Speechmaking as a Catalyst for Change
For more than 30 years, Rip has used his speechmaking to address a dizzyingly wide spectrum of issues: the role of philanthropy in municipal policy, environmental stewardship, arts and culture, the revitalization of Detroit, national urban community development, and much more. The following are illustrative.
In Memoriam: Donald M. Fraser (1924-2019)
The Common Good: “THE STATE WE’RE IN”
The Fierce Urgency of Now: Getting the Climate Question Right
The Arc of Community Progress in Post-Bankruptcy Detroit
Helping Communities Make the Most of Historic Public Investment
Working Beyond the Fenceline: The Changing Roles of Philanthropy
The Intersection of Climate Change and Community Development
Repair and Beyond in America’s Cities
Build the New: Detroit’s Next Path
"Rip’s career is grounded in an unwavering commitment to advancing the public interest and tackling the complex, critical issues that many others would not even consider."
- Eric Larson, president of the Detroit Downtown Partnership
Illustration Gallery
Explore Rip's use of drawing as a tool to crystalize complexity and convey ideas in a lively and unexpected way.
The Creation of ArtPlace
Municipal Action Shaping Federal Policy
Books
Learn more about Rip's published works, ranging from a memoir on his five decades of public service, to wilderness conservation battles and the biography of an architectural genius.
“Painting a portrait of leadership moments across decades.”
Select Nightly Notes
Delve into Rip's written notes sent to his staff and board every weeknight, beginning in March 2020, as he sought a way to stay connected.