In my introductory column a few weeks back I described the amazing experience of growing up on the Southwest Side. What I did not emphasize was how the families of River Rouge, Ecorse and Detroit 48217 came together to build a tight-knit, loving community that felt like one big extended family. The good old days are behind us, but that does not mean wonderful times are not ahead for our combined communities.

Like many urban areas, we are struggling with crime, a shrinking tax base and concern about COVID-19. What we have working in our favor is a resolve from many community members and...