This summer I am working for Metro Matters, an organization which is making the shift from their former identity as the Michigan Suburbs Alliance. Under their previous name, they worked to create collaborative programs with the governments of inner-ring suburbs. Now they’re working to become the organization that brings together public, private, and community leaders from across metro-Detroit to create smart and socially equitable policies. In that vein, my project is dedicated to investigating how regional policies can prevent displacement and the negative consequences of gentrification in greater downtown Detroit.
Gentrification is the process by which middle- and upper-class residents move into a disinvested working-class neighborhood. In some respects this can be beneficial because it grows the city’s tax base and is associated with lower crime rates. But it also can cause physical and cultural displacement, as long-time residents are forced out by higher housing costs and feel a loss of control of their own neighborhoods. In cities like New York and San Francisco, gentrification and displacement have become systemic and working-class communities are constantly uprooted pushed away from the city center leaving little stock of affordable housing. Detroit faces different challenges. Cases of physical displacement exist, but are limited because of the amount of “in-fill” developments on either vacant land or dilapidated infrastructure. Yet even the limited physical displacement that is occurring, along with the rapid cultural changes that are occurring in many neighborhoods requires the deployment of policy and community engagement tools. Regional leaders have an opportunity to ensure that Detroit’s redevelopment works for everyone, not just new middle-class residents or business owners. Its important that they do so.
A week and a half ago, I surely would not have been able to write the paragraph above. I’ve spent a lot of time immersing myself in literature, both academic and popular, surrounding the topic. Its been eye-opening for me, but I realize that it is only just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, I am looking forward to actually beginning conversations with leaders from various different backgrounds in Detroit. I realize that these actual perspectives are far more meaningful than words on a page, and I believe that I will learn a great deal from them. And I’m excited at how receptive everyone has been to talking to me as well. Just this afternoon I sent out a set of emails with requests for informational interviews and got responses from every single individual by 10pm this evening.
It’s been a fun and exciting first few weeks to the program. I’ve learned a lot not only through my placement, but from actually being in the city and attending various events. I’m looking forward to continuing to challenge myself and trying to do the best work that I can for my Metro Matters for the next eight weeks.
