It is true that shrinking the city of Detroit will be a massive challenge. It is also true that there is no precedent for doing this in a socially responsible way. However, I personally don't see this as a choice for the city. The city [[and the metro region) MUST face these issues NOW! We have been ignoring population decline for 50 years. Our biggest failure has been believing the dream that we will once again realize our glory years of the 1940s and 50s.

This is not a uniquely Detroit problem [[although Detroit is likely on the leading edge of the curve). Most Midwestern industrial cities will need to accept the reality that changing global economic conditions will continue to result in population loss and that they will not be as large and important as they once were for at least the next few decades.

We need to rise to the occasion. Focus on what makes Detroit unique and worth saving. Then we need to accept reality and start planning for a future where Detroit has 750,000-600,000 residents. Only then do we stand a chance of solving our financial and management problems.