I officially moved to Detroit 34 days ago. Here are the most important Detroit lessons I’ve learned so far.

1. You might be able to get by without your own car in Motor City.
I’m incredibly fortunate to have the resources to live and work within the city limits, and to have access to transit besides a car. In this end-of-summer month, I’ve loved getting to know the city through biking. I hope to get out to more Slow Roll events before their season ends. For those who don’t know, Slow Roll is a weekly community bike ride that brings thousands of people on unique routes through the city’s neighborhoods both big and small. My first Slow Roll during week one in Detroit shoed me how easy it is to get around this city. I’m lucky because, when it’s not, I’ve been able to hitch rides with some of my amazingly generous fellow fellows. Thanks guys – you’re the best.

2. The city’s resources are mine for the taking.
And by this I mean I have no one to blame but myself if I come out of this year unchanged by the numerous open lectures, panels, and fun events hosted everyday all over Detroit. I’ve already attended a panel on design, two gallery openings, a university lecture, and a non-profit dinner presentation. Amazing stuff happens here every night of the week, and I’m stoked for an unending, free syllabus on Detroit. We can all become better citizens of Detroit by taking advantage of these free learning opportunities.

3. There is no single solution to problems in Detroit.
This may be the most important thing I’ve learned so far. Both the small ways we’re learning to approach our Challenges and the many city leaders we’ve heard speak about city improvement have reinforced this message. Detroit’s growth is happening because of the simultaneity of neighborhood resident, local business, and large corporation efforts. Small contributions to this city, like the ones I’ll be making through Challenges and projects at my office, actually matter, and efforts by citizens both big and small are the reason for Detroit’s notorious spirit and comeback.

4. Michigan beer rox.
I never knew there was such a Midwestern culture for local breweries, and I love it. As if I needed another reason to look forward to the fall, local breweries like Atwater, Detroit Beer Company, Bell’s, and Jolly Pumpkin (just a few that I’ve gotten to try so far) keep it fresh with seasonal brews. I’m looking forward to trying a variety of Michigan beers and attending local beer festivals as the year goes on.

5. I’m here to change the city… incrementally.
I am aware of the fact that my life and work in Detroit can be considered problematic. That being said, I’m looking forward to this year because of the ways I can help existing organizations in Detroit through Challenge Detroit and volunteer work, and not through my own “vision” for the city. Despite whatever preconceived assumptions I had about Detroit just 30 days ago, I know now that it is not in my power nor is it my desire to change this city. Whatever contributions I make will be done with the help of others who call Detroit home.

6. I know nothing.
In the next year, I’ll be doing more listening, reading, and learning than anything else. I’ll report my findings back to y’all here. I’m so excited to be surrounded by awesome people and super cool things in this city as I grow alongside Detroit. Check in with me, come visit – it’s going to be incredible.