  • Wigle Site Plans: Just last week, the city unveiled a 77 million dollar redevelopment of the Wigle Recreation Center site including space for retail, affordable housing, and public green space.