ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolution of the ecovillage movement in Detroit. EcoVillage Detroit had a mythic quality to it, and Times observation verified that impression. The eco refers to the deep inclusion of environmental concerns in our work, but it also refers to the systems thinking inherent in ecology. Detroit is a city where these and many other conflicts are ever present. The emerging culture of Detroit sustainability does not simply favor one solution over the other, but attempts rather to sit in the fire and seek new solutions that address complex needs. When EcoVillage Detroit started, almost no one in this field was working with that level of sophistication; now it is common practice. While stopping work on EcoVillage Detroit felt like a horrible ending at the time, the lessons learned from that experience have been invaluable. In fact, recognition of the challenges and deep engagement with them, which clearly need to do, can only drive that evolution faster.
