Every Neighborhood Has A Future…And It Doesn’t Include Blight

Author(s): Detroit Blight Removal Task Force, Center for Community Progress

There are many large-scale difficult challenges in Detroit. In September 2013, the Obama Administration announced a $300 million federal effort focused on working with the city to address key areas of importance, including blight removal, public works, and public safety. The Administration highlighted the need to involve both the private sector and the State to support and accelerate Detroit’s revitalization. The creation of the Blight Removal Task Force (Task Force) was announced at the same time. The Task Force brought private, philanthropic, nonprofit, federal, and state partners together with the city, to develop a straightforward and detailed set of recommendations. The mission was to address every blighted residential, commercial, and public structure in the entire city as quickly as possible, as well as to clear every neglected vacant lot.

The recommendations in this report promote the transparent public exchange of information, the creation of economic opportunities for Detroit residents, and the implementation of detailed and environmentally conscious strategies to address blight.