Kettering University is slated to play a crucial part in the long-term future development of Flint as its role is considered integral in the city's new master plan. 

The City of Flint released a draft of the new master plan for public review on August 12, 2013. The public review process lasts 60 days before the revised plan is presented to the City Council for approval. This is Flint's first master plan in over 50 years.  

The new master plan emphasizes the following initiatives that relate to the city's relationship with Kettering:  

  • Bolster both academic and social linkages between city's high schools and the four area colleges to better prepare students for higher education (p.126)
  • Strengthen ties between Flint's colleges/universities and those in east Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Dearborn to further catalyze technology developments (p.127).
  • Brand Flint as a regional knowledge hub, building upon assets and attributes of local colleges and universities, key businesses, and culture institutions (p.128) 

Image removed. Specifically, Kettering University was highlighted for the creation of the University Avenue Corridor Coalition (UACC), brownfield redevelopment at Chevy in the Hole (p.49), and research and technological efforts related to local economic development.  

The UACC has spearheaded neighborhood cleanups and monthly meetings between key stakeholders (p. 48). Details of UACC's efforts also include: using the private security officers of partner institutions to patrol surrounding neighborhoods, coordinating area-wide blight elimination efforts such as demolitions and cleanup, and improving pedestrian areas to make corridor safe and walkable. 

The new master plan emphasizes the city's transition in the new economy through innovation centers and university partnerships. Both concepts are embodied in Prismitech and its partnership with the Kettering Innovation Center located on the north edge of the Chevy in the Hole brownfield  (p.146).  

Image removed. Prismitech was founded by Kettering graduate Kristina Kamensky ’09 and was the first tenant in the Innovation Center. The research and development company sells systems to grocery stores and other retailers to improve efficiency of commercial refrigerators. It's a local business, started by a local entrepreneur and is developing at a local business incubator - all factors that embody the economic vision of the new master plan.  

Kettering, Hurley Medical Center, McLaren Regional Medical Center and Atwood Stadium also make up the University Avenue Corridor, which is one-of-eight designated corridors in the city (p.53). A specific sub-area plan for the corridor will be created following the master plan.  

View the complete master plan.  

More information on the master planning process.