What did your city do last week?

Chicago killed it. A snapshot of recent city building action:

Friday (February 24) - Purchased 100 locally manufactured cops cars from the Torrence Avenue Ford Plant. Commited to buy 400 more. "The single largest order ever for the Ford Interceptor."

Saturday - Announced "the largest public housing redevelopment effort in the history of the United States." 

Monday - Directed $11 million to support the growth of women- and minority-owned business.

Tuesday - Announced five new schools focused exclusively on tech skills and career readiness. 

Wednesday - Unveiled forward looking Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs. Also announced agreement to retire two coal-fired power plants.

Thursday - Joined with President Clinton and announced the Chicago Infrastructure Trust to invest more than $200 million in energy efficiency, generate 2,000 jobs and save taxpayers some $20 million annually.

Friday -  Announced $25,000 signing bonuses to recruit top performing principals to under-performing schools. Also annnounced the City website is available in 64 languages.

The perfect place for patents

Eric Markowitz reports the United States Patent and Trademark Office is opening it's first-ever satellite office. His lead source explains why Detroit emerged as the preferred location:
"The USPTO considered many factors before making its final decision to locate its first new satellite office in Detroit. The city fulfilled a number of critical criteria, including a high percentage of scientists and engineers in the workforce; access to major research institutions; a high volume of patenting activity; and a significant number of patent agents and attorneys in the area."

Idea tweet of the day