Just How Hip is Saginaw?

While Saginaw Michigan may not hang with the nation's hippest cities, a study released by state economic development agencies finds that the city is not altogether out-of-step when ranked against peer cities in the Midwest.

Saginaw ranked first for health care, first for women in management and first for globalization, but languished behind its peers in transportation access and educational climate.

The study comes amid growing concerns that so-called "hip" cities such as Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles -- known for their bustling nightlife, outdoor cafes and high-tech employment -- will eclipse Michigan communities in attracting young urban professionals.

Those fears were largely confirmed by a Michigan Economic Development Corp. study that ranked the state 47th for attracting young professionals.

Most Michigan cities ranked below average when matched against Midwest communities of similar size and geography. Lansing, Kalamazoo and Flint placed eighth, 10th and 14th respectively in a study of 14 communities.

The Saginaw area, which included Bay City and Midland, ranked fifth overall out of 14 when compared to cities such as Madison, Wis., Des Moines, Iowa, and Peoria, Ill.

National and statewide "cool places" rankings are fine as starting points, but maybe Michigan officials should consider a full court press to address some of the priorities on the minds of the "young creatives." Why not turn over a block of Saginaw or another Michigan city to a group of young creatives, ask them to create a redevelopment plan for the area, invest some risky venture capital in the project, train them as entrepreneurs, and let them express themselves. That may do more to swing attitudes about how cool the place is than anything else. And yes, you have to hold their feet to the fire to make sure they accomplish something. Just a thought.

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