Detroit is experiencing a major renaissance—returning to its former glory as one of America’s greatest cities. One way in which this renaissance is obvious is in the vast amount of development taking place across the city. While development is certainly a positive for economic growth, it’s critical that development be inclusive and equitable, so as not to exclude existing residents who have called Detroit home for decades.

On this episode of Purposeful Pitch, my colleague, Sawyer Lipari, and I speak to Sonya Mays, president and CEO of Develop Detroit, a non-profit organization committed to building vibrant, resilient communities and expanding opportunities for all residents to succeed. Develop Detroit creates mixed-income communities and single-family homes across Detroit—featuring an integrated approach to stabilizing and growing neighborhoods.

Our conversation with Sonya covers the dreaded ‘G’ word—gentrification—and how Develop Detroit is working with partners across the city, such as Capital Impact Partners, to ensure current residents aren’t left outside looking in while economic development continues throughout Detroit.

Focusing its efforts in the city’s disinvested neighborhoods, Develop Detroit has launched an innovative single-family development pilot program in the North End (along Woodward Avenue between Marston and Philadelphia Street) and a mixed-used inclusive community in the Sugar Hill Arts District (Garfield and John R. Street intersection in Midtown). The two projects include over $36 million in investment and more than 100 new homes (single family, townhomes and luxury apartment homes).

For more information on Develop Detroit, visit developdetroit.org. To learn more about Lambert’s Education & Social Impact practice, contact me at [email protected].