The program addresses specific topics that affect the vibrancy of core city neighborhoods with reference to smart growth, livability, and community-based social and economic policies that build from within and cater, primarily, to current residents. Within this framework, the Urban Collaborators team address issues of work and entrepreneurship, use of urban buildings and space, organizational capacity building, reinforcing ethnic neighborhoods, creating safe environments, and promoting basic community needs, such as housing, food, education, safety, the sustainable built environment, and protection of natural resources. The focus of Urban Collaborators is on a set of eight “Legacy Cities” in Michigan. These are cities that were once great crucibles of industry and prosperity across the state, but that are now mere shadows of their former selves, and as such are left with nothing but a legacy. The cities are Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, Pontiac and Saginaw. A cornerstone of the programs's practical engagement with communities is the Capstone Practicum Course, where faculty and students work on community issues with community partners for an entire semester. It is the perfect example of service-learning that exposes students to both the research and outreach side of planning issues.