Dearborn’s future has never looked brighter. Ford Motor Company will be pouring $1.2 billion in investments into the city over the next decade. The new Ford campus will have positive ripple effects in Dearborn’s economy that will trickle down to all residents and small business owners.

Arab Americans, who have played a vibrant role in stabilizing the city’s finances, should look to play a major role of the city’s shining future.

When the housing industry’s bubble burst in 2008, plunging the nation into the Great Recession, Dearborn suffered with the rest of the country. Local Arabs did not abandon the city. On the contrary, Arab homeowners and real estate investors turned the crisis into opportunity, buying and refurbishing residential and commercial properties.

Warren Avenue is seen as a symbol of Arab entrepreneurship. The restaurants, hookah bars, computer shops, pharmacies, hair salons and constant traffic are manifestations of the community’s transformative positive presence. According to older Arab Americans, immigrants are almost solely responsible for the business district on Warren, which they say was a ghost town before Arabs opened shops there.

But one does not need to go far in the history books to witness the constructive financial influence of the Arab American community. Two years ago, downtown west Dearborn was plagued with abandoned properties and desolate storefronts. Now that area is on the rise, thanks to numerous businesses established by Arab American entrepreneurs.

However, just as Arab Americans have contributed to Dearborn, the city has been a welcoming home to newcomers of all ethnicities and faiths.

As the Arab community expands towards the western suburban cities, Arab Americans should not abandon Dearborn. They should increase their cultural and economic investment in its neighborhoods and business districts.

Ford is synonymous with American innovation and industrial and corporate power. The automaker’s faith in Dearborn is a testament to the authentic Americanism of local Arabs.

In addition to Ford’s plans to revamp its Dearborn campus, there are murmurs about massive information technology projects coming into the city. Now is the time for our community to cement its commitment to Dearborn.

The city is the capital of Arab America. Hence, a thriving Dearborn with Arab Americans at its helm will reflect on Arabs and Muslims nationally and help combat the fictional negative stereotypes associated with the
community.

Although the community’s economic impact cannot be overlooked, it is not enough to open new businesses. Arab Americans need to be better neighbors. It is no secret that there are persistent problems in some Arab-majority neighborhoods. We would be doing the community a disservice by pretending they do not exist. Littering, reckless driving, road rage and harassment of pedestrians are issues that need to be addressed by organizations and individuals.

Social and religious institutions need to tackle the behavior of some community members. Also, each and every resident has a
responsibility to start the change at an individual level.

Although these problems may seem trivial for some readers, the quality of life in the neighborhoods is necessary to the well being of the city.

Arab Americans need to be progressive and receptive to diversity within the community. Our society also needs to be welcoming of new residents of all backgrounds. Dearborn is not a demographic island. It should continue to be open.

City Hall also has responsibilities to maximize the benefit from incoming investment. For years, residents have complained of the “bureaucratic nightmares” provided by the Building and Safety Department. City officials should look to reform the licensing process to make the city more business-friendly. Also, community-based policing efforts should be emphasized to ensure safety.

Arab Americans have weathered the economic Winter in Dearborn, they should invest in its upcoming Spring.