Growing up, I was always labeled as the clumsy one in my family. While that was probably true in my earlier years, by the time I reached adulthood I had pretty much put the clumsiness behind me. However, the label has remained. No matter how much I tried to shed that label, I was still blamed initially for knocking over the head table at my sister’s wedding (and no, I had nothing to do with it). We all learn at a young age that maintaining a good reputation is important. Once your reputation is established it is very hard to change.

In recent history, Detroit has not had a very good reputation. A mixture of high crime, shameless corruption among public officials, abandoned buildings and a failing economy established Detroit as the ugly duckling of the nation. Even though Detroit has come a long way towards addressing these problems, the reputation has remained. But with a new political regime in control of the city and the promise of a financial do-over in bankruptcy court, Detroit now has a prime opportunity to redefine its reputation. Here is my take on how Detroit is doing in forming its new persona.

Economic successes, both familiar and new

Detroit has always been known as the automotive capital of the world, and that will not be changing anytime soon. But the reputation that comes along with this title is fast changing. All three of the large US automakers have seemingly put their darkest days behind them, displaying great financial success over the past year and presenting award-winning products at the 2014 auto show this year.

In addition to the automotive industry, Detroit has been gaining ground in new industries including hospitality and technology. Factor in the empire that Dan Gilbert is building in the financial and real estate sectors and Detroit is looking more diversified then it ever has before. This is a reputation that Detroiters will be proud to embrace.

A tale of two leaders

One month in to his term, new mayor Mike Duggan has started off on the right foot. Challenged with a record-breaking amount of snowfall, Duggan made good on his promise to better city services by making sure that main streets were kept plowed and all of the city’s residential streets had at least a 10-ft path cleared. He has also made progress on another one of his campaign promises by announcing that home values will be devalued by 5%-20% this year, easing some of the tax burden on homeowners that have artificially high home valuations.

In contrast, just days after being elected president pro tem of the Detroit city council, George Cushingberry was pulled over with an open alcohol container and marijuana in his vehicle and then blamed the traffic stop on racism. To make matters worse, he seems very resistant to talk with the press to discuss these allegations.

Leaders of Detroit need to distance themselves from the wrongs of the past. We need strong, honest and ethical leadership to take this city to levels of prosperity not seen for a generation. Any leader not willing to accept these principles needs to step down and let someone else take their place.

Taking a bite out of crime

Detroit has good news to share for the first time in a while with regards to public safety. New police Chief James Craig reported that 2013 saw a decrease in violent crimes. While there is still much work to do to reduce crime, the city now has a goal and a plan. Chief Craig needs to remain on task this year and continue to show results. If this happens, Detroit’s reputation could claim a significant boost in an area that has caused much harm in recent history.

The New Detroit

So much of reputation is based on first impressions. With a new generation of leaders in place and a new economy taking shape, I think Detroit is mostly on the right track. If the city can keep this positive momentum moving forward, it stands a chance at redefining its reputation.