Detroit mayor announces plan to speed up affordable housing construction

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is set to unveil a new proposal aimed at expediting the construction of affordable housing in the city. This announcement will take place at The Ribbon, a development site that has faced delays due to financing issues. The mayor will be accompanied by key figures including Julie Schneider, the director of the Housing & Revitalization Department, and several city council members, highlighting a collaborative effort to address housing challenges. This initiative follows the city's five-year plan released in April, which focuses on creating affordable housing and tackling homelessness. Schneider emphasized the importance of ensuring that every Detroiter has access to safe and quality housing. The plan outlines several areas of focus, including expanding affordable housing options, enhancing shelter facilities, and improving the intake system for connecting individuals to necessary services. Data from 2022 indicates that approximately 6,221 individuals experienced homelessness in Detroit, underscoring the urgency of the situation. In a previous announcement, Duggan revealed that over $1 billion has been invested in affordable housing over the past five years, with an additional billion-dollar investment deemed necessary to prevent further increases in homelessness. Following the press conference, Duggan will provide further details on the proposal during a community meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. at 2371 E. 7 Mile Road. This series of events reflects the city's commitment to addressing housing instability and improving the lives of its residents.